The Voyah Free (facelift 2023) 318 1.5L (490 Hp) 4WD Extended Range, launched in June 2024, represents a significant offering in the burgeoning luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) segment. Positioned as a premium trim within the Voyah Free lineup, this variant combines a relatively small-displacement turbocharged gasoline engine with a powerful dual-electric motor all-wheel-drive system and a substantial battery pack, aiming to deliver both impressive performance and extended electric-only range. The Free, as a whole, is Voyah’s flagship SUV, designed to compete with established European and domestic luxury brands, particularly within the Chinese market where it initially gained prominence. This specific 318 trim is geared towards buyers seeking a balance of efficiency, performance, and advanced technology.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Voyah |
| Model | Free |
| Generation | Free (facelift 2023) |
| Type | 318 1.5L (490 Hp) 4WD Extended Range |
| Start of production | June, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 0.6 l/100 km (392 US mpg, 470.8 UK mpg, 166.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Gross battery capacity | 43 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (Li-NMC) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range | 259 km (160.94 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption | 23.1 kWh/100 km (37.18 kWh/100 mi, 91 MPGe, 4.3 km/kWh, 2.7 mi/kWh) |
| Electric motor power (Rear) | 272 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque (Rear) | 410 Nm (302.4 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location (Rear) | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type (Rear) | Synchronous |
| Electric motor power (Front) | 218 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque (Front) | 310 Nm (228.64 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location (Front) | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type (Front) | Synchronous |
| System power | 490 Hp |
| System torque | 720 Nm (531.04 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine Power | 150 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 220 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 2500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DAM15NTDE |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Kerb Weight | 2260 kg (4982.45 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2635 kg (5809.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 375 kg (826.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 560 l (19.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1320 l (46.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Length | 4905 mm (193.11 in.) |
| Width | 1950 mm (76.77 in.) |
| Height | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm (116.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1654 mm (65.12 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1647 mm (64.84 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 141-211 mm (5.55 – 8.31 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels, one electric motor drives the rear wheels. The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the generator only, with no mechanical connection to the drive. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/45 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Voyah Free 318 utilizes a sophisticated PHEV powertrain. At its heart is the DAM15NTDE, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine producing 150 horsepower and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. This engine operates primarily as a generator, charging the 43 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li-NMC) battery pack. The engine features direct fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT) for optimized efficiency. Crucially, the engine does *not* have a mechanical connection to the wheels; it solely powers the electric motors.
Power is delivered to all four wheels via a dual-motor setup. A 272 hp electric motor drives the rear axle, while a 218 hp electric motor powers the front axle. This configuration results in a combined system output of 490 horsepower and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque. The single-speed automatic transmission simplifies the drivetrain, allowing for seamless power delivery. The large battery pack provides an all-electric range of 259 km (160.94 miles), making it suitable for daily commutes and shorter trips without relying on the gasoline engine.
Driving Characteristics
The Voyah Free 318 offers a distinctly different driving experience compared to its gasoline-only or lower-powered hybrid siblings. The instant torque from the electric motors provides brisk acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.5 seconds. In electric mode, the vehicle is near-silent and offers smooth, refined acceleration. When the gasoline engine engages, it does so seamlessly, primarily to maintain battery charge or provide additional power during demanding acceleration. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. The single-speed transmission, while simplifying the driving experience, lacks the gear ratios found in traditional automatic transmissions, potentially impacting efficiency at sustained high speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 318 trim level of the Voyah Free is well-equipped, reflecting its premium positioning. Standard features typically include leather upholstery, a large touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a premium sound system, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional extras may include upgraded interior trim materials, a head-up display, and more sophisticated ADAS features. The interior design emphasizes luxury and technology, with a minimalist aesthetic and high-quality materials.
Chassis & Braking
The Voyah Free utilizes a double wishbone suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, offering strong stopping power. The vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) for enhanced safety. The steering is electrically assisted, providing a light and responsive feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Voyah Free 318 has been generally well-received by critics, particularly for its impressive performance, long electric range, and luxurious interior. Compared to other PHEV SUVs in its class, such as the BMW X5 xDrive45e or the Volvo XC90 Recharge, the Voyah Free offers a competitive combination of power, range, and price. Its fuel economy of 0.6 l/100 km is exceptionally low, and its all-electric range is comparable to many competitors. However, some reviewers have noted that the ride quality can be firm on rough roads and that the infotainment system can be complex to navigate.
Legacy
As a relatively new model, the long-term reliability of the Voyah Free 318 remains to be fully established. However, the use of proven technologies such as Li-NMC batteries and turbocharged engines suggests a reasonable expectation of durability. The vehicle’s sophisticated PHEV powertrain and advanced features position it as a significant step forward in the development of electric vehicles in China and potentially in other markets as Voyah expands its global presence. On the used car market, early examples are beginning to appear, and their value will likely be influenced by battery health and overall condition.
