Want off-road excitement with legal modifications and zero worries? Which pickup can smartly and affordably deliver for pragmatic players and outdoor enthusiasts? Chery has the answer!

　　As the first rugged off-road pickup from the RELY brand under Chery, the RELY R08 PRO, with its four core strengths—striking design, powerful performance, high intelligence, and comprehensive safety—meets the full-scenario needs of pragmatic players and outdoor lovers for work, family, and off-road adventures.

　　Our reporter conducted an in-depth test drive of the RELY R08 PRO, evaluating its performance across demanding courses including continuous potholes, deep ruts, water crossings, high-angle banked turns, and U-shaped slopes. Its hardcore "ready to conquer from the factory" performance redefines expectations for 150,000-yuan pickups, setting a new value benchmark in China's rugged pickup market.

Qilin Rugged Aesthetics with Factory Off-Road DNA

　　At first glance, the RELY R08 PRO's appearance signals it's a formidable machine. Its Qilin rugged design language gives it an inherent off-road modified look. The body lines are sharp and bold, and the front features integrated bi-LED headlights for broader illumination.

　　Standard 18-inch AT all-terrain tires and widened scratch-resistant fenders are the first line of defense for its hardcore capability. On high-angle banked turns, the tires' tenacious grip keeps the vehicle firmly planted, delivering a "smooth" cornering experience.

　　The widened, scratch-resistant fenders not only enhance the vehicle's muscular appearance but also effectively protect the paint from gravel kicked up during off-road driving.

　　The factory-installed snorkel is a boon for off-road enthusiasts. During the test, crossing water pits deep enough to submerge the entire grille was handled with ease; simply steadying the throttle ensured a composed and even passage.

　　The metal side steps are another impressive user-friendly detail. Our reporter found they not only facilitate entry and exit and provide side protection but also serve as a "natural buffer" between the driver's legs and the body, a thoughtful feature for daily use.

　　Furthermore, the RELY R08 PRO offers ample cargo box expandability, supporting various official modifications like tonneau covers, high caps, overlanding setups, and camper conversions. One vehicle can adapt to the diverse needs of business, family, and off-roading.

Golden Powertrain with Maximum Off-Road Performance

　　Built for hardcore off-roading, the RELY R08 PRO is powered by a golden powertrain combination of a 2.3T engine and a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a peak torque of 420 N·m, available from as low as 1,500 rpm.

　　During the off-road test on U-shaped slopes, this powertrain impressed. Whether climbing steep hills or navigating continuous potholes, power delivery was immediate and responsive. The 8-speed transmission shifted with clarity and smoothness, avoiding the jarring shifts typical of traditional off-road vehicles, effectively balancing aggressive climbing power with highway cruising fuel economy.

　　Off-road hardware includes a BorgWarner part-time four-wheel-drive system with manual 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, complemented by front and rear differential locks. This allowed our reporter to effectively extricate the vehicle even with only one or two wheels on the ground in pothole sections, and easily self-recover in challenging conditions like mud.

　　Notably, the drive mode selector is integrated into a circular dial below the gear lever. During driving, switching between modes felt as natural as shifting gears, significantly reducing the chance of misoperation.

　　The RELY R08 PRO also features two dedicated off-road functions: Tank Turn and Crawl Control. Tank Turn can reduce the minimum turning radius to about 5 meters, making U-turns on narrow roads or mountain paths more manageable. Crawl Control automatically manages throttle and braking, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering, providing greater stability on steep descents and significantly enhancing safety in extreme off-road situations.

　　With a 34° approach angle, a 29° departure angle, and a minimum ground clearance of 230mm, the RELY R08 PRO navigated continuous potholes and steep slopes without scraping or bottoming out. Combined with full-terrain driving modes including ECO, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Off-Road Expert, even novice off-roaders can confidently tackle complex terrain.

　　The chassis combines a front double-wishbone independent suspension with a rear leaf-spring non-independent suspension. This setup provided remarkable stability across various extreme conditions, including potholes, deep ruts, water crossings, high-angle banked turns, and U-shaped slopes, maintaining excellent handling and stability even under heavy loads, addressing both off-road and load-carrying requirements.

Passenger-Vehicle Intelligence Upgrade: Redefining Pickup Perceptions

　　Responding to the trend of "passenger-ization" in the pickup market, the RELY R08 PRO shatters the stereotype of pickups prioritizing utility over intelligence with a smart experience comparable to high-end passenger vehicles.

　　The cabin comes standard with a 15.6-inch touchscreen and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, delivering industry-leading smoothness and responsiveness. It supports both Apple CarPlay and HUAWEI HiCar for dual smartphone connectivity, accommodating diverse user preferences.

　　During our experience, the infotainment system's responsiveness left a strong impression, with smooth transitions even under frequent use.

　　On the intelligent assistance front, L2-level driving assistance features—including Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Centering, and Automatic Emergency Braking—enhance long-distance driving comfort and provide an extra safety layer in complex conditions.

　　Connectivity features like telematics, OTA updates, remote control via app, and voice control are all standard. The voice system supports continuous recognition of 3-5 commands without repeated wake-ups, enabling more focused and convenient operation during off-road excursions.

Comprehensive Safety Systems for Confident Travel

　　Safety-wise, the RELY R08 PRO establishes a full-spectrum safety framework combining active and passive protection.

　　Active safety features include the L2-level driver assistance suite, providing support for safe driving. The 360° panoramic view system, combined with a transparent chassis view, effectively eliminates blind spots. During the test, the 360° system dynamically displayed side views based on steering angle and trajectory, proving invaluable for mountain road passing, tight parking, off-road driving, and urban lane changes. The intelligent EPB system offers functions including Auto Hold, Hill Assist, anti-misoperation, emergency braking, and towing mode, preventing issues like forgetting to engage the parking brake or rolling back on slopes.

　　Passive safety is ensured by six standard airbags—dual front, side, and curtain airbags—providing all-round protection for front and rear occupants. Working in concert with seatbelts, they effectively absorb crash energy and mitigate secondary injuries.

　　In summary: "The RELY R08 PRO is born with off-road DNA, legally modifiable without hassle, and handles work, family, and off-road with ease."

　　With a compelling starting price of RMB 144,800, the RELY R08 PRO combines rugged off-road performance, passenger-grade intelligence, and full-scenario practicality. Its "ready to conquer from the factory" hardcore capability breaks the value ceiling of the 150,000-yuan pickup market, allowing every user seeking a versatile lifestyle to afford the freedom to explore without boundaries.