The JAC QX PHEV is a plug-in hybrid C-segment SUV under JAC Group (formerly JAC Motors), positioned as an "affordable new energy SUV" targeting the RM100,000 to RM150,000 family vehicle segment. First introduced in September 2023, the model represents a key offering in JAC Motors' electrification transition. In 2024, the "Gift Edition" was rolled out with a price-slashing strategy to spur sales, followed by an update to the 2025 model year in April 2025. As of press time (June 2026), the line-up on sale mainly comprises three 2025 variants: 120km Jinneng Edition, Jinchi Edition, and Jinxiang Edition, with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM129,900 to RM149,900.
Positioned in the compact PHEV SUV segment, the JAC QX PHEV measures 4,605 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,700 mm in height, with a 2,720 mm wheelbase. Built with a 5-door, 5-seater layout, it offers an expandable boot capacity ranging from 670 litres to 1,080 litres and has a kerb weight of 1,765 kg. Key highlights include a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds, a five-link independent rear suspension setup, a 120 km CLTC pure electric range, and an entry-level price tag starting from RM129,900. Its primary rivals include segment contenders such as the BYD Song Pro DM-i, Changan Qiyuan Q05, and Haval Xiaolong.
In terms of market performance, the JAC QX PHEV has struggled with sluggish sales since its debut. According to public data, it registered a cumulative sales volume of just 2,231 units in the six months between its September 2023 launch and early 2024, with monthly sales plummeting to 88 units in February 2024. Although the introduction of the RM89,900 Gift Edition in March 2024 provided a slight sales uptick, it still failed to break through the 1,000-unit monthly milestone.
On the exterior, the JAC QX PHEV carries over design cues from the Sehol brand, sporting a relatively conventional silhouette. Up front, it features a large trapezoidal grille with chrome pin-stripe detailing, complemented by split-type LED headlamp clusters and a full-width LED daytime running light (DRL) strip that visually broadens the vehicle's stance.
Along the sides, clean and flowing character lines pair with dual waistlines, black wheel arch claddings, and side skirt garnishes to lend a hint of sportiness. Around the back, it gets a full-width taillight cluster alongside twin faux exhaust outlets integrated into the lower bumper. Exterior colour choices are primarily white-based, with range-topping variants riding on 235/50 R19 tyres and lower-to-mid specs fitted with 235/55 R18 rubbers.
Inside, the cabin adopts a signature electrified vehicle aesthetic that remains largely understated. The dashboard is headlined by standard dual 12.3-inch floating connected screens across the range, complemented by a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. Cabin appointments predominantly feature soft-touch slush-moulded plastics and synthetic leather, offering few standout bespoke touches.
The JAC QX PHEV is driven by a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Codenamed F31A, the Atkinson-cycle petrol engine puts out 81 kW (approx. 110 PS) and 135 Nm of peak torque, runs on RON 92 petrol, and meets China VI emission standards.
The electric drive comes from a TZ220XYAF permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 300 Nm of torque. Total system output has not been officially specified. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). JAC claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 178 km/h.
In terms of electric range, energy is supplied by a 21.68 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) battery pack sourced from Gotion High-tech, yielding a CLTC pure electric range of 120 km (87 km on the WLTC cycle). WLTC-rated combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.33 L/100 km, while fuel economy under depleted-battery (charge-sustaining) mode stands at 5.37 L/100 km. With a 54-litre fuel tank, the theoretical total cruising range surpasses 1,000 km.
On the charging front, the entire 2025 line-up supports DC fast charging at up to 26 kW, taking 26 minutes (around 0.43 hours) to juice up from 30% to 80% SoC; AC slow charging is capped at 6.6 kW, requiring 3.5 hours for a full charge. To achieve a lower entry price, the 2024 Gift Edition dispensed with DC fast charging altogether, taking 3.5 hours on AC charging. The range-topping Jinxiang Edition also supports 2.2 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) external power output.
Under the skin, the JAC QX PHEV rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear five-link independent suspension configuration. Notably, a five-link independent rear suspension setup is a generous offering for a PHEV SUV in this price bracket, theoretically delivering superior road bump absorption and rear passenger ride comfort compared to rivals fitted with rear torsion beams. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB).
It utilises an electric power steering (EPS) setup built over a monocoque chassis. With an approach angle of 18° and a departure angle of 19°, its clearance metrics align with mainstream compact SUVs. Drivers can toggle between three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort—alongside features such as regenerative braking, Auto Brake Hold, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
According to media review feedback, while the overall driving dynamics are decent, a distinctly spongy brake pedal feel is a notable drawback that undermines driver confidence.
