Chery QQ Test Drive: Compact EV Packs Full Features

Shortly after launching the Chery QQ, a compact five-door hatchback EV, the Chery Thailand team promptly organized a test drive along the Bangkok-Kanchanaburi route covering approximately 300 kilometers round trip. Journalists took turns driving and riding in the vehicle to evaluate it thoroughly.

The Chery QQ is a rear-wheel-drive compact EV with a retro-modern design philosophy. Its Square-Circle Design balances angular lines with gentle curves, blending cuteness, modernity, and sportiness in one package—a design recognized by the 2026 German Red Dot Product Design Award. The car features LED headlights and taillights with a signature Q shape, two-tone side mirrors, semi-hidden door handles, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and an electric rear gate. The front storage compartment with electric opening and closing is cleverly designed for strong-smelling foods or can serve as a cooler for cold beverages.

The rear legroom is adequate without feeling cramped, though the backrest is relatively short and doesn't fully support the thighs. With limited footrest space, passengers may need to tuck their legs under the front seat for relief. The suspension feels firm rather than soft, providing excellent body control through curves with minimal bounce, even at highway speeds. The safety system keeps the car remarkably centered in its lane, sometimes oversteering to the point where the driver must maintain grip on the wheel.

When taking the driver's seat, the battery showed 96% charge with a range of 384 kilometers. The cabin is spacious and airy, featuring a multifunction steering wheel, six-way electric driver's seat, and a 50W wireless smartphone charger. The 15.6-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with customizable features including eight character options. An 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster displays driving data, though its small font may challenge older drivers. The air conditioning system can be controlled by external buttons for temperature, fan speed, and direction—eliminating the need to take eyes off the road as with typical EVs. A charming feature is the Q Talk system, an external communication function with five preset messages and a microphone allowing drivers to broadcast voice directly outside, along with ambient sounds like whale calls, creating a pleasant experience for nearby drivers without resorting to horn honking.

Acceleration is characteristically electric—responsive from a standstill with smooth, continuous power delivery. On the elevated M81 expressway, wind noise begins above 110 km/h, with minimal noise at lower speeds. Cruising at 100-120 km/h with occasional acceleration for overtaking, lane changes at highway speeds are smooth with no unsettling body roll or sway, partly due to the car's excellent suspension tuning.