The new era of smart hybrid MPVs requires tough guys like Ruifeng RF8

The Guangzhou Auto Show has officially come to an end. As the last major auto show of the year, it saw the attendance of all the mainstream global automakers.

Looking back at this year's Chengdu, Shanghai, and Guangzhou auto shows, new energy MPVs have become the battleground for major automakers. Behind the scenes, the trend towards intelligent technology is also intensifying.

Therefore, from this auto show, we can see that intelligent new energy MPVs like the XPeng X9 and Li Auto MEGA are coming with strong momentum. After joining forces with Huawei, Jianghuai Automobile also launched the pre-sale of the "New National Trend Intelligent Electric Hybrid MPV" RF8 at the Guangzhou Auto Show.

The new car pre-sale includes four models, with a pre-sale price range of 169,900 to 239,900 yuan. Judging from its pre-sale price and model positioning, it is definitely a dark horse model in this year's intelligent new energy MPV market.

From the moment it appeared, it won with its appearance.

In terms of exterior design, the Rui Feng RF8 continues the national style design of the concept car RF-M, with "Hui, Du, Ya" as the key design elements. The front face features a large-sized grille, complemented by a large number of chrome pieces inside, giving the overall shape a dignified and atmospheric look. The Rui Feng RF8 Zhiling version offered in this pre-sale provides users with three front face designs: Qingyun, Lingkong, and Longlin, as well as five body colors to choose from, which can meet the different aesthetics and needs of users for free selection.

Looking at the side of the car, the straight roof line can ensure ample headroom for the rear seats. The floating roof design adds to the aesthetics. The chrome trim at the position of the rear window line and the lower part of the door, combined with the dual waistline design, greatly enhances the grade of the car's side.The dot-matrix styled full-width taillight assembly is undoubtedly the highlight of the rear end, while the rear wiper is cleverly hidden within the rear spoiler, adopting a concealed design. This not only ensures practicality but also significantly enhances the design quality, while effectively reducing the accumulation of dust on the wiper, making it both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

Huawei's Entry, Unveiling Intelligent Moves

As an intelligent new energy MPV, the Rui Feng RF8 offers two types of cockpits for users to choose from: the HarmonyOS Smart Cockpit and the iFLYTEK Smart Cockpit, featuring a 15.6-inch Huawei Smart Screen and a 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, respectively. The two-tone interior creates a luxurious and cozy cabin environment. For those who pursue a traditional sense of luxury, the dual 12.3-inch screen interior is an option; of course, if you are a consumer who seeks cutting-edge technological experiences, a 15.6-inch Huawei Smart Screen will be available in December.

This Huawei Smart Screen is the latest masterpiece of the collaboration between Jianghuai Rui Feng and Huawei, equipped with the latest HarmonyOS 4.0 system, which is extremely powerful. Features such as traditional in-car apps, online music, online navigation, and intelligent voice interaction systems are all basic functions. With the support of the HarmonyOS 4.0 system, the most significant highlight is the robust interaction capabilities, such as support for continuous voice commands and wake-word-free voice control, mobile screen projection, multi-device seamless connection, and optimization of both software and hardware, providing a smooth and more intelligent interactive experience.

In addition, the iFLYTEK version of the Rui Feng RF8, which is available for pre-sale, is equipped with the iFLYTEK Smart Cockpit. This is the world's first AI large model-equipped smart cockpit, developed by iFLYTEK, featuring 19 standout functions such as empathetic conversation, smart vehicle expert, immersive scene services, and interactive teaching assistant. It provides consumers with an excellent interactive experience on the 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, coupled with iFLYTEK's well-known intelligent voice system, allowing users to easily control the vehicle's functions with just their voice. This smart cockpit is also one of the key selling points for the Rui Feng RF8 in the market.

