A new Guinness record for a plug-in hybrid PHEV set in China: the Roewe D7 DMH covered 2,208 km on a single tank and charge

The Chinese brand Roewe, owned by SAIC, has set a new Guinness World Record for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). The Roewe D7 DMH covered an incredible 2,208 km on a full battery charge and a full tank of fuel, achieving an impressive average fuel economy of 2.49 liters per 100 km. This record was confirmed on October 28 and places SAIC on par with other PHEV leaders such as BYD, Geely, and Chery, whose vehicles can also travel over 2,000 km without recharging.

The record-breaking route ran from Lanzhou to Urumqi, passing through scenic locations such as Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, and Turpan—a well-known testing ground for automakers due to its high temperatures. Over the course of four days, the D7 DMH navigated challenging conditions, including temperature fluctuations of up to 30°C and elevation changes of 1,600 meters. The lowest temperature along the route reached -8°C, which added to the challenges for the vehicle.

The Roewe D7 DMH, launched in November 2023, is equipped with an innovative hybrid powertrain featuring a 1.5-liter engine with 43% thermal efficiency and a compression ratio of 16:1. This naturally aspirated engine, with 82 kW of power and 135 Nm of torque, operates under optimal conditions more than 85% of the time, enabling outstanding fuel efficiency. The plug-in hybrid is also equipped with a powerful 150 kW electric motor on the front axle, delivering 330 Nm of torque, which operates via a single-speed DHT hybrid transmission.

Measuring 4,890 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,510 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,810 mm, the Roewe D7 offers comfort and spaciousness for passengers. Under the MG brand, this model is also available in international markets. However, it remains unclear whether the record-breaking vehicle is a new variant, as the standard version of the Roewe D7 DMH has a range of up to 1,400 km according to the CLTC.