Lately, Chinese car manufacturers have been making waves in the UAE automotive market, and one premium brand that’s turning heads is Exeed. While they initially entered the scene with a range of SUVs, it wasn’t until they unveiled their star player, the RX premium mid-size SUV, that things really took off.
Post-launch, the RX skyrocketed to the top as Exeed’s best-selling product, claiming a substantial 40% market share among all the models the brand offers. As it is one of the leading Chinese SUVs in the UAE, we were invited to put the Exeed RX to the test and see if it lives up to the buzz. So, let’s dive into our firsthand experience of what the RX is all about.
Exeed RX Exterior Design
Right off the bat, it’s one of the classiest SUVs out there. The bold front end and sleek profile perfectly blend with the sloping roof, giving it that cool coupe-SUV vibe. Inspired by Chinese design, the RX rocks angular shapes that add a touch of flair.
At the front, you’ve got strong design lines on the bonnet and a bumper hosting the primary and secondary grilles. Above that, there’s an LED lightbar with an illuminated Exeed logo and sleek headlamps — talk about a head-turner! The grille, with its rhombus-shaped elements, adds a cool design twist. And don’t get me started on the abundance of LED daytime running lights up front – it’s a dazzling sight.
Looking at it from the side, the RX keeps it clean for that premium, mature look. Despite the body cladding and large 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, it manages to look curvaceous, thanks to those rounded wheel arches. The flush door handles, blacked-out pillars, chrome touches on the mirrors and sloping roofline give the RX a premium edge.
Now, onto the back – Exeed nailed it again. The LED lightbar connects the sleek tail lamps featuring a three-section design. The rear bumper is large, extending up to the tail lamps and houses the quad-tip exhaust and grey faux skid plate. It’s no surprise that the Exeed RX snagged the gold prize at the International Design Awards. With its innovative, premium, and quirky design, it’s a winner all around.
Dimension Check:
| Length | 4,775mm |
| Width | 1,920mm |
| Height | 1,671mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800mm |
| Ground Clearance | 187mm |
| Boot Space | 500L |
| Fuel-Tank Capacity | 65L |
Exeed RX Exterior Features
- LED Headlamps
- LED Tail-lamps
- LED DRLs
- Illuminated Logo
- Electric Door Handle
- Puddle Lamps
- Heated Rear-View Mirrors
- Roof Rails
- Roof Spoiler
- Faux Skid Plates
- 20-inch Dual-Tone Alloys
Exeed RX Interior Design
Stepping into the cabin, the premium vibes and unique design from the exterior seamlessly continue. In the top-tier 400T AWD Flagship trim, you get to pick from two interior color options: Red & Black or Black & Beige. Our review test car sported the latter. It’s worth noting that maintaining the Black and Beige scheme might demand a bit more effort and a keen eye for avoiding muddy boots compared to the Red & Black option.
As you make your way inside, the spacious cabin welcomes you with an open, airy feel, courtesy of the expansive panoramic sunroof and the light upholstery colour scheme. The combination of faux wood trim and leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury, ensuring a comfortable experience.
The front seats are well-bolstered, complete with calf support. The front passenger seat folds almost flat into what Exeed calls the ‘Queen Mode’, providing a limo-like feeling, making your journey not just stylish but also supremely comfortable.
The raised centre console boasts a tidy storage compartment below. There are glossy black panels, elevating the overall premium feel. The leather-clad steering wheel, positioned behind the dual-display setup, adds a touch of quirkiness with its distinctive two-spoke, dual-tone design.
Moving to the second row, the RX offers ample space for three, thanks to a low centre tunnel. Each passenger enjoys adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts for added safety. A neatly tucked centre armrest adds extra comfort when there are only two passengers at the back. An unexpected treat for an SUV in this class is the ventilated seats, even in the second row. The result is a perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and tech, creating a truly appealing and premium cabin.
Exeed RX Features & Technology
The RX’s interiors are packed with tech, and nearly every feature, including the steering wheel, is power-operated. Exeed goes the extra mile by incorporating a memory function into these electrically controlled features, ensuring it’s super convenient to return to your preferred driving position after someone else takes the wheel.
