Back in 2018, Land Rover set the bar absurdly high when it sent a Range Rover Sport up the legendary 999 steps leading to the Tianmen mountain arch. That climb became folklore in automotive marketing, part engineering showcase, part cinematic spectacle, and brands everywhere took notice. Fast-forward to now, and one Chinese manufacturer decided to script its own moment on the same iconic staircase. Chery selected its Fulwin X3L, a boxy, Defender-like SUV, to attempt a similarly dramatic ascent. But instead of a triumphant reenactment, the stunt spiraled into an online fiasco.

Footage from the attempt shows the X3L working its way up the massive stairway, seemingly steady at first. Then, without warning, a loud crack echoes, and a dark piece of equipment drops from the vehicle. The SUV j

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