Jaguar Land Rover Adopts Chery’s Modular Architectures for Future PHEV and BEV Models
Chery Chairman Yin Tongyao has confirmed earlier speculations regarding Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) adopting Chery’s platforms. In a recent interview, Yin revealed that JLR's future plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will be built on the M3X and E0X modular architectures. These platforms underpin models such as the Exlantix ET, Exlantix ES, Luxeed 7, Luxeed R7, Exeed RX, and the Chery Tiggo 9.
The relationship between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover spans over 12 years in China. The companies formed a joint venture in 2012 to manufacture JLR cars locally. The joint factory commenced operations in 2014 and remains operational. Over the years, JLR engineers have significantly contributed to Chery’s suspension setups, while Land Rover’s designs have inspired Chery’s own models. Now, it’s Chery’s turn to support JLR.
Strategic Partnership with Exeed
Exeed, Chery’s high-end brand, has announced a strategic cooperation agreement with Jaguar Land Rover. This agreement allows JLR to utilize Exeed’s platforms for their future vehicles. Although the agreement is officially between JLR and Exeed, the latter is entirely owned by Chery Group, making this effectively an agreement between Tata Motors (JLR’s parent company) and Chery Group.
Exeed has confirmed that JLR will adopt two primary platforms developed by Chery engineers. The first is the M3X modular architecture, also known as T2X in its second generation. Developed with assistance from German firm Bentler, this platform supports both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and PHEVs. JLR, which is trailing behind in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, is particularly interested in the plug-in hybrid technology offered by the M3X platform.
The M3X platform can incorporate Chery’s “Super Hybrid” powertrain, which includes a petrol-powered ICE paired with two electric motors via a 3DHT165 gearbox. This gearbox was the first in the world to house two electric motors in one unit, offering nine operating modes, 11 gear combinations, a range of over 1000 km, and a thermal efficiency of 44.5%. Vehicles such as the Exeed RX PHEV and Chery Fulwin T9 currently utilize this platform.
The second platform JLR will use is the E0X, developed jointly by Chery and Huawei. This platform supports both BEVs and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), and currently underpins models like the Exlantix ES, Exlantix ET, Luxeed S7, and Luxeed R7. The E0X platform features an 800V high-voltage system, energy consumption of 12 kWh/100 km, advanced autonomous driving technology, and can be equipped with air suspension. It is well-suited for JLR’s future electric and extended-range models.
JLR’s NEV Strategy in China
Jaguar Land Rover, now owned by Tata Motors, has been lagging in the NEV market, with its only BEV, the Jaguar I-Pace, launched six years ago. Coupled with a declining sales volume, especially in China, JLR’s partnership with Chery aims to address these challenges. Vehicles built on the M3X and E0X platforms are expected to be sold exclusively in the Chinese market to meet local demand.
This collaboration is part of a broader trend of automakers adopting Chinese modular architectures for NEVs. Mitsubishi’s Airtrek uses GAC’s GEP platform; Smart and Lotus EVs are built on Geely’s SEA platform; Renault will utilize Geely’s CMA platform; Volkswagen has agreed to use Xpeng’s E/E platform; and future Audi vehicles will be based on the iO Origin platform from SAIC.
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