As a representative of the mid-to-high-end SUVs of independent brands, Roewe W5 has always attracted the attention of the world since its launch. As the only model in the independent brand lineup that can rival the joint-venture brand SUVs, the W5 was conceived with high aspirations from the very beginning. It is well-known that the prototype of Roewe W5 is the SsangYong Kyron. It was the first model digested and absorbed by SAIC after acquiring SsangYong Motors, and it's also one of the most mature models from SsangYong. The Roewe W5 is equipped with two engines: a 1.8T and a 3.2L inline-six. Both are proven products, used respectively in the Roewe 550 1.8T and the SsangYong Kyron. This has become one of the major selling points of this car. Today, we will compare the W5's engine with those of its competitors to see if it holds any advantages.
### Engine and Transmission:
Roewe W5 is equipped with two engines: a 1.8T and a 3.2L inline-six. Both are proven products, used respectively in the Roewe 550 1.8T and the SsangYong Kyron.
The 3.2L Tornado XGI engine has a Mercedes-Benz heritage, using a straight-six direct-injection engine. Its peak torque reaches 310 Nm at 4600 RPM, making it adept at handling both on-road and off-road conditions. During our evaluation process, we will focus more on testing its acceleration performance under road conditions and its low-speed high-torque output under off-road conditions. This 3.2L engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission (5AT), which, in terms of specifications, lags slightly behind the mainstream 6-speed automatic transmissions (6AT) currently available. However, powertrain optimization is more about matching rather than blindly pursuing high configurations.
The 1.8T full-aluminum turbocharged engine uses Mitsubishi MHI Turbo technology and has been specifically enhanced for the driving characteristics of SUVs, improving the engine’s low-speed torque, achieving a maximum torque of 215 Nm between 2000-4500 RPM. The peak torque can last continuously from 2000 to 4000 RPM, making it highly capable when it comes to accelerating, overtaking, or climbing slopes at low speeds. The 1.8T model is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT), offering shorter gear shift intervals, better fuel economy, and enhanced comfort.