Chery Fulwin X3L Stair Challenge Ends Early at Tianmen Mountain as Comparisons Rise with Land Rover’s Successful Climb
By Hugo Mattson November 14, 2025
Chery's Fulwin X3L stair climbing got stopped prematurely because of slipping at Tianmen Mountain.
Main challenges were pointed out comparing the event with Land Rover's successful climb, and vehicle capability differences were also given due considerations.
The whole issue has opened discussions on planning, the right vehicle for the job and the risks of very visible capability tests.
Chery's Attempt at Tianmen Mountain Stops Short
Chery's plan was to show off the Fulwin X3L's capacity in the famous 999 step route by climbing at Tianmen Mountain. The event turned out to be not so successful as the vehicle lost power and hit a part of the railing soon after the start of the event, which was followed by a wide circulation of the video clip on social media.
The Fulwin X3L is depicted as a budget-friendly compact SUV for the daily driver, hence taking part in such a demanding capability demo attracted attention right away. The early stoppage did not show the vehicle's controlled traction and stability but instead the issue of planning and execution was raised.
A High Visibility Location With High Expectations
Tianmen Mountain has turned into a top-notch location for capability assessments by several manufacturers who are showcasing their advanced traction systems and engineering through the stairway. Its steep design and breathtaking views not only make it a great place for advertising but also raise the bar for the success of the products very high.
Chery's buying happened in a very crowded area and when the Fulwin X3L stopped halfway it made the public think the area was not safe and the site was not ready. The stoppage of the ascent and the very light contact with the rail drew very quickly the public's attention and raised the issue of the event's preparedness.
Chery subsequently came out with a public statement in which it said: "The incident happened because the test vehicle was not completely evaluated and the project did not follow the internal regulations thus was not seamless." The brand further informed that it would be re-evaluating the internal processes before undertaking similar showcases in the future.
Chery's Attempt Compared to Land Rover's Successful Climb
Land Rover's prior trip to the Tianmen Mountain stairs set a limit for any carmaker intending to do the same. By means of a Range Rover Sport variant specifically designed for the occasion, reinforced by engineering departments and the best drivers, the company finished the course in very strict conditions. The ascent was in line with Land Rover's off-road identity and employed systems that could handle very steep gradients, shifting traction and uneven surfaces.
Chery, on the contrary, decided to use a car that was designed for a different market. The Fulwin X3L is a compact SUV for families and regular use, not an off-road vehicle. Its components and technology including traction management and power delivery were not intended for climbing steep slopes, which in turn resulted in difference in outcome.
Preparation was another area where there were pronounced differences. The test at Land Rover came after the thorough internal validation, whereas Chery’s post event statement said that its vehicle did not undergo the necessary evaluation process. This difference became noticeable during the climb, where the X3L was having problems maintaining traction at the top of the stairs.
The comparison shows how both brand image and tech prep influence the public tests of capability results. In spite of the fact that both incidents drew public attention, the circumstances and consequences were different because of the basic dissimilarities between the cars and also the way each carmaker approached the challenge.
Influence on General Opinion and the Fulwin X3L
The accident has redirected public attention and discussion on the Fulwin X3L from product characteristics to safety planning and event management. The model's exposure has been amplified but in view of the narrative the discussion has become about reconciling marketing difficulties with car's abilities and also about the necessity of judging the performance carefully before demonstrating it in delicate tourist spots.
Model's Future Consequences Will Depend on Chery's Communication of Its Next Moves and Will Future Promotions, Unlike the Extreme Events, be Centered on Conventional Product Strengths?
The Fulwin X3L shares its basic architecture with the iCar 03, as both belong to Chery’s new generation of compact new-energy SUVs. They follow a similar box-shaped design philosophy and target the entry EV and EREV segment, but the Fulwin X3L is positioned as a more mainstream and affordable model, while the iCar 03 represents the brand’s dedicated new-energy sub-brand identity.
Sources : Globaltimes
