Chery Auto launched the first mid-size sedan model of its luxury sub-brand Riich in Beijing on December 23rd, according to a news report.

The Riich G5 is Chery's first entry model into the premium sedan segment. As the firm's self-developed luxury sedan, the Riich G5 is currently equipped with Chery's home-built 2.0T engine, with 170 horsepower and 235 N/m torque at 1900rpm. The G5 measures 4717mm x 1,794mm x 1,473mm, with a wheel base of 2,700mm.

The car comes with three versions at first, with the retail price starting from 142,800 yuan (US$ 20,900) for the 2.0T 6-speed manual, to 156,800 yuan for the 6-speed manual elite model, and 179,800 yuan for the luxury 5-speed version.

Chery Auto expects its Riich G5 to rival the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata which have been dominating China's mid-size sedan market, and believes its lower pricing will help the car gain market share.

Early reports said that Chery will later launch a naturally aspirated 2.0L Riich G5 with power peaking at 104kw at 5,800rpm and a max torque of 186Nm and equipped with an engine from Chery's own ACTECO range.

Chery Auto, a Chinese carmaker widely known for its low-end cars such as the QQ series, remains highly confident of its entry into the mid- to high-end segments in the fast-growing Chinese auto market.