The Chinese brand Jetour has unveiled the G700 Ark Edition, designed for an unusual task: not just to cross fords, but to maintain control when the wheels no longer touch the bottom. This is a new approach to "water" passability.
In deep water, the transmission disengages from the wheels and transfers energy to a separate water circuit – with electric propellers. Gyroscopic stabilization is responsible for the course, and an integrated navigation system for buoyancy and movement. Essentially, the SUV temporarily transforms into a controllable vessel, rather than "drifting" like a regular car.
Unlike the fully electric BYD Yangwang U8, an internal combustion engine is retained here as a generator. This simplifies energy maintenance during long trips off-grid – an important factor for expeditions and remote regions.
Key components are declared with IP68 sealing, and the engine has separate protection against water ingress. The manufacturer calls this mode "active forcing": the car maintains its direction even in a state of full buoyancy – unlike passive "wait it out and don't stall".
In addition to amphibious capabilities, the G700 is a classic body-on-frame SUV with three locking differentials, "tank turn" and "crab walk" modes, a declared power of up to 892 hp, and a wading depth of 38.2 inches. The technology seems niche, but it could be a safeguard during floods and on off-road routes.
However, there are no public video proofs of testing yet, nor data on the "swimming" time on a single charge. Without them, it's too early to assess practical reliability.