Tech Giants: Starting from Bankrupt Companies

237: Chapter 237 X2: Expanding the Realm of LanThe stage lights shifted, and the music transitioned into a rhythm with more power.

Three SUVs drove onto the stage simultaneously from three different directions: the fuel version in dark green, the hybrid version in dark gray, and the pure electric version in ice blue.

”Many people say that SUVs are family vehicles and must be compromised,” Zhou Qingyu said, walking to the center of the three cars. ”Today, the Red Flag X2 will prove that an SUV can be all-encompassing.”

The large screen displayed the basic specifications: Dimensions: 4980mm length, width [data missing], wheelbase 2950mm (benchmarked against Li Auto L9).

Fuel version (500,000): 3.0T V6, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.8 seconds, combined range of 1000 kilometers.

Hybrid version (600,000): Pure electric range of 250 kilometers, combined range of 1800 kilometers.

Pure electric version (700,000): Semi-solid-state battery, range of 1200 kilometers, L3 autonomous driving.

These figures were already impressive enough, but Zhou Qingyu wanted a visual impact.

”You can see the theoretical parameters on the screen for yourselves,” he said with a wave of his hand. ”Let’s look directly at the actual performance.”

Behind the stage, a simulated off-road course had been set up: a wading pool, a 45-degree steep slope, cross-axle obstacles, a gravel road, and a side-slope.

”First, wading capability,” Zhou Qingyu said, pointing to the fuel version X2. ”The wading depth of traditional fuel SUVs is generally around 50 centimeters; we have achieved 60 centimeters.”

The fuel version X2 drove into the pool. The water level gradually rose, eventually covering the lower part of the hood. However, the vehicle passed through smoothly without stalling, and no water entered the interior.

”Because the hybrid version has a battery, we have implemented tighter sealing, so the wading depth is also 60 centimeters.” The hybrid version repeated the same process.

”As for the pure electric version—” Zhou Qingyu paused. ”Because it’s a pure electric platform, the battery pack’s sealing rating reaches IP68, allowing it to be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without affecting its use. But to be conservative, we’ll demonstrate 70 centimeters first.”

When the pure electric version X2 drove into the pool, the audience could clearly see that its ground clearance was higher.

”This is our self-developed intelligent suspension system,” Zhou Qingyu explained. ”In off-road mode, the air suspension automatically raises, increasing ground clearance by 8 centimeters.”

The pure electric version easily passed through the 70-centimeter water depth, even pausing briefly in the pool to demonstrate its stability.

Next was the 45-degree steep slope. This is a challenge for any SUV because the angle is so steep that many cars would experience front-wheel slippage halfway up due to the center of gravity shifting backward.

However, all three X2 models climbed to the top with ease—the pure electric version even climbed using the ”cross-axle” mode, where the single front wheel has the least traction, with the electronic control system precisely distributing torque to the wheels with traction.

The most exciting part was the cross-axle obstacle demonstration. Two sets of intersecting rollers rose on the stage, simulating a scenario where two wheels are suspended in the air. The pure electric version X2 slowly drove onto them, with the front-left and rear-right wheels suspended in the air simultaneously.

When traditional fuel cars encounter this situation, the driver needs to skillfully coordinate the accelerator and brake to get out of trouble. But the X2’s driver simply let go of the steering wheel and pedals.

”Our electronic differential lock and torque vectoring system identify wheel slippage in milliseconds, automatically locking the spinning wheels and distributing all torque to the wheels with traction,” Zhou Qingyu said.

The vehicle drove smoothly over the cross-axle obstacle without any human operation. Throughout the process, the in-car camera showed the driver’s hands resting on their knees and feet off the pedals.

The applause thundered again. But Zhou Qingyu wasn’t finished yet.

”An SUV must not only be capable of off-roading, but also be able to carry cargo, be fun, and accommodate a lifestyle.” He opened the trunk of the pure electric version X2.

Inside, it wasn’t just simple storage space, but a modular system: on the left was a pull-out camping kitchen, integrated with an induction cooker, sink, and storage compartments; on the right was an outdoor power system capable of outputting 220V AC with a maximum power of 6 kilowatts; under the floorboard were an inflatable mattress and a tent set; the roof rack could be electrically raised and lowered, reducing the rear wind resistance coefficient to just 0.23 (the same as the Tesla Model Y).

”We have also developed an ’Outdoor Mode’.” Zhou Qingyu demonstrated the voice command, ”Hello Red Flag, I’m going camping.”

The vehicle responded immediately: the suspension raised; the air conditioning switched to external circulation mode; the central control screen displayed a camping equipment checklist and campsite recommendations; and the power for the camping equipment in the trunk automatically preheated.

”The hybrid version has another special feature.” He switched to the hybrid version X2. ”The external discharge power reaches 20 kilowatts, which can simultaneously support ten air conditioners, fifty lights, and a sound system—enough to host a small outdoor music festival.”

The scene was actually demonstrated: the vehicle was connected to ten portable air conditioners and fifty LED lights. When all were turned on, one side of the stage was as bright as day.

Prices announced: Fuel version: 500,000; Hybrid version: 600,000; Pure electric version: 700,000.

This pricing directly targeted the middle ground between the Li Auto L9 (450,000), BMW X5 hybrid (850,000), and Mercedes-Benz GLE pure electric (800,000)—providing performance and configurations that comprehensively surpassed them at a price 100,000-150,000 lower than luxury brands.

Li Auto founder Li Xiang was watching the live broadcast backstage. When he saw the X2 hybrid version’s 250-kilometer pure electric range (the Li Auto L9 is 215 kilometers) and 1800-kilometer combined range, he was silent for a long time, then said to his team, ”Our next-generation product must increase its pure electric range to at least 300 kilometers; otherwise, it will have no competitiveness.”

”But the cost...” the CTO hesitated. ”Spare no cost.” Li Xiang said decisively, ”Spark has already raised the standard to this height; if we can’t keep up, we will be eliminated. This is not a multiple-choice question; it’s a survival question.”

Meanwhile, far away at the BMW headquarters in Munich, the head of the SUV product line saw the live broadcast and immediately halted the mid-cycle facelift project of the pure electric X5 that was currently under development.

”Redesign it,” he said to the team. ”Our pure electric range must reach at least 800 kilometers, and the charging speed must match Red Flag’s 600 kilometers in 15 minutes. Otherwise, launching in 2019 would be suicide.”

But everyone knew that the technological barrier of semi-solid-state batteries could not be broken in a year or two.

On stage, Zhou Qingyu looked at the excited expressions of the audience and knew that the X2 was another success.

But he had saved the biggest surprise for last.

”Sedans and SUVs cover the needs of most people,” he changed the subject. ”But there is another type of vehicle that represents freedom, power, and the spirit of exploration. In China, it has long been regarded as a utility vehicle, but today—”

The circular large screen behind him suddenly went dark, and then a beam of red light shone down from the top. The curtain opened.