JAC Motors X8 E

Model Overview

The JAC X8 E Family is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV from JAC Group designed specifically for large family travel. Officially launched in September 2024 with a price range of RM99,800 to RM149,800, it is positioned as an accessible, spacious hybrid family SUV in the RM100,000 segment. Measuring 4,825 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, and 1,758 mm tall with a 2,830 mm wheelbase, it offers 5-, 6-, and 7-seater layouts to cater to multi-child families and long-distance group journeys. Its key selling points include an ultra-long combined driving range, low fuel consumption even with a depleted battery, a highly versatile cabin, and competitive pricing. It targets budget-conscious families needing multiple seats, standing out as one of the few three-row PHEV SUVs from a Chinese brand accessible at the RM100,000 price point.

Design Language The exterior adopts JAC's understated family-oriented design language, featuring clean, angular lines rather than an overly aggressive coupe profile, striking a balance between enduring aesthetics and interior space utilisation. The front fascia incorporates a horizontal grille flanked by structured LED headlights, complemented by a full-width light bar that enhances visual width, with LED daytime running lights standard across the range. In profile, the SUV sports a boxy silhouette, roof rails, and 19-inch alloy wheels that lend it a grounded stance, while the flat roofline ensures generous headroom for the third row. The rear design is clean and cohesive, featuring horizontal taillights that echo the front end, alongside hidden exhaust outlets that emphasize its eco-friendly credentials. Inside, the minimalist wraparound dashboard is trimmed in extensive soft-touch materials with dual-tone colour schemes available. A dual 12.3-inch display setup sits prominently at the centre with minimal physical switchgear, delivering a practical, family-friendly environment that is intuitive for passengers of all ages.

Powertrain and Performance All variants are powered by a 1.5T plug-in hybrid powertrain. The hybrid-dedicated 1.5T turbocharged petrol engine produces 112 kW, paired with an electric motor delivering a peak output of 150 kW, generating a combined system torque of 320 Nm via a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds, providing ample power reserves for urban overtaking and highway cruising. On pure electric power, it delivers a CLTC-rated range of 110 km for daily zero-emission commutes, while the combined range reaches up to 1,100 km. Even under depleted battery conditions, its WLTC fuel consumption is rated at just 5.49 L/100 km on standard RON 92 petrol, eliminating range anxiety on long journeys. The battery supports DC fast charging, taking just 30 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%, seamlessly balancing home AC charging with quick top-ups on the road, while delivering smooth, linear power delivery with virtually seamless engine-motor transitions.

Chassis and Handling The chassis utilizes a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension setup tuned primarily for ride comfort. Damping has been optimised for full passenger loads, effectively absorbing road surface imperfections and keeping body bounce and roll well-controlled over speed bumps. The electric power steering (EPS) is light and effortless at low speeds and gains reassuring weight at highway speeds with a predictable on-centre feel, making it easy to manoeuvre for all drivers. The vehicle offers three driving modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—alongside adjustable multi-level regenerative braking. Standard equipment includes Auto Brake Hold and Hill-Start Assist, ensuring relaxed driving in stop-and-go traffic and on steep inclines, backed by progressive brake pedal feedback for dependable daily safety.

Cabin and Practicality The cabin's greatest strength lies in its modular space. The 6-seater variant features individual second-row captain seats with 230 mm of fore-and-aft sliding travel and up to 135 degrees of backrest recline, with a central walk-through aisle allowing easy access to the rearmost seats. The 7-seater variant comes with widened and thickened third-row seat cushions, ensuring comfortable seating for adults on short trips. Both the second and third rows can be folded completely flat, expanding boot capacity up to a cavernous 2,760 litres for camping trips or bulky cargo. Standard features include the dual 12.3-inch digital screens powered by the Feiyu OS infotainment system, supporting 60-second continuous voice interaction, Huawei HiCar connectivity, and an in-car karaoke function. Mid-to-high-spec variants gain a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a powered tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Numerous cabin storage cubbies, dedicated rear air vents, and a PM2.5 cabin air filtration system further enhance passenger comfort.

Safety and Driver Assistance The body structure is built with 68% high-strength steel in a rigid safety cell design, complemented by 6 airbags as standard. The battery pack is enclosed in a multi-layered protective casing offering robust thermal, impact, and short-circuit protection. Standard active safety equipment is comprehensive, featuring Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. Higher-spec variants add Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including full-speed cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) to reduce driver fatigue on long highway drives. Furthermore, the battery and high-voltage electrical architecture are backed by dedicated thermal management systems to ensure long-term family reliability.

Market Performance and Verdict Following its debut, the JAC X8 E Family has carved out a unique niche in the multi-child family vehicle segment thanks to its distinctive combination of an RM100,000-class PHEV powertrain and three-row seating, addressing the lack of affordable hybrid 7-seater SUVs. Owners widely praise its cavernous cabin space, low fuel consumption on a depleted battery, and accessible price point. Its trade-offs mainly lie in the modest damping limits of the rear torsion beam suspension over rough terrain, average highway wind noise insulation, and a relatively limited infotainment app ecosystem. Compared to conventional petrol-powered 7-seater SUVs, it offers green-vehicle benefits and significantly lower operating costs; against competing 6- or 7-seater PHEVs, its entry price is lower by RM30,000 to RM50,000, delivering exceptional value for money. Overall, the JAC X8 E Family is an unpretentious, highly practical family hybrid SUV that prioritises space and running economy to meet the daily mobility needs of large households.