The JAC QX PHEV comes standard with dual 12.3-inch floating screens combining a fully digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. The system supports AutoNavi navigation, 4G connected services, and voice recognition for multimedia, navigation, telephony, and climate controls. For smartphone integration, it supports HUAWEI HiCar for seamless connectivity with compatible Huawei devices.
It is worth noting that to achieve its aggressive price cut, the 2024 Gift Edition stripped out significant tech equipment—omitting voice control and connected car services, leaving the infotainment screen virtually as a basic display with only Bluetooth pairing.
Comfort and convenience kit varies across the variants:
Jinneng Edition (Entry-level): Halogen headlamps, reverse camera, 4 ultrasonic parking sensors, no sunroof
Jinchi Edition (Mid-spec): LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof with tilt/slide function, reverse camera
Jinxiang Edition (High-spec): 360-degree surround view camera, powered tailgate (with memory), LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof with tilt/slide function
Standard kit across the range includes automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, keyless entry with push-start button, and synthetic leather upholstery with power adjustment for the driver's seat (depending on spec). The sound system is a standard factory setup without premium branding.
For passive safety, the JAC QX PHEV utilises a high-strength cage body architecture. Airbag allocation varies across variants:
Jinneng Edition: Dual front airbags, front side airbags (stated as standard in selected data sheets)
Jinchi Edition: Dual front airbags, front side airbags
Jinxiang Edition: Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags
Standard active safety across the range includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the JAC QX PHEV is rather basic. Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera (upgraded to a 360-degree camera on the Jinxiang Edition) are standard across the board. Level 2 ADAS features—such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Blind Spot Monitoring/Lane Change Assist—are exclusively available as paid optional extras on the top-spec Jinxiang Edition.
The JAC QX PHEV's market performance reflects a classic case of receiving decent reviews yet struggling commercially. Monthly sales have long hovered well below the 1,000-unit mark, sinking to a low of 88 units in February 2024. The RM89,900 Gift Edition introduced in March 2024 (which omitted DC fast charging and telematics) attempted to turn the tide via price slashing, but achieved limited success, with prospective buyers widely regarding the omission of DC fast charging as a deal-breaker.
Market analysts attribute the sluggish performance of the JAC QX PHEV to several key factors:
Weak brand equity is the primary hurdle. Although JAC is a familiar brand name, it has long lacked a blockbuster hit in the passenger car arena, leading to subdued brand confidence among consumers. Furthermore, a sparse 4S dealership network has limited opportunities for potential buyers to experience the car in person.
Compromised standard specifications. Lower variants offer virtually no smart connectivity features, while Level 2 ADAS remains optional across the board—driving the top-spec on-the-road price up to RM150,000 once optioned, thereby eroding its value proposition.
Lack of distinct product identity. The exterior borrows heavily from the Sehol styling language and lacks a dedicated brand persona. The cabin is rather plain, and while the infotainment UI runs smoothly, pre-installed apps are sparse without support for third-party app downloads.
On the ground, owner feedback highlights the spongy braking sensation as a noticeable driving flaw. The 120 km pure EV range can feel somewhat tight for high-mileage daily commuters, necessitating frequent top-ups. Owners have also voiced strong dissatisfaction over the deletion of DC fast charging on the Gift Edition.
In the wider competitive landscape, key rivals such as the BYD Song Pro DM-i dominate the segment on the back of stronger brand equity, an extensive dealer network, and proven DM-i hybrid technology. While the JAC QX PHEV holds a price advantage on paper (especially with the RM89,900 Gift Edition), persistent shortcomings in brand pull, equipment packaging, and retail footprint continue to hinder any real sales breakthrough.
The JAC QX PHEV represents JAC Motors' earnest attempt at electrification, backed by solid fundamentals in powertrain performance, chassis engineering (five-link rear suspension), and pure electric range. Nonetheless, limited brand equity, underwhelming equipment packaging, a lack of design individuality, and restricted dealer coverage have combined to keep this SUV on the fringes of the market.
From the RM89,900 Gift Edition to the 2025 lineup starting from RM129,900, the JAC QX PHEV has explored multiple pricing strategies to carve out market share. Yet for buyers navigating the RM100,000 to RM150,000 PHEV SUV segment, brand reputation, after-sales convenience, resale value, and smart connectivity are equally crucial considerations—areas where the JAC QX PHEV falls short. For buyers on a strict budget who can do without DC fast charging and ADAS, the RM89,900 Gift Edition remains an affordable alternative; however, for those seeking a well-rounded package, established segment leaders in the same price range offer a far more compelling choice.
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