The Chinese electric vehicle market continues to evolve with the introduction of the Luxeed RX, a sleek SUV that positions itself at the intersection of high fashion and high performance. Developed by Chery in collaboration with Huawei under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), the RX is designed to challenge the growing dominance of rivals like the Xiaomi YU7. To distinguish it from traditional crossovers, Luxeed has labeled the vehicle a “Fashion Utility Vehicle” (FUV), highlighting a design-forward approach intended to appeal to a style-conscious demographic.
The vehicle’s market entry has been accompanied by a significant amount of industry chatter regarding its aesthetic origins. Its silhouette and front-end treatment bear a striking resemblance to the Ferrari Purosangue, a comparison that has led to both praise and controversy within the automotive design community.
Design Pedigree and the Ferrari Controversy
The controversy surrounding the Luxeed RX stems from claims made by Zhao Changjiang, Luxeed’s executive director. He suggested that the RX was the work of a “former Ferrari chief designer,” a statement that quickly drew fire from Ferrari’s official channels in China. Ferrari’s communications team publicly questioned the validity of this claim, pointing out that their design leadership had not shifted in a way that would support Luxeed’s narrative. This public dispute adds a layer of intrigue to the RX, which seeks to blend the exotic proportions of a European performance SUV with the technological integration synonymous with Huawei’s automotive ecosystem.
Dimensions and Exterior Styling
In terms of physical presence, the Luxeed RX is a large vehicle, measuring 5,020 mm (197.6 inches) in length, 2,007 mm (79 inches) in width, and 1,585 mm (62.4 inches) in height. Its 3,000 mm (118.1-inch) wheelbase ensures a planted stance and ample interior volume. The exterior features a bold front fascia with sharp headlight clusters and a darkened grille assembly. Sophisticated details, such as integrated rocker panels, muscular rear fenders, and a subtle rear spoiler, contribute to its aerodynamic profile. As is common with the Luxeed design language, the rear is finished with a complex, full-width LED light bar that provides a distinct night-time signature.
Customization appears to be a core pillar of the RX’s market strategy. Information from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology indicates that buyers will have access to a variety of personalization options, ranging from unique wheel spoke designs—including a vivid purple finish—to multi-colored brake calipers in red, yellow, and silver.
Powertrain Specifications and Battery Technology
The Luxeed RX is built on a versatile electric platform offering two distinct performance levels. The entry-level variant utilizes a rear-wheel-drive setup with a single electric motor producing 372 hp. This model is paired with a Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack sourced from CATL. For enthusiasts seeking more power, the flagship dual-motor version provides all-wheel drive and a total output of 586 hp. This high-performance configuration can reach a top speed of 251 km/h (156 mph) and draws power from an NMC battery pack manufactured by CALB.
This tiered approach allows Luxeed to compete across different price brackets while maintaining a high standard of performance. By leveraging Huawei’s software expertise and Chery’s manufacturing scale, the RX aims to be more than just a design exercise, offering the technical substance required to compete in the world’s most competitive EV landscape.
Summary of the Luxeed RX Launch
The Luxeed RX represents a bold step for the Chery-Huawei partnership, blending high-end fashion influences with competitive electric performance. While the debate over its design inspiration and the “former Ferrari designer” claims may continue to circulate in the media, the vehicle’s technical specifications and physical dimensions suggest it is a serious contender in the luxury SUV segment. By offering a range of 372 to 586 horsepower and advanced battery configurations from industry leaders like CATL and CALB, the RX provides a compelling alternative for consumers looking for a “Fashion Utility Vehicle” that doesn’t compromise on speed or technology.
