The Sterra ES is the pioneer model under Chery's high-end brand EXEED and its dedicated "Sterra" new energy vehicle line-up. Positioned as an executive intelligent four-door coupe, it is aimed at younger buyers seeking cutting-edge tech and engaging dynamics, as well as discerning family car buyers prioritising ride comfort. Built on Chery's proprietary E0X high-performance electric architecture, the car made its official debut in December 2023, offering both all-electric (BEV) and range-extended (REEV) powertrains. As of June 2026, the model has undergone multiple annual updates, covering the 2025 and 2026 model years. Official images of the 2026 EXEED ES were unveiled on 29 May 2026, featuring both REEV and BEV derivatives.
On the pricing front, the Sterra ES adopts an aggressive value-for-money strategy to challenge the premium new energy vehicle segment. The 2025 pure electric variant is priced between RM215,900 and RM299,900. Meanwhile, the range-extended version commenced pre-sales on 18 February 2025, carrying an indicative price tag of RM162,800 to RM219,800. Factoring in dealer promotions and rebates, the entry-level BEV pricing in selected markets has dropped to the RM150,000 bracket, giving it a distinct competitive edge against class rivals. The 2026 range-extended version further boosts its combined driving range to 1,685 km, solidifying its reputation for ultra-long-distance touring capability.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the Sterra ES measures 4,945 mm in length, 1,978 mm in width, and 1,467 mm in height, with a generous 3,000 mm wheelbase. This translates to expansive rear legroom exceeding four fists, aided by a completely flat rear floor that improves passenger egress and ingress. Boot capacity stands at 396 litres, expanding to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded down. Depending on the powertrain configuration, kerb weight ranges from 1,900 kg to 2,100 kg.
The exterior styling of the Sterra ES embodies the brand's "Aesthetics of Wind" design philosophy, combining sleek elegance with athletic flair. Up front, it features a butterfly-wing fascia highlighted by a full-width horizontal LED light strip flanked by sharp split headlamp units. Higher-spec variants integrate ISD interactive smart display lighting within the front air intake ducts, capable of projecting personalised light signatures and welcome animations for added tech appeal. A clamshell bonnet enhances the seamless front-end design while optimising aerodynamic efficiency.
In profile, the car showcases a sleek fastback silhouette, with a sweeping roofline tapering gracefully from the B-pillar downwards. Combined with flush pop-out door handles and frameless door glass, the vehicle delivers an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.205 Cd—undercutting the Tesla Model 3 (0.219 Cd) to lead its class. At the rear, an active electric spoiler offers two-stage deployment (0° to 15°) with automatic speed-sensing adjustment, generating functional downforce while delivering an assertive sporty stance.
Step inside, and the Sterra ES welcomes occupants with an interstellar wraparound cockpit, lavishly appointed with soft-touch trims and premium upholstery for a minimalist yet upscale ambience. The driver is greeted by a twin-spoke multi-function steering wheel and an 8.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, supplemented by a head-up display (HUD) on higher variants. Crystal-inspired ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof further enhance the cabin's luxurious feel.
The Sterra ES is available in two distinct powertrain flavours: pure electric (BEV) and range-extended (REEV).
The all-electric BEV variant runs on an 800V high-voltage architecture capable of accepting DC ultra-fast charging up to 420 kW, enabling a 150 km range top-up in just 5 minutes and a 30% to 80% state-of-charge replenishment in 9 minutes. Drivetrain options include single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD): the RWD version develops 230 kW and 425 Nm of peak torque, with CLTC ranges rated at 605 km, 680 km, 880 km, and 905 km; the high-spec AWD version churns out a combined 353 kW (around 480 PS) and 663 Nm, completing the century sprint in just 3.7 seconds, alongside a CLTC range between 650 km and 710 km. Energy consumption is rated as low as 11.7 kWh/100 km. The vehicle retains up to 75% of its rated range under sub-zero conditions, courtesy of an integrated thermal management system that ensures optimal battery health in extreme cold.
The range-extended REEV variant features Chery's self-developed Golden Range Extender System, powered by a dedicated SQRH4J15 1.5-litre turbocharged range-extender engine boasting a class-leading thermal efficiency of 44.5%, generating 115 kW and 220 Nm. Drive is sent to the wheels via a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Under battery-depleted conditions, its WLTC fuel consumption is rated at 4.9 L/100 km, with 1 litre of fuel generating 3.7 kWh of electricity using standard RON 92 petrol. The REEV offers a pure electric CLTC range of 255 km and an overall combined range of 1,645 km (extended to 1,685 km on the 2026 model); real-world highway testing across 100 cities recorded a notable cruising range of 1,401 km. On DC fast charging, the system supports up to 110 kW, charging from 20% to 80% in 17.5 minutes.
Chassis tuning is a key highlight of the Sterra ES. The model comes standard with the Yuntai intelligent chassis system, comprising front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear five-link independent suspension setup—delivering a 30% reduction in road vibrations and a 35% reduction in impact harshness over speed humps compared to conventional MacPherson strut layouts. In addition, IAS intelligent air suspension and a CDC continuous damping control system come factory-fitted across the entire range, a rarity in this price bracket. The adaptive air suspension supports continuous stiffness and ride height adjustments, featuring an off-road assist mode that raises ground clearance by 50 mm up to a maximum of 180 mm for light off-pavement excursions.