The dashboard is dominated by two expansive 12.3-inch high-resolution displays. One serves as a highly customizable instrument cluster, offering a ton of information to the driver, including various assists and safety alerts.
The second display is a touchscreen information hub with a fluid and seamless UI/UX, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Additionally, the infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone connectivity. As a cherry on top, there’s a premium 14-speaker audio system from Sony, elevating your in-cabin experience to the next level.
- 4-Way Powered Adjustable Steering Wheel
- 10-Way Power Adjustable Driver Seat with Memory
- 4-Way Power Adjustable Co-driver Seat
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Aviation-grade Plush Headrest
- Front & Rear Seat Ventilation
- Front Massaging Seats
- Ventilated Front armrest
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- 64-colour Ambient Lighting
- Rear AC Vents
Exeed RX Driving & Handling
Now, onto the crux of our review – how does the RX drive? Let’s kick off with the specs: the RX is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder TGDi turbo-petrol engine, paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox that channels power to all four wheels through an AWD drivetrain.
| Max Power | 261hp @ 5,500rpm |
| Peak Torque | 400Nm @ 1,750rpm-4,000rpm |
| Acceleration [0 to 100km/h] | 7.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200km/h |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
Speaking about the performance, the RX boasts a powerful powertrain that accelerates the SUV swiftly to triple-digit speeds. In the AWD test variant, the 0 to 100km/h sprint is completed in 7.6 seconds — a whole second faster than the FWD variant. This acceleration prowess owes itself to the even distribution of torque across the rev range. Notably, peak torque is achieved at low RPMs and extends beyond 4,000 RPM, ensuring robust mid-range performance.
During our test, we discovered that the RX offers impressive roll-on acceleration, thanks to a responsive 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and quick throttle response. The well-distributed gear ratios contribute to its cruising capabilities, delivering power seamlessly when you step on the throttle pedal.
Notably, the RX effortlessly reached 120km/h in 7th gear, maintaining engine speeds below 2,000 RPM for relaxed highway travel and swift overtakes. However, if you enjoy revving the engine, it’s worth noting that the motor becomes audibly louder beyond 3,000rpm, with some noise entering the cabin.
Coming to the handling, the RX, being a tall and sizable SUV with a monocoque construction, manages body roll relatively well compared to others in its segment. The firm suspension setup contributes to stability when navigating corners. However, we don’t recommend pushing the limits with spirited driving around bends.
The robust suspension does a commendable job of absorbing bumps and potholes, although navigating them at low speeds might stir things up in the cup holder. In essence, the overall handling is solid for an SUV of this size.
Last but not least, let’s talk about braking. The RX is fitted with disc brakes and Michelin tires on all four corners. While the brakes may lack initial bite, they exhibit a smooth progression that proves beneficial for high-speed manoeuvres. It’s more a matter of getting accustomed to the brake pedal’s feel over time.
Exeed RX Safety
The RX is outfitted with cutting-edge car safety technology, featuring Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in conjunction with a Head-up Display (HUD), along with a range of passive safety features. The Level 2 ADAS excels in accurately maintaining the lane and alerting the driver to potential road hazards. Moreover, it facilitates effortless highway driving with adaptive cruise control, seamlessly handling acceleration, braking, and steering autonomously.
Safety is a top priority in the RX, with up to 8 airbags providing comprehensive protection in case of an unfortunate incident. An additional feature that proves invaluable during such situations is the built-in dashcam positioned on the windshield. For those navigating an SUV for the first time, judging the surrounding space can be challenging. The RX addresses this with a 540-degree camera that provides real-time information about the space around the SUV, simplifying manoeuvres in tight spots and during parking.
Verdict
The Exeed RX stands out in the premium SUV market in the UAE. Its award-winning design, coupled with a tech-loaded interior, delivers a compelling package. The driving experience is both powerful and comfortable. With a focus on safety and practicality, the RX proves to be an impressive choice in the premium mid-size SUV category.
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