JAC QX PHEV

The JAC QX PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid compact SUV under JAC Group's JAC marque. Essentially a plug-in hybrid version of the Sehol QX, it was introduced to the market after being rebadged with the "JAC" emblem. The model was officially launched on 15 September 2023, positioned as a "value-for-money ICE vehicle alternative", highlighting long driving range, low fuel consumption, and high cost-effectiveness. As of June 2026, the core lineup on sale comprises the 2025 series launched on 13 April 2025, offering three variants: "Jin Neng Version", "Jin Chi Version", and "Jin Xiang Version", priced at RM129,900, RM139,900, and RM149,900 respectively. Additionally, JAC rolled out a Tribute Edition in 2024 with a recommended retail price of RM89,900, penetrating the market at an ultra-low price point following some specification decontenting. Serving as the JAC brand's maiden strategic model in the PHEV arena, the QX PHEV shoulders a pivotal mission in the brand's electrification roadmap.

Design Language

The JAC QX PHEV carries over the overall styling of the Sehol QX, adopting the "Smart Universe" design philosophy to deliver a poised and commanding exterior presence. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,605 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,700 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm, placing it firmly in the standard compact SUV segment. Up front, it sports a sizeable borderless horizontal matrix grille flanked by split LED headlamp clusters and a full-width LED daytime running light strip, catering to both engine cooling demands and the high-tech aesthetic of electrified vehicles. The side profile features crisp dual character lines paired with black wheel arch cladding and 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, while the rear features full-width LED taillights and dual exhaust garnish finishers integrated into the lower bumper.

Inside, the cabin features a wraparound cockpit layout, with twin 12.3-inch displays (instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen) and a rotary gear selector fitted as standard across the range. The dashboard and door panels are generously trimmed in soft-touch materials and piano black accents, with physical buttons retained beneath the air-conditioning vents for tactile, distraction-free operation. Upholstered in synthetic leather, the front gets one-piece sports-style bucket seats, while rear occupants benefit from generous legroom and a virtually flat floor. Boot capacity stands at 670 litres, expandable to 1,080 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Powertrain and Performance

The powertrain is the most talked-about highlight of the JAC QX PHEV. Under the bonnet lies a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine sourced from BYD's dedicated PHEV Atkinson-cycle powertrain family, churning out a maximum power of 81 kW (110 PS) and 135 Nm of peak torque with an impressive thermal efficiency of 43.04%. Propulsion is augmented by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 150 kW (204 PS) and 300 Nm of torque in a P1+P3 dual-motor setup. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an E-CVT (electronic continuously variable transmission) in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout.

Supplying power is a 21.68 kWh ternary lithium battery pack sourced from Gotion High-tech, complete with liquid-cooling thermal management. This setup delivers a CLTC-rated pure electric range of 120 km (87 km on the WLTC cycle) and a combined cruising range exceeding 1,300 km. The century sprint (0-100 km/h) is dispatched in 7.3 seconds, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption rating of 1.33 L/100 km and a depleted-battery fuel consumption of approximately 5.37 L/100 km. For charging, DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes around 26 minutes, whereas 7 kW AC slow charging from 20% to 100% takes roughly 3.5 hours. It also supports 2.2 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply functionality. Notably, the entry-level Tribute Edition omits DC fast charging to compress costs.

Chassis and Handling

Chassis-wise, the JAC QX PHEV rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear five-link independent suspension setup, configured exclusively in front-wheel drive. Tuned specifically by the UK's HORIBA MIRA alongside technical inputs drawn from Sehol's Volkswagen lineage, the overall ride is tuned for comfort with a distinctive "Continental" solidity: poised during high-speed cruising, composed with adequate body roll control through corners, and adept at soaking up road surface imperfections. Drive modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport, alongside selectable pure electric (EV) and hybrid (HEV) drive modes. Regenerative braking comes with Standard and Strong settings; even in the stronger recovery mode, deceleration drag remains gentle and unobtrusive, preserving passenger ride comfort.

Cabin and Equipment

Cabin technology is one of the core selling points of the JAC QX PHEV. Higher-spec variants boast the "Zhiling 3.5" telematics system powered by a quad-core high-speed processor, supporting light and dark UI theme switching. Voice interaction is driven by iFlytek's new-generation AI voice technology and XTTS 3.0 suite, capable of contextual understanding, continuous listening, and semantic interruption for a conversational user experience. The system also integrates Huawei HiCar smartphone connectivity, enabling quick mirroring within 5 seconds and compatibility with 87 mobile applications. In addition, over-the-air (OTA) updates, remote vehicle control via mobile app, and off-peak scheduled charging are supported.

On the convenience front, equipment levels vary noticeably across trims. The range-topping Jin Xiang Version is equipped with a 360° panoramic camera, power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, and more; lower trims are relatively basic, with the RM129,900 Jin Neng Version settling for halogen headlamps and lacking a reverse camera. Practical features such as rear air-conditioning vents, reverse parking sensors, automatic climate control, electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, and tyre pressure monitoring display are standard across the range. Audio is handled by a standard 6-speaker sound system.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of passive safety, the JAC QX PHEV features a high-strength cage body structure, with top-spec models packing 6 airbags as standard (front, side, and curtain airbags). Active safety systems include ABS, EBD, Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Battery safety is fortified by explosion-proof venting, multi-stage pressure relief, intelligent thermal control, and active hazard warnings to prevent thermal runaway to the greatest extent; high-voltage circuits are also equipped with millisecond-level power disconnect technology to further ensure electrical safety.

For driver assistance, mid-to-high-spec variants are equipped with Level 2 ADAS powered by millimetre-wave radar, ultrasonic sensors, and a monocular front camera. Key functions include: Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). The base Jin Neng Version lacks Level 2 driver aids, whereas the top-spec Jin Xiang Version can be optionally fitted with additional assistance packages. Additionally, a reverse camera (360° panoramic camera on higher trims) and a 540° transparent chassis camera system are standard across the range.

Market Performance and Verdict

Despite its well-rounded product attributes, the JAC QX PHEV has struggled to gain sales momentum. In October 2023—its first full sales month after launch—it recorded just 694 units, a dip from 746 units during its launch month, moving against the broader market uptick in passenger car sales. Total sales in the first six months reached a modest 2,231 units, plunging to a low of 88 units in February 2024, leaving it largely sidelined in the segment. Even after the 2025 model year arrived in April 2025, monthly figures rebounded slightly but still hovered below the 1,000-unit mark, failing to achieve a meaningful breakthrough.

Industry analysts attribute this sales dilemma primarily to weak brand equity: in the RM120,000 to RM150,000 PHEV SUV segment, buyers gravitate heavily towards established rivals with stronger brand cachet, such as the BYD Song Pro / Song PLUS DM-i and Changan Qiyuan Q05. As JAC's maiden PHEV offering, the QX PHEV tapped into BYD's powertrain credentials and Volkswagen-linked engineering background, yet limited brand pull made standing out in a red ocean market an uphill battle. Meanwhile, although the 2024 Tribute Edition slashed prices by RM40,000 down to RM89,900, dropping critical features like DC fast charging and connected telematics diluted its value proposition, yielding lukewarm market uptake. All in all, the JAC QX PHEV holds genuine engineering merit against mainstream contenders in terms of powertrain reliability, performance, and efficiency, marking a credible electrified foray for the marque—yet its commercial trajectory underscores the harsh reality that "product substance does not automatically translate into showroom success".