JAC Refine RF8 PHEV

Model Overview

The JAC Refine RF8 PHEV is a large-size intelligent plug-in hybrid MPV introduced by JAC Group's Refine brand. Officially launched in April 2024, it marks the first MPV model co-developed under the in-depth partnership between JAC and Huawei. Built upon the Refine MUSE smart electric architecture, the vehicle is positioned as a "New Guochao Intelligent Hybrid MPV", catering seamlessly to both family outings and corporate chauffeur duties. The Refine RF8 PHEV pioneers dual smart infotainment system options in its class, offering buyers a choice between the Huawei HarmonyOS Edition and the Zhiling Edition. Upgraded variants like the 2026 Yuexiang Pro bring dozens of refinements across five core areas, including advanced driver assistance, interior tactile quality, and seating comfort. Power comes from a Thor hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.5T engine paired with a 3-speed DHT, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 150 km to 252 km, with official retail pricing ranging from RM199,900 to RM259,900. In 2025, it bagged the "Hybrid MPV of the Year" accolade at the 10th Qilu Auto Consumer Trusted Brand Awards.

Design Language

The exterior of the Refine RF8 PHEV embraces the "New Guochao" design language, delivering a commanding and stately presence. The front fascia features a massive cascading waterfall grille seamlessly integrated with LED matrix headlamps, projecting strong road presence. Selected variants offer alternative grille inserts to cater to individual tastes. Along the sides, the elongated, flowing silhouette is fitted with standard dual powered sliding doors for effortless passenger access. At the rear, full-width LED taillights ensure sharp visual recognition after dark.

In terms of dimensions, the Refine RF8 PHEV measures 5,215 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,830 mm in height, riding on a 3,100 mm wheelbase, which places it squarely within the mainstream large MPV segment. Minimum ground clearance stands at 180 mm unladen and 130 mm fully laden, striking a fine balance between rough-road clearance and easy cabin ingress. Exterior paint options include Zitan Brown, Crystal White, and Oriental Blue.

Inside, the Refine RF8 PHEV adopts a wraparound cockpit layout available in several two-tone themes, such as Warm Coffee/Moon White, Deep Sea/Moon White, Elegant Black/Chestnut Brown, and Ink Black/Yunjin Beige. The dashboard houses either dual 12.3-inch connected screens (Zhiling Edition) or a 15.6-inch Huawei Vision Smart Screen (HarmonyOS Edition), powered by Refine Smart Link or the Huawei HarmonyOS platform. Premium soft-touch materials dominate the cabin alongside wood-grain trim inserts, creating an upscale and cosy ambiance. The use of baby-safe, eco-friendly cabin materials ensures healthy in-car air quality.

Powertrain Performance

The Refine RF8 PHEV is driven by a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5T turbocharged petrol engine and a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The internal combustion unit (BHE15-BFZ) delivers 120 kW (163 PS) and 255 Nm of torque, while the electric motor generates 160 kW and 350 Nm. Together, the system churns out a combined output of 310 kW (approx. 422 PS) and a massive 745 Nm of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.3 seconds towards a top speed of 180 km/h.

Battery specifications vary across variants: the 27.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack provides a CLTC pure electric range of 150 km (116 km on the WLTC cycle), whereas the 44.5 kWh ternary lithium battery delivers up to 252 km on the CLTC cycle. Combined cruising range with a full tank and full charge reaches 1,250 km, with real-world tests yielding up to an impressive 1,613 km—surpassing factory-claimed figures. Combined fuel consumption on the WLTC cycle is rated at an ultra-low 1.27 L/100 km, while fuel consumption in battery-depleted mode is just 5.4 L/100 km. It features a 54-litre fuel tank rated for RON 92 petrol or above. Via DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% top-up takes only 24.6 minutes, while AC slow charging requires 4 hours.

Chassis and Handling

The Refine RF8 PHEV utilises a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout supported by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Tuned with German engineering characteristics, this chassis setup blends ride compliance with handling composure, maintaining commendable body control during high-speed cruising and spirited cornering. Braking power is handled by ventilated discs all around, supplemented by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold. It rides on 225/55 R18 tyres with a space-saver spare wheel. The turning radius is rated at 6.2 metres. Additionally, the CST comfort braking system actively mitigates front-end pitch during stops, significantly improving passenger ride comfort. The MPV has a kerb weight of 2,330 kg and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 2,895 kg.

