Seven-seater hybrid utility debuts with all-wheel drive and extended autonomy in the country

The national automotive sector records a significant advance in the luxury family vehicle segment with the arrival of the fourth generation of one of HPE’s main electrified models Automotores. Totalmente reformulated and built on an unprecedented platform developed by the brand’s global alliance, the vehicle arrives in the country with the proposal to combine the energy efficiency of electric motors with the versatility of transporting up to seven passengers. The strategy aims to meet the growing demand for utility vehicles that deliver sustainability without compromising autonomy on long journeys, positioning itself as a robust alternative to Asian competitors that dominate recent sales.

This new version of the utility vehicle represents a considerable technological leap compared to its predecessor, abandoning the old architecture for a more rigid and modern base, which allows for better use of internal space. The exterior design incorporates an improved “Dinâmica Engineering”, focused on solving one of the main dilemmas of hybrid consumers: range anxiety, delivering a mechanical package capable of traveling long distances without the need for immediate recharging or refueling.

The launch occurs at a strategic moment for the industry, where the search for energy efficiency has become a decisive purchasing criterion, motivated by fuel costs and environmental awareness. With estimated prices between R$300,000 and R$350,000, the model seeks to attract customers looking for superior finishing and cutting-edge technology, competing directly with established rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and the BYD Song Plus, but offering the differential of a third row of seats and a high-performance mechanical all-wheel drive system.

Mechanical evolution and combined performance

The heart of this new SUV is a deeply revised plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, which combines a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle combustion engine with two independent electric motors, positioned one on each axle of the vehicle. Esta configuration not only provides four-wheel drive, but also increases the combined power to an impressive 302 horsepower, ensuring safe overtaking and agile responses in urban traffic. The front electric motor delivers 114 hp, while the rear unit offers 134 hp, providing driving dynamics that prioritize the use of electricity most of the time.

The capacity of the lithium-ion battery has been expanded considerably, reaching 20 kWh. Este technical advance results in a range in pure electric mode of up to 86 kilometers in the WLTP cycle, a distance sufficient to cover the daily journeys of the vast majority of Brazilian drivers without using a drop of gasoline. Quando combined with the 53-liter fuel tank, the vehicle’s total range can reach 844 km, eliminating the typical concerns of long journeys with electrified cars and offering greater flexibility of use than 100% electric models.

To manage this energy, the model offers different operating modes and versatile recharging options:

– Carregamento fast at direct current stations (CHAdeMO standard), recovering 80% of the battery in around 38 minutes.

– Domestic Carregamento, using conventional sockets or Wallbox stations, with an estimated total time of 6 hours for a full charge.

– Sistema adjustable regenerative braking through paddles on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to recover energy when decelerating.

Traction technology and driving dynamics

The brand’s tradition in rally competitions is reflected in the implementation of the new generation of the S-AWC system (Super All-Wheel Control). Diferente of passive all-wheel drive systems, this technology actively manages the distribution of torque between the wheels and axles, using electric motors for instantaneous adjustments that guarantee maximum stability. The system integrates stability control, yaw control and selective braking, allowing the car to maintain the desired trajectory even in adverse grip conditions.

The driver has seven different terrain modes available, each calibrated to optimize throttle response and traction depending on the scenario:

– Normal: Para daily use on dry asphalt.

– Eco: Prioriza energy efficiency and use of electric mode.

– Power: Entrega maximum acceleration for situations requiring strength.

– Tarmac: Focado on winding, dry roads, increasing agility.

– Gravel: Ideal for unpaved dirt or gravel roads.

– Snow: Ajusta grip for slippery and snowy surfaces.

– Mud: Configuração for terrain with deep mud or soft sand.

Internal refinement and connectivity

Upon entering the cabin, one notices a deliberate effort to raise the level of luxury, following the Japanese “Omotenashi” concept, which values ​​hospitality and attention to detail. Acoustic insulation was reinforced with double glazing and sound-absorbing materials, creating a silent environment that isolates external and road noise. The finish uses soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors, with visible seams and textures that refer to vehicles from higher segments, seeking to justify the model’s price positioning.

The digitalization of the cockpit is complete and focuses on two high-resolution screens that dominate the front panel. The instrument panel is fully digital 12.3 inches, allowing personalization of driving, navigation and energy flow information. At the center, the 9-inch multimedia center features wireless connectivity for smartphones, ensuring access to navigation and audio streaming applications without the need for cables. The comfort package is complemented by a high-fidelity sound system and multi-zone air conditioning.

The versatility of the seven seats is one of the highlights of the project, with an intuitive and practical seat folding system. The third row, when not in use, can be completely hidden in the floor, creating a flat and spacious load space for bulky luggage. Essa flexibility allows the vehicle to switch between transporting passengers and cargo in seconds, meeting the dynamic needs of modern families.

Active safety and driving assistants

In terms of occupant protection, the new SUV is equipped with the MI-PILOT Assist technology package, which encompasses a series of advanced driving assistants (ADAS). The system uses cameras and radars to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, offering adaptive cruise control (ACC) with an automatic stop and start function in traffic jams, as well as a lane keeping assistant that acts on the steering to keep the car centered on the road. An important highlight is passive safety, with 11 airbags distributed throughout the cabin, including a central bag between the front seats to prevent collisions between driver and passenger in side collisions.

The introduction of this model on the national market reinforces the manufacturer’s strategy of focusing on high-value products and hybrid technology, moving away from entry-level models. Considerando the charging infrastructure still under development in the country, the plug-in hybrid solution appears as the safest bridge to electrification, allowing electric use in the city and the freedom of the combustion engine on the roads, without relying exclusively on charging stations. The new utility arrives to compete for the preference of demanding consumers who value mechanical robustness combined with technological sophistication.