March 18 news, Deep Blue Motors officially unveiled the new G318 today. This vehicle is positioned as a new energy rugged off-roader, clearly aiming to compete with the likes of Tank 400Hi4-T and Fēngchéng Leopard 5. Interestingly, the Deep Blue G318 does not come with a ladder frame; it retains a unibody construction.
Hardcore off-road vehicles not featuring a solid axle might seem a bit "unorthodox," making some worry about the G318's off-roading capabilities. Can a vehicle without a solid axle really handle off-road conditions?
At the launch event, many bloggers quickly posted static experience videos. Blogger "Shu Siji Talks Cars" highlighted several details of the new vehicle.
First off, the suspension system. It's confirmed that the G318 sports a combination of double wishbone front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension, plus it's equipped with air suspension. It's also said to have CDC electromagnetic dampers, which are not commonly found on rugged off-roaders. The good news is, this setup offers enhanced comfort for city driving.
Next up, the roof rack comes equipped with factory-installed spotlights, four in total, expected to be standard across all models. They're officially registered, making them legal for use. This not only provides clearer visibility during off-road adventures but also gives you an edge and confidence when dealing with high-beam hogs in a face-off.
Then the G318 utilizes hidden door handles and electric pedals. Many may question why hidden door handles are used, especially since the G318 is positioned as a hardcore off-roader, not a city SUV.
The chassis design is quite interesting. The lowest point is not the battery pack, but the suspension. This design has its benefits: during deep off-road driving, it can reduce the probability of the battery pack scraping or being damaged, thus lowering the risk of battery pack damage or even fire caused by impacts.
The rear still sports an external spare tire, and it's the bare-bones type, really hardcore, while also featuring a towing hitch.
According to the official description, the G318 relies on a super high-strength hot forming process to create its high-strength seven-ring mesh body structure. This vehicle boasts a torsional stiffness of up to 45,000Nm/deg, which can rival hardcore off-road vehicles with chassis beams. Additionally, it is equipped with a central continuously variable differential lock and a magnetic suction-type mechanical differential lock.
Thanks to the advancements in new energy technology, the Deep Blue G318 is launching with the Super Extended Range 2.0, featuring dual motors with a total system power of 316kW. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and can run on both petrol and electricity, eliminating range anxiety. Compared to traditional fuel-powered off-road vehicles, it also significantly reduces operating costs.