In terms of material selection, the Rui Feng RF8 naturally does not compromise. The interior is extensively wrapped in leather materials with very even stitching. To cater to the needs of different consumers, the Rui Feng RF8 offers four interior color schemes, combined with the colorful ambient lighting inside the vehicle. For the Rui Feng RF8, which is positioned for both business and family use, it can greatly enhance the luxurious atmosphere within the cabin.Let's consider a simple example. For household use, adjusting the ambient lighting to a warm tone at night, combined with the various entertainment applications provided by the vehicle's system, can create a more cozy atmosphere for couples, families of three, or even the whole family, allowing everyone to enjoy the joy of family life. For business purposes, adjusting the ambient lighting to a cool tone can also create a more serious and solemn atmosphere for the interior.

MPV's Only 3DHT Smart Hybrid in Its Class

Rui Feng RF8 keeps up with the trend of the new energy era by offering a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This power system consists of a 1.5TDHE engine + 3DHT + a large-capacity battery, with a combined power of 310kW and a combined torque of 745N·m. It offers a pure electric range of 252km and a comprehensive range of 1250km. The engine's thermal efficiency is as high as 44.26%, ensuring low fuel consumption with strong power performance. The integrated P1+P3 motor performance is leading, and it can optimize the gear ratio structure according to different driving scenarios, making it easy and worry-free for both business travel and family outings.

The 3DHT transmission is rare among MPV models in the same price range. Compared to a single-gear DHT, the three-gear design not only provides stronger power but also reduces high-speed energy consumption by using higher gears during high-speed driving, solving the high-speed energy consumption issue of plug-in hybrid models. It can be said to have achieved a high balance between power and energy consumption. Therefore, this 3DHT smart hybrid is also the second key feature that positions Rui Feng RF8 in the market.

Space is the Confidence to Win the Market

Rui Feng RF8 is positioned as a mid-to-large MPV, with dimensions of 5212/1895/1830mm and a wheelbase of 3100mm. The vehicle's size has surpassed many new energy MPV models with higher prices. The extra-large dimensions ensure that there is ample seating space inside the vehicle.Whether it's a 6-seater or a 7-seater, the Rui Feng RF8 offers a great riding experience for every seat. For business purposes, the 6-seater is more recommended, as each seat has its own independent space. For family use, the 7-seater is more recommended, as the layout can accommodate more family members. At the same time, all seats are equipped with long-distance sliding rails, with multiple modes available for flexible adjustment according to the number of passengers. The third row also features air conditioning vents, cup holders, and power outlets, ensuring the comfort of passengers even when fully loaded, thanks to its superior body size.

Additionally, the second-row independent seats come with multi-directional electric adjustment, and features such as massage, heating, ventilation, and electric leg rests, which can be said to have fully loaded the configuration. Whether for business or family use, it is both prestigious and comfortable.

From a father's perspective, if the primary use is for family, the non-fixed armrest design on the Rui Feng RF8 is more practical. Coupled with a 400mm floor height, this makes it more convenient for the elderly to get in and out of the vehicle or when placing a safety seat, enhancing the convenience for family use.

Apart from the seating space, storage space is naturally a focus of attention. The trunk of the Rui Feng RF8 has a depth of 490-730mm, with a trunk volume of 700-2500L, which is more than sufficient for daily family outings or business receptions. Therefore, spatial comfort is also the biggest confidence for Rui Feng RF8 in market competition.

In summary, the product power of Rui Feng RF8 is very strong. It not only has superior spatial dimensions and riding comfort but also is equipped with a cutting-edge 3DHT smart hybrid power system, balancing power and fuel consumption. In the current market context, it has taken "intelligence" as a breakthrough point to bring an interactive experience beyond its class. Most importantly, the pre-sale price of the new car is only 169,900-239,900 yuan, and the plug-in hybrid version starts at only 219,900 yuan. For a mid-to-large plug-in hybrid MPV, the price is very competitive. Therefore, I am very much looking forward to its performance after it hits the market.