What are the differences between T99 and T99S?

[ElisaAnn]

The following are the differences between the two: 1. The T99S is equipped with an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, while the T99 uses an 8AT transmission produced by Shengrui. 2. The chassis tuning of the T99S leans towards comfort, but its ability to filter out minor vibrations is relatively average. On small uneven road sections, the shock absorbers may exhibit some high-frequency vibrations. The steering wheel's direct feedback is average, with a lighter feel, and the steering effort is not heavy, making it easy for both daily driving and parking maneuvers—a common tuning approach for SUVs. 3. The T99S performs well in noise control at low to medium speeds, and in cruising conditions, the engine does not produce excessive operational noise.

[MaciFitz]

Having driven both the T99 and the T99S, I feel the differences mainly lie in the details. The most noticeable upgrade in the T99S is the transmission, which has been upgraded to an 8AT from the previous 6AT, making gear shifts much crisper. Although both models feature a 2.0T engine, the tuning in the T99S is more aggressive, delivering a stronger push-back sensation during acceleration. The chassis has been retuned, reducing rear-seat bumpiness over speed bumps, and the steering wheel feels noticeably heavier. Externally, the S version adds some blacked-out trim, more aggressive wheel designs, and red stitching in the interior for a sportier feel. The voice recognition in the infotainment system is also slightly faster, and Bluetooth connectivity is much more stable on long drives.

[Joel]

Having actually disassembled the chassis of these two models, the powertrain optimization of the T99S is quite substantial. After switching from a 6AT to an Aisin 8AT transmission, the cruising RPM at 120 km/h drops by 200, saving about 0.8L in highway fuel consumption. The redesigned engine intake piping has significantly reduced turbo lag. With reinforced front suspension bushings, high-speed cornering roll is reduced by 30%. The steering wheel now features a tighter rack, decreasing turning circles by 0.2. Thicker sound insulation paired with Michelin quiet tires results in a 3 dB reduction in cabin noise at 80 km/h. The revised seat cushion formulation makes three-hour drives much less taxing on the back.

[DelGabriella]

Last year, I helped my cousin pick up his T99S, and compared to my old T99, I noticed many detailed improvements. The emblem was changed to pure black, and the smoked taillights look more spirited. The wheel rims were upgraded from 19-inch double five-spoke to 20-inch blade-style, and the tires are 10mm wider. Inside the car, the most noticeable changes are the gearshift lever replaced with a crystal head and the air-conditioning buttons becoming touch-sensitive with backlighting. The wireless charging pad's power increased from 5W to 15W, charging the phone fully about half an hour faster. The active safety features now include rear collision warning, and the side approaching vehicle alert during reversing is noticeably more timely.

[LeBentley]

As a frequent visitor to 4S dealerships, the T99S comes with three additional practical features compared to the base model. The built-in dashcam eliminates the hassle of wiring it yourself, while the factory-installed night vision system proves particularly useful on rural roads. The driver's seat features three memory presets, making it convenient for couples to switch drivers without readjusting the mirrors. Most importantly, the air conditioning system now includes PM2.5 filtration and negative ion functionality, significantly reducing sneezing during allergy season. The hands-free trunk kick sensor has been fine-tuned for improved sensitivity, resulting in noticeably higher success rates when loading items. The infotainment system now comes with the Amap real-time traffic navigation, which proactively suggests alternate routes during congested conditions.

[OMicah]

After studying the maintenance logs of both vehicles, the later-stage costs of the T99S upgrade project require attention. The oil change interval for the 8AT transmission is 10,000 kilometers shorter than the 6AT, and each service costs 400 yuan more. Touch-up paint for the blackout kit is 20% more expensive and must be color-matched at a specialized repair shop. The leather side bolsters on the sport seats wear out faster, so bi-annual conditioning is recommended. However, the 20-inch wheels are actually more durable and less prone to deformation when hitting potholes. The infotainment data package was upgraded from basic to 5G, though the reduced CarPlay projection latency deserves praise. In the long run, fuel savings basically offset the maintenance cost difference.