Instead of a dull but swift run along the M-11 Neva highway, the route began on the Novorizhskoye thoroughfare. The road quality rivals that of paid options, though it carries more traffic. It’s a pity that it ends only about a hundred kilometers from Moscow, morphing into a modest single-lane road.
With traffic easing, a stop is made at the ancient village of Yaropolets, first mentioned in 1135, just off the main lane. This stop reveals many points of interest: the USSR’s first rural hydroelectric power station built in 1919, estates once owned by the Goncharov and Chernyshev families, now in a fragile state but steeped in history, several churches, and bunkers from the Great Patriotic War in the fortified area.
Further ahead, the car continues straight through the field. The TXL’s ground clearance suits a crossover, and the all‑wheel drive helps on the loose surface. It’s reassuring that such capability is no longer exotic for mid‑sized and larger Chinese SUVs. Even without extra tuning, a simple four‑wheel drive operation suffices in many situations.
On the M-9 Baltiya, the single-lane section remains quiet thanks to light traffic. If desired, adaptive cruise control can maintain steady pace. The journey allows drivers to keep up with fellow travelers, enjoying the TXL’s nearly 200 horsepower and its well‑integrated pre‑selective transmission. This balance of power and control justifies a detour via Rzhev to view a monument unveiled two years prior. The monument leaves a strong impression.
ASK PRICEThe EXEED TXL with a 1.6 engine is priced around 4 to 4.25 million rubles. The 2.0 Sport Edition sits at about 4.65 million. Private buyers can expect a direct discount of roughly 315 thousand rubles, with total incentives reaching up to 1 million rubles depending on the version and programs. Business buyers face similar constraints as private buyers, shrinking choice and driving interest toward Chinese brands. Gazprombank Autoleasing reports a rise in leasing share from 9.7% to 26.3% in the first nine months of 2022, making EXEED a top‑performing Chinese premium brand in leasing. Leasing firms are offering meaningful discounts on several EXEED models, including options with low monthly payments. For example, on the TXL 2.0, a manufacturer incentive up to 883 thousand rubles can combine with a leasing company discount of 200 thousand under a Preferential Leasing Program and 78 thousand for timely payments, potentially shaving up to 1.15 million rubles from the official price and lowering monthly payments to about 53.3 thousand rubles. |
On the Rzhev–Ostashkov stretch, asphalt held up better than expected for regional routes. Yet the surrounding scenery remains somber, with aging villages and sparse settlements. Local road crews tend to sprinkle salt after light snowfall rather than perform thorough cleaning, leaving mud in some spots. The TXL benefits from upright side windows and mirrors that stay clear, and the rear camera is equipped with a washer, sparing the driver from chasing grime in parking lots.
Staying with this route, Ostashkov makes a logical overnight stop. Even on short winter days, there is time for a stroll through town and a walk around Seliger Lake, which offers picturesque scenery and ample natural beauty that requires no extra praise. The nearby natural setting makes the stay worthwhile.
Afterward, if the M-11 toll road is not preferred, a route toward Staraya Russa remains. About 200 kilometers before, several kilometers of unpaved road can be navigated without a large ground clearance, and in winter conditions the route is navigable for most passenger cars. On patched pavement with occasional speed bumps, the EXEED TXL handles energy use and a quiet suspension, proving its versatility. The word learned here is resilience—Chinese engineering can surprise with efficiency and quiet operation.
Two routes exist from Staraya Russa to Petersburg. If one wants to avoid a one‑story landscape, head through Novgorod to the Neva highway. The western high‑speed diameter to the center of the northern capital takes just over an hour. After this test, the traveler can turn toward Luga. Interestingly, the regional lore mentions a rock band and the song Route E‑95 from 1996, reflecting the highway’s historic identity. With TXL’s well‑lit beams and effective fog lights, unlit night driving is manageable, aided by a reliable automatic high‑beam feature.
For the return, a traditional route is chosen. The journey becomes a few hours on a toll road instead of two days. While there are cameras on the way, there is little point in risking penalties by exceeding 80 mph; fuel consumption rises noticeably for any car. With the cruise control engaged, the two‑liter TXL averages about 11 liters per 100 km at 130 km/h. Gas stations pose fewer issues, though holiday surges can cause occasional waits.
Regarding toll road tips: if time allows, avoiding the immediate Moscow region segment can save money. The 47‑kilometer stretch costs around 1200 rubles, and a separate transponder is needed for a discount. For the Avtodorovskie 567 km, the fare is similarly structured. The detour through nonstandard routes is chosen to visit small Central Russian towns. The roads may be imperfect, but a capable car like the EXEED TXL makes such journeys feasible. When time pressures arise, the toll road offers a quick alternative, cruising at about 130 with a few gas stops and a pleasant pace to reach the northern capital, or even Kazan in the near future.
NOT JUST “HORSES”The TXL’s 2.0 Sport Edition, with a larger 2.0 engine, carries about a 400 thousand ruble premium over the 1.6. The price gap is meaningful, reflecting not only the stronger engine at 197 hp versus 186 hp but a richer equipment package. The two‑liter variant includes a built‑in DVR, extendable footrests, full seat heating, a full‑size spare wheel on an alloy rim, acoustic front windows, tinted rear glass, and a mixed USB port set (A and C types). The sporty touches include red brake calipers. |
Credit is due to Exeed Khimki AutoSpecial Center for providing the vehicle.
End of report: a note of gratitude to Gazprombank Autoleasing LLC for the financing program and logistical support, all included within the journey narrative.