Chery's smart watch keys
For several decades, the physical key has been a vital part of the car, allowing us to unlock the doors and even start the engine. It’s a system also used by motorcycles, some boats, and even some personal electric mobility devices to this day.
Yet as vehicles slowly enter the world of the metaverse, isn’t it time we move on from this aging technology?
One car brand seems to think so and it’s not who you expect. Maverick young automotive brand, Chery, wants to get its drivers used to starting their car with their watch.
A part of their largest model, the Chery Tiggo 8, the included Smartwatch key does everything the conventional key can do and more.
The Tiggo 8 is impossible to mistake for any other car with styling by British auto designer, Kevin Rice. It’s a big vehicle, measuring at 4.7 meters long and 1.8 meters wide. It comes with automatic LED headlights with daytime running lamps (DRL) on the bumper. The grille flows down into an airdam that’s split by the chrome trim that extends out under the automatic LED headlights. Another chrome strip houses the daytime running lamps running along the bumper. It’s completed with a bash plate at the bottom in aluminum finish.
Under the hood, it’s powered by a Euro-5 compliant, turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 145-hp at 5,500 rpm, with max torque of 210-Nm between 1,750-4,400 rpm. This is paired with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.
The Chery Smartwatch Key can start the car, unlock the doors, open the windows, start the engine and even turn on the aircon. You can do all these even when some distance from the car, allowing the cabin to be cold and comfortable the moment you enter.
It doesn’t just display the time and date, this gadget also monitors the wearer’s health and pairs with your smartphone. As such, the wearer’s phone notifications are sent straight to the watch.
Of course, it still has the conventional smart key which automatically unlocks the vehicle and unfolds the power fold side mirrors when you’re within 1.2 meters. With it, the electronic rear hatch can be locked, unlocked and opened. You can also start or stop the engine with a three-second long press on the lock button.
When walking away, it locks the doors when you more than 1.5 meters away. If there’s an open window while parked, you can also close it remotely with a three-second press on the lock button. If you leave the Smart Key in the car, it will alert you.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Lux EX has all the fancy features you’d expect from a top-of-line, seven-seater SUV, but at only P1.340M.
Could this smartwatch key potentially replace the actual key? It’s still too soon to tell. However, it certainly shows that one needn’t be clutching a mobile phone constantly. Our connection to the digital world can be as practical and subtle as a watch.