A few years ago, Land Rover earned worldwide bragging rights when a Range Rover Sport clawed its way up the 999 steps to Heaven’s Gate at Tianmen Mountain in China, a 45 degree staircase carved into the side of a dramatic natural arch. Fast forward to November 2025, and Chinese automaker Chery decided it wanted a piece of that marketing magic. The company brought its new Fulwin X3L SUV to the same site and set up cameras to capture a triumphant repeat. Instead, the attempt ended with the SUV sliding backward, crunching into the stone guardrail, and the whole thing instantly turning into a viral “what not to do” clip across social media.
On paper, the Fulwin X3L looked like it had the right ingredients for a hero moment. The boxy SUV uses a range extender plug in hybrid setup with dual electric motors, all wheel drive, and quoted outputs of 422 horsepower and 372 pound feet of torque. That should be more than enough to tackle a lot of off road challenges, but the staircase to Heaven’s Gate is no ordinary hill climb. Rising roughly 715 feet at a sustained 45 degree angle, those 999 steps are steep, slick, and unforgiving. Unlike the Range Rover Sport that successfully reached the top in 2018, the Chery lost momentum partway up, locked its brakes, then began to skate backward before slamming into the ancient railing and sending chunks of stone flying.
That impact is what really turned a failed stunt into a PR problem. The staircase and surrounding walls are part of a historic tourist site, and images of broken stone at the foot of a bright yellow SUV did not sit well with onlookers in China or abroad. Chery quickly apologized, reportedly promising local authorities that it would repair the damage and blaming the incident on a shackle from the safety rope detaching and wrapping around a wheel. Even so, company “insiders” say they are already preparing a second attempt with revised torque distribution programming, a pitch angle monitor for the adaptive suspension, and more aggressive all terrain tires. It makes for gripping internet content, but it is also a reminder that trying to copy another brand’s legendary stunt at a protected landmark can go sideways in a hurry, no matter how much power your spec sheet boasts.
Chinese automaker Chery carried out a stunt on the 999-step “Stairway to Heaven” at Tianmen Mountain, only for one of its test SUVs to lose traction mid-climb, slide back and crash through a guardrail.#Chery #TianmenMountain #StairwayToHeaven #AutoNews
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/ADJj5na7c4
— BusinessToday Malaysia (@BusinessTodayM1) November 14, 2025
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
