The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is at the apex of Chery’s local model line-up. Not only does it have a luxurious and well-equipped cabin, but it boasts a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine too. The Box Cutter drove the Max at a media event in KwaZulu Natal.
The heart of the new Tiggo 8 Pro Max 390T is its 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which develops considerably more power and torque than the Tiggo 8 Pro 290T’s 1,6-litre turbo. Where the smaller engine manages respectable peak figures of 145 kW and 290 Nm, the Max serves up peak power and torque of 187 kW and 390 Nm.
Chery has paired this engine with a seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox that shifts smoothly, although the throttle can be overeager at times. This can cause the car to accelerate too quickly in city driving.
Exterior design
The Tiggo 8 Pro Max’s elegant exterior design remains a strong focal point. With its bold grille and nose (complete with illuminated Chery badge), sleek headlight clusters (with LED headlights and characterful day-time running lights), the Max presents a confident road presence. A cynic could argue that contemporary road-biased SUVs – like the Max – all look similar. If that is the case, then at least there is nothing offensive or jarring to the 8 Pro’s design.
Its noteworthy that the official presidential car partner for the BRICS meeting, which takes place in Johannesburg later this month (August), is the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. If you notice a fleet of black Cherys, they are likely to be carrying some of the leaders of the 52 attending nations as well as senior representatives from United Nations organisations. There were a number of these cars at the media event, and they certainly look smart in convoy.
Interior comfort and features
The interior of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is equally impressive, providing a spacious and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers. The combination of quality materials and attention to detail adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the cabin. There is ample space in the first two rows of this seven-seater, but the third is meant for occasional use or for small children only.
The new dual-screen set-up in the dashboard offers a user-friendly interface with large and legible icons and text. The system is compatible with Apple and Android, which allows the use of these platforms online maps. But it also offers off-line maps – a lifesaver when your smartphone malfunctions or goes missing.
In the new Tiggo 8 Pro range the intelligent voice command software has received a number of updates. However, I found it hard to make myself understood.
For the Tiggo 8 Pros’ redesign, Chery has also upgraded the Air Quality System (AQS) to include an ion sensor that will automatically engage the purifying system when it detects polluted air. Its filter complies with the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) N95 classification of air filtration. This means it filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 0,3 micrometres.
Performance and road manners
With its powerful engine and smooth-shifting DCT gearbox, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max offers lively performance, but it doesn’t feel more rapid than the 162kW / 350 Nm VW Tiguan 2.0TSI. What’s more, is that the more affordable Tiggo 8 Pro’s 1,6-litre engine never felt underpowered when we had it on test. Therefore, buyers who opt for this ‘cheaper’ Tiggo 8 Pro, priced R60 000 below the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, is unlikely to feel short-changed. In fact, all turbo-charged Cherys provide energetic performance. Road-holding is above average, but I would choose tyres with a higher profile for a softer ride on rough gravel roads.
Fuel efficiency
Considering the Tiggo 8 Pro Max’s substantial power output and large size, it’s understandable that its fuel efficiency may not be the best in its class. However, with responsible driving, drivers can still achieve acceptable fuel economy figures. Our average, after almost 400 km over of driving, came to 8,5 litres per 100 km.
Safety
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are another feature of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. These systems integrate more than ten different types of intelligent driving aid features, such as lane keeping assistance (LKA), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and adaptive cruise control (ACC). The Tiggo 8 Pro Max MY2023 features an improved AVM (all-view monitor) camera and a DVR driver view recorder (built-in dash cam). Both Tiggo 8 Pro versions (1,6 and 2,0 Max) have seven airbags each.
The majority of the ADAS systems have been improved to level 2 autonomy in this, the most recent 8 Max model from Chery. This indicates that the car is equipped with hardware and software that helps passengers, pedestrians, and even other cars.
For instance, if a vehicle is doing an emergency move and “realises” that a nearby car is not paying attention and endangering the lives of its people, it can flash its hazard lights to warn the driver.
The upgrades to the door open warning system serve as another illustration. The system will now keep an eye on both flanks and flash a red ring light around the door-mounted speakers to alert passengers not to open a door if a car is approaching.
Conclusion and price
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max stands out as an SUV that offers much more than meets the eye, and a lot more than similar cars from Europe and Japan.
With its handsome exterior, luxurious interior, impressive performance, and forward-thinking technology, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max proves itself as a compelling choice in the competitive SUV market.
Two models of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro are available:
Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6T 290T Executive – R609 900
Tiggo 8 Pro MAX 2.0T 390T Executive – R669 900
Buyers of the Tiggo 8 Pro receive a 5-year / 60 000 km service plan and 5 year / 150 000 km comprehensive mechanical warranty. With the Tiggo 8 Pro MAX, buyers receive a 7-year / 90 000 km service plan and the same mechanical warranty. The Chery engine warranty is valid for 10-years or 1-million-kilometre (for the first owner). Chery has partnered with Absa bank to introduce a range of extended service plans and warranties.
Chery also adds a range of free, value-added services, including free rim and scratch repair, free roadside assistance, and a free loan vehicle when your Tiggo 8 is in for a longer service or repair.