Cabin and Equipment

The Refine RF8 PHEV comes in a 2+2+3 seven-seater configuration (with an optional 6-seater layout). The second row features dual individual executive captain seats equipped with heating, ventilation, massage, powered leg rests, and power-reclining backrests for business-class comfort. Third-row comfort is equally prioritised with a generous 517 mm seat cushion depth and a 125° recline angle, minimising fatigue over long-distance journeys. A decently wide centre walkthrough between the second-row seats ensures hassle-free access to the rearmost seats. Cargo space measures 700 litres in standard guise, expanding to 2,500 litres with the third-row seats folded flat to accommodate luggage for family getaways or airport runs.

The intelligent digital cockpit remains a key selling point. Buyers can select between two infotainment systems: the Huawei HarmonyOS Edition, which boasts a 15.6-inch Huawei Vision Smart Screen with full HarmonyOS ecosystem integration, seamless mobile-to-car app handoff, and multi-device pairing; and the Zhiling Edition, which sports dual 12.3-inch displays powered by the world's first automotive deployment of iFLYTEK's Spark AI Large Language Model, enabling one-touch scenario modes, smart voice controls, and smart home connectivity. A Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) comes standard across the board, bundling Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. Creature comforts include tri-zone automatic climate control, rear independent air-conditioning controls, a PM2.5 air filtration system, an 8-speaker sound setup, and a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the Refine RF8 PHEV is engineered around a high-strength safety cage where high-strength steel makes up 71.7% of the structure, reinforced by hot-stamped steel in critical collision areas. Passive protection is complemented by 6 airbags, comprising dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags covering both front and rear rows. The vehicle achieved category-topping safety scores for MPVs in C-IASI crash assessments and earned the NESTA Six-Dimensional Electrical Safety Certification, offering safety akin to a mobile fortress.

Active safety is comprehensive, with standard equipment including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Higher variants gain Lane Change Assist (LCA), Door Opening Warning (DOW), and front and rear bidirectional Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Its Level 2 ADAS suite incorporates Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). A 360-degree surround-view monitor with a transparent chassis function is fitted on selected variants.

Battery safety is addressed through a liquid-cooled thermal management system that keeps either the LFP or ternary lithium battery pack operating within optimal temperature bands across all conditions. The 2026 iterations feature further refinements to the Battery Management System (BMS).

Market Performance and Reception

Since its debut, the Refine RF8 PHEV has established a unique presence in the mid-to-high-end plug-in hybrid MPV space thanks to its dual-fuel versatility, exceptional driving range, and Huawei HarmonyOS smart cockpit. In 2025, the model took home the "Hybrid MPV of the Year" award at the 10th Qilu Auto Consumer Trusted Brand Awards. At the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, the RF8 PHEV was highlighted as the crown jewel of JAC Group's collaboration with Huawei, underscoring the brand's strategic milestones in electrification and connected technologies.

Consumer feedback highlights several standout attributes: a real-world range exceeding 1,613 km that genuinely eliminates range anxiety; a 3,100 mm wheelbase matched with a deep 517 mm third-row seat base delivering true adult-friendly third-row comfort; an RM200,000-class price point packed with RM400,000-class equipment like the Huawei cockpit and Level 2 ADAS; and a 7.3-second century sprint coupled with a frugal 5.4 L/100 km depleted-battery consumption. On the flip side, observed drawbacks include: weaker brand prestige compared to rivals like GAC Trumpchi and Denza; slight safety feature omissions on entry-level specs; and a 24.6-minute DC fast-charging duration that trails some competitors.

Primary market competitors include the GAC Trumpchi E8 (priced from RM209,800, 1,200 km range), Denza D9 (from RM339,800), and Buick GL8 Lu Zun PHEV (from RM339,900). By delivering an "RM200,000 price tag with an RM400,000 experience", the Refine RF8 PHEV has carved out a compelling niche in the RM100,000 to RM300,000 hybrid MPV segment. The refreshed 2026 lineup further sharpens its overall value proposition, standing as an attractive option for private buyers and commercial fleet operators seeking cavernous space, long-legged range, and solid value for money.