A test drive in Russia finds the Esteo Exlantix ET8 to be a large, comfortable family hybrid with a surprisingly engaging chassis. The 5.2-meter SUV is assembled in St. Petersburg and sold locally as Esteo; in China, it is known as the Chery Fulwin T11. Its six-seat cabin uses a 2+2+2 layout, with second-row captain’s chairs and a usable third row for children. Cargo capacity ranges from 546 to 1,835 liters depending on seating configuration.
The series-hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which acts as a generator, with two electric motors. Total output is 469 hp and 634 Nm, enough to take the 2.7-tonne vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. A 40-kWh battery delivered 146 km of electric driving during the test, while the claimed total range is 1,100 km with the 67-liter fuel tank full. In hybrid driving, the test recorded 4.4 kWh and 8.8 liters of petrol per 100 km.
The review praises the adaptive dampers, comfortable ride, confident highway manners and responsive handling. Downsides include awkward controls routed through the touchscreen, a large but underused infotainment display, and interior materials and assembly that fall short of the car’s premium ambitions. The ET8 also lacks powered doors.
The Russian price is 7.49 million rubles, reduced to 6.59 million under Esteo’s own incentive program. A government subsidy had become temporarily unavailable after its funding limit was exhausted. For comparison, the review cites a price of 12.69 million rubles for the new Li Auto L9 Livis. The ET8 is not considered a fully equivalent rival, but its space, equipment and performance make it a lower-cost alternative.