The rear five-link setup provides precise wheel articulation, increasing lateral body support by 50% while curbing torque steer by 23.1%. Steering duties are handled by an R-EPS rack-assisted electric power steering system with an integrated steering motor, providing sharp turn-in and communicative road feel. Higher variants feature upgraded braking hardware and 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, with larger wheel packages available on AWD variants. A low centre of gravity combined with a high-rigidity structure ensures composed, flat body control through high-speed corners.
The Sterra ES interior focuses on digital intelligence and premium luxury. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is a 15.6-inch floating 2K/2.5K central touchscreen, paired with an 8.2-inch digital instrument display and an optional HUD on higher trims. The infotainment suite is driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor (5nm process, 30 TOPS computing power), delivering triple the performance of the older 8155 chip for seamless multitasking and ultra-responsive touch inputs. The 2026 ES upgrades to the AI Lingxi Cockpit, integrated with the Carmind AI foundation model. This supports AI vehicle locator, wireless dashcam syncing, multi-turn conversational AI, and intuitive contextual voice recognition—such as lowering the AC temperature, opening the sunroof, and playing soothing tunes when the driver remarks "I feel a bit stuffy".
Audiophiles will appreciate the standard Lion Melody premium sound system, boasting 21 to 23 high-fidelity speakers (including two integrated driver headrest speakers) with a 1,000 W amplifier, supporting 7.1.4 immersive panoramic audio with multiple dedicated listening presets. For seating comfort, high-spec models feature ventilated, heated, and massaging Nappa leather upholstery; the front passenger gets an executive zero-gravity lounge seat, while the driver enjoys an 8-way power-adjustable seat with memory. Dual-zone tri-temperature automatic climate control, a CN95-grade cabin air filter, and an intelligent fresh air purification system come standard across the range, keeping cabin idling noise down to a whisper-quiet 38.2 dB while earning five-star health ratings from both CN95 Health Cabin and the China Green Car Assessment Programme (C-GCAP).
Safety engineering on the Sterra ES adheres to global five-star crash test standards. The vehicle utilises a Space Capsule 2.0 high-strength safety cell with 88% high-strength steel content, achieving an exceptional torsional rigidity of 46,000 Nm/deg. A comprehensive seven-airbag setup (featuring 7-second pressure-retaining side curtain airbags) is standard. The traction battery features IP68 water resistance, millisecond-level (2ms) high-voltage disconnect upon collision, and zero thermal propagation risk. The Sterra ES is the first production model to achieve NESTA electrical safety certification, offering 300% greater resistance against battery thermal runaway and retaining cabin structural integrity even in a rigorous 120 km/h offset crash test.
Driver assistance is handled by the Falcon ADAS suite. High-spec models feature dual NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-X processors delivering a formidable 508 TOPS of computing power, backed by 30 high-precision sensors (including 1 roof-mounted LiDAR, 12 exterior cameras, and 5 millimetre-wave radars). The 2026 edition steps up to the Falcon 700 system, switching to Horizon Journey 6P chips rated at 560 TOPS and 27 sensors, powered by a single-stage end-to-end AI network architecture trained on 24 billion kilometres of real-world driving data.
The ADAS system operates across highway, urban, and automated parking scenarios. It features Mapless Navigation on Autopilot (NOA), allowing semi-autonomous driving on rural, unmapped, and construction roads without relying on high-definition maps; Highway NOA (with full-stop braking from 130 km/h); Urban NOA (capable of handling unprotected turns and traffic police hand gestures); and support for over 300 automated parking scenarios, including multi-storey valet parking and tight mechanical parking bays. Over 20 active safety aids are standard, including blind-spot speed trimming, heavy-vehicle avoidance, curve speed management, and pedestrian auto-braking. In the China Smart Driving Challenge (Jiaxing leg), the Sterra ES secured fourth place overall with an impressive score of 93.25 points.
As the flagship saloon in the EXEED stable, the Sterra ES has faced a classic case of critical acclaim not translating into commercial success. Sales peaked in April 2025 at around 2,800 to 2,900 units, before experiencing a steep downturn entering 2026—recording just 83 registrations in January 2026 and a mere 14 units in February, with year-to-date sales remaining below 100 units. Full-year sales reached approximately 4,220 units in 2024 and around 12,000 units in 2025. By comparison, segment benchmark BYD Han regularly shifts over 20,000 units monthly, underscoring the brand visibility and showroom network gap that EXEED still needs to bridge.
From an owner perspective, the Sterra ES is widely lauded for its eager powertrain response, supple ride quality (courtesy of standard air suspension and CDC), robust safety credentials, and true-to-claim electric range. However, some early owners have noted minor build quality quirks, such as occasional cabin trim rattles. Industry observers have also pointed out that certain design elements, such as pop-out flush door handles, may alienate conservative, safety-conscious family buyers who prefer conventional handles.
Nevertheless, the Sterra ES continues to demonstrate steady demand in overseas export markets, supported by strong aftersales peace-of-mind including a lifetime vehicle warranty and lifetime complimentary roadside assistance for initial owners. The Sterra ES was also selected as one of the official VIP shuttle vehicles for the 2025 China Internet Civilisation Conference.
In summary, the Sterra ES stands as Chery's defining statement in the premium new energy vehicle arena. Underpinned by its three technical cornerstones—an 800V high-voltage architecture, standard air suspension with CDC, and Falcon advanced ADAS—it demonstrates Chery's engineering prowess and ambition in electrification. Furthermore, its dual REEV and BEV approach, combined with sharp pricing, reflects EXEED's clear intent to disrupt the competitive RM200,000-class new energy vehicle market.
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