Chinese SUV Nearly Plunges Down Mountain During “Heaven’s Gate” Climb Challenge

This location is renowned for its 99 hairpin bends and 999 steps leading to the “Heaven’s Gate.” It was also the site where the Range Rover Sport achieved a remarkable feat in 2018 by ascending the entire staircase without incident.

However, Chery’s performance did not go as planned. According to footage from the scene, the Fulwin X3L was ascending the slope when a sudden loud explosion occurred. A black component fell from the undercarriage, causing the vehicle to lose control, veer to the right, and come to an abrupt stop. Shortly after, the car slid backward down the stairs, colliding with the railing and breaking a section of the safety barrier, nearly plunging down the mountainside below.

Following the incident, Chery issued an apology on social media platforms, confirming the event took place on November 12 as part of an “extreme challenge.” The company emphasized that the situation was “unforeseen.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the cause was a safety strap that dislodged and became entangled in the right wheel. This obstruction caused a sudden loss of power transmission, rendering the vehicle unable to continue ascending and leading to the collision with the railing, which damaged the local infrastructure.

Chery acknowledged the fault, attributing it to “insufficient risk assessment and inadequate technical preparation,” and pledged to take responsibility for repairing the damage, providing compensation, and apologizing to tourists and local residents.

The Fulwin X3L, launched on September 18, is positioned as a mid-size electric SUV. It features an extended-range powertrain combining a 1.5L gasoline engine with a 33.7 kWh LFP battery, offering rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive options. In its AWD dual-motor configuration, the Fulwin X3L delivers 422 horsepower, 505 Nm of torque, a 205 km pure electric range, and a total range of 1,080 km.

With a ground clearance of 225 mm and approach/departure angles of 22 and 30 degrees, the Fulwin X3L is marketed as a true off-road SUV. It also boasts tank turn functionality, a multi-terrain driving system, and 21-inch wheels.

The incident at “Heaven’s Gate” highlights the significant risks associated with image-building campaigns in the automotive industry. Despite the Fulwin X3L’s robust specifications and advanced off-road technologies, a seemingly minor technical flaw had a substantial impact on its media perception. As Chinese automakers strive to establish their global capabilities, Chery must exercise greater caution in future demonstrations to avoid counterproductive effects on its brand image.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)