Chery Was Unable to Purchase a Defender, So It Created Its Own for $16,000 | Carscoops

      The top-tier model of Chery's X3L will offer an all-electric range exceeding 200 km, or 124 miles.

      The new Fulwin X3L is a long-wheelbase variant of the recently launched X3.

      It is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with two electric motors.

      This boxy X3L can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds.

      The quirky off-roader depicted here is the Fulwin X3L, produced by Chery in China. Contrary to what some might assume, it is not a battery-electric vehicle; instead, it features a range-extending powertrain, which is arguably more appropriate for a vehicle designed for challenging terrain.

      For those familiar with Chinese models (and, to an extent, Land Rover Defenders), the design of the Fulwin X3L may seem familiar. This is primarily because it is essentially a rebadged version of the iCar 03T that Chery launched last year. It's unclear why the company decided to market two versions of essentially the same vehicle under different brands, but it is 2025, and we certainly live in intriguing times.

      Dimensions and Design

      The X3L measures 4,545 mm (179 inches) in length, 1,950 mm (76.7 inches) in width, and has a height of 1,815 mm (71.4 inches), with a wheelbase of 2,783 mm (109.5 inches). Its design clearly takes inspiration from classic vehicles like the Land Rover Defender and to a lesser degree, the Mercedes G-Class, resulting in a boxy and upright appearance that is sure to catch attention on Chinese roads. The pricing is competitive, beginning at 119,900 yuan (approximately $16,800) and reaching up to 149,900 yuan (about $21,000).

      The X3L is driven by Chery’s Kunpeng Golden range-extender, which integrates a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine generating 154 hp, working alongside either a single rear-mounted electric motor with 248 hp or a pair of electric motors in the all-wheel-drive variant, yielding a total output of 422 hp and 373 lb-ft (505 Nm). Chery claims the X3L can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds, which is quite fast for this type of vehicle.

      The all-electric driving range is reported to vary between 135 km (84 miles) and 215 km (133 miles) depending on the specific version. When combined with its engine and fuel tank, the X3L can potentially cover up to 1,200 km (746 miles) without stopping.

      Off-Road Features

      A variety of driving modes and off-road settings come standard on the X3L. These features include a tank turn function, off-road cruise control, and low-speed crawling options. Additional notable features comprise side steps, a side-opening tailgate, and multiple off-road modification kits.

      The interior is visually appealing, though it may not earn accolades for creativity. Key highlights include a 15.6-inch infotainment display, a compact digital gauge cluster, rectangular air vents, and robust grab handles.