Chinese automaker Chery’s bid to recreate one of the most iconic automotive stunts of the last decade, the 2018 Dragon Challenge completed by the Range Rover Sport, has ended in a very public setback! The Chery Fulwin X3L attempted the same 999-step climb at China’s Tianmen Mountain but slid backwards mid-ascent, damaging part of the historic staircase.
High-profile stunt gone wrong
Back in 2018, Land Rover made headlines when a Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid scaled all 999 steps to the “Heaven’s Gate” archway at Tianmen Mountain, also known as the ‘Dragon Challenge.’ Climbing the Mountain’s 999 steps is a Herculean task, a near-vertical 45-degree staircase with uneven stone steps that demands relentless traction, instant torque and absolutely no loss of momentum. The feat wasn’t just a marketing win; it became a benchmark moment for modern 4×4 capability.
This past week, Chery attempted to follow in those footsteps with its electrified offering, the Fulwin X3L, which is far more accessible than the Range Rover. The Chery Fulwin X3L began its ascent well enough, climbing the first set of steep stairs before losing traction on the next section. The now viral video from an eyewitness shows the SUV slowing, slipping, and then rolling backwards down the staircase. It veered to the right and smashed into the stone guardrail, sending some pylons tumbling.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
What caused the failure?
+1 Photos
Chery has issued a statement explaining that the stunt was interrupted by an equipment malfunction rather than a mechanical shortcoming of the SUV itself.
According to the brand, a shackle securing the safety rope detached. The rope then wrapped around the right wheel, affecting traction and forward motion. The vehicle subsequently rolled backwards and collided with the stone guardrail. In the video as well, we can see something coming loose before the car lost control and started sliding backwards, seemingly affirming this claim from Chery.
Chery has apologised for the incident and confirmed it will pay for repairs to the damaged section of the staircase, adding that the natural environment was not harmed.
Is the Chery Fulwin X3L as mechanically capable as a Range Rover?
+3 Photos
The Chery Fulwin X3L is a range-extender hybrid based on the Chery iCar 03. Key figures include:
- 1.5-litre turbo petrol generator (115 kW)
- 185 kW single-motor or 315 kW dual-motor AWD setup
- Up to 422 hp and 372 lb-ft (market claim)
- 225 mm ground clearance
Its boxy design and upright stance have drawn comparisons to the Land Rover Defender 110, but the specifications tell a different story:
- Approach angle: 22° (Chery) vs 30° (Defender)
- Departure angle: 30° (Chery) vs 38° (Defender)
- Length/width: Slightly smaller than the Defender overall
So while the Chery Fulwin X3L has respectable off-road credentials, it doesn’t match the Land Rover Defender or the Range Rover Sport in areas critical to extreme gradient climbing.
It is unknown what preparations Chery made before the attempt.
Chery may plan a second attempt
Despite the mishap, reports from Chinese media suggest Chery is preparing for another try. Improvements under consideration for the Chery Fulwin 3XL include more aggressive all-terrain tyres, revised torque distribution programming, and a pitch angle monitor for the adaptive suspension.
Whether the SUV can redeem itself on the mountain remains to be seen. For now, the incident serves as a reminder: capability claims are best proven under real-world pressure, and the Tianmen Mountain staircase leaves no room for error.
Comments
New Comment