Every time any OEM shows off a vehicle that can float, we pay attention. Given our problems with flooding, a floating SUV would really come in handy, especially for myself who has to deal with very deep flooding (up to 1.2 meters) on the way home if the rains don’t stop for several hours.

At first, it was BYD with the Yangwang U8. This vehicle has been making the rounds on social media, flexing its capability by “swimming” in a reservoir and on specially prepared water tanks or pools. Jetour, a part of the Chery group, wants to take it to another level.

Jetour just completed a feat: crossing the Yangtze River with their new Zongheng G700 SUV.

The G700 is a vehicle not yet available in the Philippines, but what we know is that it is a plug-in hybrid crossover that uses a 2.0L turbo gasoline engine with an 800-volt silicon carbide electrical system. It has upwards of 751 horsepower and 795 newton meters of torque.

Like the U8, the G700 has amphibious capability because of the construction of the monocoque that has no holes, seamless welding and active air circulation. Based on the video published by Jetour, the G700 entered the water floating with the waterline right around the top of the wheelwells; meaning the wheels were fully submerged. There is even mention of a gyroscope that is adjusting the balance of the vehicle while in the water.

The key difference here is that the Jetour Zongheng G700 was crossing a river, and the mighty Yangtze at that. It traversed a ferry terminal from Chery’s hometown in Wuhu, crossed approximately 1.5 kilometers of the river with a current estimated between 5 to 10 km/h (or about 5.4 knots, since we’re talking about water). Just the fact that it had to deal with a current is already impressive, as a four-wheel vehicle isn’t exactly optimized for river crossings like a boat.

What is curious is the propulsion system. The video published by Jetour shows some holes on the rear bumper of the vehicle that appears to be providing thrust. While we are not sure, it appears there is some kind of impeller or jet that is emanating from those holes, providing forward propulsion to the vehicle.

Whichever the case, we are curious how this vehicle would fare on our floods. Or my floods. If Jetour Philippines launches it here, we’re quite sure there will be good interest for the G700. The challenge will be price, as they are looking at around USD 60,200 (PHP 3.5 million) in China. When imported into the Philippines, it will be more. The only question is by how much.