The Chery Stockman will launch in Australia in the next three months, bringing some impressive specifications and an interesting approach to the increasingly competitive plug-in hybrid ute segment.
We had an opportunity to check out a pre-production example in China this week, in very close-to-production-spec trim. Although some features and specifications may change for Australia, most of what you see here is expected to carry over to the showroom version.
Aside from the main specifications, which we already know – more on those below – one of the interesting details we notice underneath is the conventional tailshaft connecting the diesel powertrain to the rear axle. Now, we kind of already knew this but now we’ve seen it.
It doesn’t sound particularly interesting? Well, many plug-in hybrid utes on the market right now, such as the BYD Shark 6, use an electric motor to drive the rear axle, without a mechanical connection to the combustion engine.
One potential advantage of the Stockman’s arrangement is, potentially, a more direct and predictable driving experience, particularly during demanding off-road situations. It also allows the vehicle’s mechanical low-range gearing to deliver torque directly to the wheels, rather than relying exclusively on electric drive at the rear.
Another interesting detail we learned during the preview is that Australian-specific development is still underway, despite the Stockman being relatively close to its local launch.
Chery engineers are continuing to refine the electric power steering, including its response and overall feel to suit the Aussie market. Brake pedal behaviour and braking characteristics are also being calibrated specifically for Australian conditions.
Suspension development is another key area, particularly the rear leaf springs and live axle. While the hardware configuration has already been established, local tuning is continuing to find a suitable balance between load-carrying ability, ride comfort and handling.
We also learned more about how the diesel plug-in hybrid system manages its diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Unlike a conventional diesel, which generally relies on exhaust temperatures generated during engine operation, the Stockman’s hybrid system can actively manage engine load to help achieve the temperatures required for DPF regeneration.
For example, the system can use the diesel engine to charge the high-voltage battery, increasing engine load and exhaust temperature when necessary. This could be particularly useful for owners who spend considerable time driving on electric power or making shorter trips regularly.
Looking further ahead, the Stockman’s underlying platform has been designed with enough flexibility to accommodate an SUV body style, potentially opening the door to a wagon-based alternative to rival the likes of the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner. Although, a key release date is yet to be locked in.
A fully electric powertrain is also technically possible using the architecture, although we understand, like an SUV, such a derivative is not currently in development. Well, according to what Chery has told us.
As for accessories, Chery is working towards having a selection available when the ute reaches Australian dealerships, rather than introducing them progressively after launch. The final accessory range has not yet been detailed but Chery has teamed up with Australian 4×4 specialist, Ironman.
A demonstration example was on display during this event showcasing the full potential of accessories an options. Handy items include an integrated bull bar, comprehensive roof rack system, complete cargo area overhauls with drawers and storage solutions, as well as unique wheels, recovery points, and LED light bars and spotlights.
Some of the other more quirky and interesting details include a dash speaker that doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker, mounting points on the A-pillar under removable caps, a digital rear-view mirror, slotted tub-liner for making easy partitioned areas, and a two-level tailgate cable so you can keep the tailgate up at about 45 degrees if your motorbike or equipment doesn’t quite fit into the tub.
What we already know about the Chery Stockman
The Australian Stockman will initially feature a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 350kW and 800Nm. It incorporates a 34kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, providing up to 96km of electric-only driving range on the WLTP cycle, alongside an 80-litre diesel fuel tank and Adblue tank.
Braked towing capacity is rated at 3495kg, while the off-road hardware includes front, centre and rear differential locks, all-terrain tyres and more than 247mm of ground clearance. Suspension consists of double wishbones at the front and leaf springs and live axle at the rear.
The Stockman measures 5450mm long, 2010mm wide and 1890mm tall, with a 3250mm wheelbase. The cargo tub measures 1560mm long, 1560mm wide and 500mm deep.
Inside, equipment includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 15.6-inch central touch-screen, and 14-speaker sound system, although final Australian grade specifications are still to be outlined.
Chery is targeting February 2027 for the first Australian customer deliveries, with pricing and the complete local model lineup expected to be announced closer to launch.
