By Otsile Kadiege

We recently joined Chery South Africa in Durban for the local launch of the brand’s updated flagship seven-seater SUV – the Tiggo 8 Pro Max 390T. New to the flagship model are fresh new exterior and interior looks, new technologies, and upgraded advanced driver assistance systems.

Modern, Elegant Exterior

Outside, Chery spruced up the appearance of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max with a few modern touches. These include a brand-new ‘galaxy’ grille and an illuminated Chery logo, which briefly comes to life when the SUV is locked and unlocked. Chery has left the profile unchanged, while the rear end sports Crystal Matrix LED taillights with an integrated LED light bar.

Overall, the changes might be minor, but they are definitely welcomed and elevate the elegant and modern appearance of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max.

Premium Interior with New Tech

Stepping inside, one is greeted by a massive 24.7-inch integrated digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens (both measuring 12.35 inches) that run on a new operating system featuring Chery’s intelligent voice command. Other noteworthy updates include the redesigned dashboard, door panels, center console with a newly designed gear lever, and a newly designed multifunctional flat-bottom steering wheel.

The Tiggo 8 Pro Max still impresses with a highly premium cabin that’s comfortable and has sufficient front and rear leg and headroom, as well as ample luggage capacity. The large integrated screens are the highlight of the tech updates, while the familiar Sony 8-speaker sound system still delivers good sound quality. However, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max used to have one of the best camera qualities in its segment. Now that the screens are larger, Chery should’ve upgraded the camera quality, which now appears pixelated.

Upgraded Driver Assistance Systems

As before, all versions of the 2023 Tiggo 8 Pro have a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features, including front, front side, rear bolster, driver knee, and side curtain airbags.

Moreover, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that integrate more than 10 kinds of intelligent driving assistance functions, including adaptive cruise control (ACC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and lane-keeping assistance (LKA), to mention a few. All new to the updated Tiggo 8 Pro Max are a DVR driver view recorder (built-in dash cam) and an updated AVM (all view monitor) camera.

Performance and Driving Impressions

At the launch, we drove the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which is still powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 187kW/390Nm and is paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission. Its powertrain is very potent; however, due to its FWD drivetrain, wheel spin is guaranteed when pulling off at full throttle or on surfaces with minimal grip. That said, ride quality over imperfect roads is impressive. Its generous amount of advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist makes highway driving less strenuous.

Pricing and Warranty

• Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6T Executive – R609,900
• Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0T Executive – R669,900

The first 100 customers to purchase an all-new Tiggo 8 Pro Max MY2023 will gain membership to The Max Club, which offers a host of exclusive lifestyle benefits, a 5-year My Chery Care package, as well as the opportunity to win one of 3 trips to China later this year.