2025 Exeed Yaoguang C-DM

• Up to 1,400 km total driving range with plug-in hybrid system.

• Combines 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with dual electric motors.

• Starts at roughly $19,600 in China, undercutting established rivals.

Chery’s premium arm, Exeed, has made its boldest move yet with the 2025 Yaoguang C-DM. This mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV isn’t just another entry for China’s domestic market — it’s designed with a global audience in mind. Between its long-distance capability, competitive price, and equipment list that matches or even outpaces some established rivals, the Yaoguang C-DM is meant to catch attention well beyond its home country.

Design: confident and familiar

At 4.78 meters long and riding on a 2.8-meter wheelbase, the Yaoguang C-DM sits squarely in mid-size SUV territory. The stance is wide, the shoulders are sharp, and the proportions are cleanly resolved. Up front, slim LED headlights frame a trapezoidal grille, while the rear links its lamps across the tailgate in the now-familiar connected style. Wheel choices climb to 20 inches, giving it presence, and a subtle spoiler at the rear helps underline its sporting intent.

It’s not radical, but it’s well-judged — the kind of shape that feels premium without straying too far from market expectations.

Powertrain: long legs and real punch

The real story here lies beneath the bodywork. The Yaoguang C-DM uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with dual electric motors and a sizeable battery pack. Together, the system makes up to 270 kW (362 hp) and 530 Nm of torque. That’s more than enough for brisk acceleration, with 0–100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds [Unverified].

Exeed quotes an electric-only range of 160 km (CLTC), and with the tank and battery working together, the SUV can cover up to 1,400 km before needing a top-up. That’s an eye-catching figure, especially in markets where range anxiety still shapes buying decisions.

Charging has been kept practical too: fast charging brings the battery from 30% to 80% in under half an hour. Regenerative braking helps in stop-and-go traffic, recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted.

Ride and handling

Chassis tuning often makes or breaks a newcomer in this crowded segment. The Yaoguang C-DM employs a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear, a tried-and-true combination. On higher trims, electronically controlled dampers adjust to conditions, helping it switch from comfortable cruiser to more controlled in corners. Ventilated disc brakes at each corner give the braking system confidence, and multiple drive modes — EV, Hybrid, and Sport among them — let drivers tailor the response.

It’s a setup engineered to appeal to a wide base: practical, easy to live with, and tuned with just enough sportiness to avoid feeling dull.

Cabin and connectivity

Inside, Exeed leans heavily on tech and materials to push its premium case. A sweeping 24.6-inch curved display stretches across the dash, combining the driver’s cluster with the infotainment screen in one wide panel. The graphics are sharp, and the interface includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Exeed’s own connected services.

Cabin materials include Nappa leather upholstery, soft-touch panels, and customizable ambient lighting. Higher trims add ventilated and massaging front seats. A panoramic sunroof brightens the space, while active noise cancellation keeps road roar at bay on longer journeys.

Safety and driver aids

 Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking are standard. Higher trims add a 360-degree surround-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

In some markets, the SUV will also ship with Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving features, designed to reduce fatigue on longer highway journeys.

Pricing is where Exeed is aiming to shake things up. In China, the Yaoguang C-DM starts from about $19,600, undercutting established players by a wide margin. Even accounting for export pricing, it’s expected to remain highly competitive.

Technical Specification

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol
• Hybrid system: Dual electric motors with large battery pack
• System output: Up to 270 kW (362 hp)
• Torque: 530 Nm
• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in ~6.5 seconds [Unverified]
• Electric-only range: 160 km (CLTC)
• Combined range: Up to 1,400 km
• Drivetrain: AWD, automatic transmission
• Suspension: Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link
• Brakes: Ventilated discs, front and rear
• Dimensions: Length 4,780 mm; wheelbase 2,800 mm
• Interior: 24.6-inch curved display, Nappa leather upholstery
• Charging: Fast charging 30%–80% in under 30 minutes
• Seating capacity: 5
• Starting price: Approx. $19,600 (China market)

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