Bestune NAT

Overview

The Bestune NAT is the second all-electric model developed on FAW's dedicated FME EV platform, following the Bestune E01. Officially launched on 10 April 2021, the EV was tailor-made in multiple variants for ride-hailing and e-hailing fleets like T3 Chuxing and DiDi. Its NAT moniker stands for "Next Automatic Taxi", and various trim levels have been rolled out since its debut. Positioned as a compact electric MPV with a five-seater layout, it is priced post-subsidy between RM146,800 and RM164,800. Two body sizes are available: earlier variants measure 4,450 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, while the Shuxiang Travel Extended Edition introduced in 2025 stretches the overall length to 4,592 mm. Depending on the powertrain and charging solutions, the line-up is categorised into standard, battery-swap, taxi, and integrated cruising/e-hailing taxi variants, delivering CLTC electric ranges of 401 km, 419 km, and 425 km.

Design Language

The Bestune NAT adopts a "One-Box" integrated body design, featuring a tall, boxy silhouette engineered to maximise interior headroom and legroom. Up front, it sports a closed-off EV front fascia enhanced by a distinctive raindrop-patterned trim, with the brand emblem perched at the edge of the bonnet and flanked by "Window of the World" LED headlamps linked via a gloss black bar. In profile, a crisp character line spans the vehicle, complemented by blacked-out A-, B-, and C-pillars, side mirrors, and lower door cladding for a neat aesthetic. It rides on 215/55 R17 tyres fitted to alloy wheels. The rear styling features clean, geometric surfaces, where the windscreen meets the lower tailgate at an abrupt right angle, accompanied by vertically mounted tunnel-style LED taillights integrated along the rear window pillars that form a bold ring-shaped lighting signature when illuminated. Inside, the cabin features a functional two-tone black and orange colourway designed for durability and ease of maintenance. The cockpit employs a driver-oriented T-shaped dashboard, retaining tactile physical controls for the climate control and audio volume. Key interfaces comprise an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, and a rotary gear selector. A two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is fitted, while the driver seat gains four-way power lumbar support and seat ventilation. Storage capacity is practical, featuring multiple concealed hooks and a foldable seatback tray table.

Powertrain and Performance

The Bestune NAT range is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, with FAW having deployed two primary outputs ranging from 100 kW to 120 kW over the years. Early 2021 to 2022 fleet editions deliver 100 kW (136 PS) and 260 Nm of torque. Later mainstream variants, including the 2023 PRO models and the 2024 Jiaxiang Edition, feature an upgraded motor producing 120 kW (163 PS) and 155 Nm, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.21 seconds with a top speed of 140 km/h, offering punchy urban pick-up and effortless response even with a full passenger load. Real-world power consumption is rated at approximately 14.2 kWh/100 km. Battery packs are available in both ternary lithium (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries, supplied by CATL, BYD, and REPT BATTERO. The battery-swap variant packs a 53 kWh ternary lithium battery offering a CLTC range of 401 km, while the standard variant gets a 54 kWh LFP unit rated at 425 km CLTC. High-spec models are equipped with BYD's LFP Blade Battery, returning a range of 419 km. DC fast charging can juice the battery from 30% to 80% state of charge in 30 minutes, whereas the battery-swap variant enables a complete pack exchange in approximately 3 minutes. The high-voltage electrical architecture is backed by an 8-year or 600,000 km manufacturer warranty.

Ride and Handling

Underneath, the NAT is built on a front-wheel-drive platform underpinned by a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension setup, paired with electric power steering. The suspension is tuned predominantly for ride comfort and composure, ironing out minor road imperfections effectively in urban traffic while maintaining steady road manners at highway speeds. Stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, complete with an electronic parking brake (EPB). In terms of advanced safety and driver assistance, baseline equipment includes cruise control, a reverse camera, and rear parking sensors on selected variants.

Cabin and Features

The cabin is centred around a 10-inch floating infotainment touchscreen equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone screen mirroring, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Specifically optimised for commercial fleet operations, the system integrates onboard Wi-Fi, fleet-specific navigation maps, real-time cabin data monitoring and telematics upload, and remote in-cabin video surveillance. Key convenience amenities include front-seat ventilation, four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver, one-touch cabin air purge, keyless entry, auto brake hold, rear air-con vents, and a rear centre armrest. The front passenger seat can be folded completely flat, with its recessed seatback doubling as a practical work desk or temporary parcel shelf. Boot capacity stands at 454 litres in standard guise, expanding to roughly 1,200 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The cabin features manual air conditioning along with a rear-passenger SOS emergency alert switch that dispatches a distress signal to the operational backend when pressed for three seconds.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the Bestune NAT is constructed with a high-tensile safety cell and comes fitted with dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags. Active safety systems include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Selected higher-trim variants add Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), capable of sounding driver alerts or automatically applying the brakes when an impending collision is detected. For automated driving capabilities, the 2023 PRO variant introduces an upgraded Lane Change Assist (LCA+) and HD map-based Navigation on Highway, which can guide the vehicle through highway on/off-ramps, execute automated lane-change recommendations, and adapt driving speed according to posted speed limits. The 2024 and newer mainstream models retain cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera as their primary driver aids.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Bestune NAT has proven resilient in commercial and fleet operations. In December 2023, monthly registrations reached 1,560 units, securing 12th place in the domestic MPV sales chart. Throughout 2024, it racked up 24,535 deliveries, placing it among the top contenders in the all-electric MPV segment. Between January and July 2024 alone, 8,569 units were delivered, cementing its position as FAW Bestune's best-selling new energy vehicle. As of 2026, it retains a firm grip on the compact electric MPV space; however, because the model is engineered almost exclusively for commercial mobility (with bulk fleet orders from T3 Chuxing, DiDi, and municipal taxi operators driving the vast majority of volume), it has struggled to break into the private retail market, leaving it heavily reliant on B2B fleet channels. Fleet operators and drivers praise its low operating energy consumption, minimal maintenance expenses, comprehensive extended powertrain warranty, and the sheer practicality of its powered sliding rear door. Conversely, trade-offs include a relatively basic infotainment UI with limited app versatility, noticeable wind buffeting at highway speeds, and the absence of advanced features such as intelligent voice assistants and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving across lower trims. Its main direct rival remains purpose-built commercial EVs like the BYD D1. On the whole, the Bestune NAT succeeds as a purpose-built commercial workhorse, leveraging smart packaging, versatile charging and battery-swap capabilities, and robust fleet-grade warranties to establish a distinct foothold in the dedicated e-hailing landscape.