JAC Refine E4

Overview

The JAC Refine E4 is an all-electric large MPV under JAC Group’s Refine brand. First introduced in 2024, it stands as the flagship model within Refine’s new energy product line-up. Together with the Refine E3, it forms Refine's "Passenger Transport Twins", positioned as a "Business & Travel Flagship" tailored for intercity and rural passenger transit, tour charters, corporate shuttle services, and large family outings. Officially launched on 5 January 2026, the 2026 model year is the primary offering currently on sale. Powered by CATL and CALB lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the range is available in 440 km and 540 km CLTC pure-electric variants. Official retail prices range between RM179,800 and RM269,800, with 7-seater, 8-seater, and 9-seater cabin layouts available. The MPV also qualifies for intermediate and premium commercial passenger transport permits, meeting all regulatory operating standards.

Design Language

The exterior of the Refine E4 retains the mature, stately business MPV styling synonymous with the Refine marquee. The entire 2026 range sports a dedicated EV front fascia, where the enclosed grille integrates cleanly with the JAC emblem for a sleek, recognisable identity. Integrated headlamp assemblies incorporate built-in LED daytime running lights (DRLs), while front fog lamps are standard across the board. Down the sides, clean, horizontal character lines dominate, complemented by a kerbside manual sliding door on the right and a top-hinged tailgate with a generous aperture for effortless luggage loading. The rear end exhibits a clean, upright profile with distinct vertical halogen tail lamp clusters; a rear wiper and rear demister are standard across the range.

In terms of dimensions, it measures 5,200 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,980 mm tall, with a generous 3,080 mm wheelbase—well within the benchmarks for large MPVs. In its standard configuration, boot capacity stands at a cavernous 970 litres, easily swallowing six 24-inch suitcases laid flat to meet the luggage demands of tour groups and charter services. Ground clearance varies slightly depending on the powertrain: 130 mm for the 440 km variant and 140 mm for the 540 km variant. Kerb weight is rated at 2,210 kg and 2,290 kg respectively.

Inside, the Refine E4 focuses on practicality with a clean, dark interior colour scheme. Higher-spec variants get a 14-inch central touchscreen infotainment display supporting GPS navigation, telematics, and voice command. On the instrument binnacle, the 440 km Elite and Premium trims feature a 3.5-inch LCD multi-info display, while the 540 km Comfort trim and above upgrade to a 7-inch full digital instrument cluster. The multi-function steering wheel comes with manual tilt adjustment. In terms of upholstery, entry-level models feature durable fabric, while higher grades receive synthetic leather. The air-conditioning system retains tactile physical buttons for straightforward, distraction-free operation.

Powertrain & Performance

The Refine E4 is powered across the range by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor driving the rear wheels (RWD) via a single-speed EV reduction gear transmission. Two states of tune are available based on the battery pack:

440 km Variant: Driven by a TZ220XSLJC60C electric motor delivering 130 kW (around 177 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. It draws power from a 77.28 kWh CATL-sourced LFP battery, providing a CLTC pure-electric range of 440 km. Rated energy consumption is 18.6 kWh/100 km. A 15% to 80% DC fast charge takes 0.65 hours, while an AC normal charge from 0% to 80% requires 9.4 hours.

540 km Variant: Equipped with a YY35TZ180B01 electric motor producing 110 kW (around 150 PS) and 220 Nm of torque. Fitted with an 89.792 kWh CALB LFP battery pack, it achieves a CLTC range of 540 km. Energy consumption is rated at 17.2 kWh/100 km. DC fast charging from 15% to 80% takes 0.85 hours, while an AC recharge from 0% to 80% takes 13.0 hours.

Across the line-up, top speed is capped at 130 km/h, half-load 0-100 km/h acceleration is clocked in under 10 seconds, and full-load gradeability exceeds 30%, making light work of inclines and diverse road conditions. The battery includes a liquid-cooling thermal management system suited for extreme operating temperatures from -30°C to 55°C. The core EV powertrain components (motor, battery, electric control) are backed by an extensive 8-year/400,000 km warranty, while overall vehicle warranty stands at 3 years/100,000 km.

Chassis & Handling

The Refine E4 is built on a monocoque chassis with a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration. Up front, it rides on an independent double-wishbone setup with torsion bars, while the rear suspension setup varies by variant: the 440 km version utilises a heavy-duty leaf spring non-independent rear axle built for load-lugging commercial transport duties; the 540 km Comfort and Premium trims feature coil spring suspension for significantly improved ride comfort. Electric power steering (EPS) delivers light and effortless manoeuvrability. Braking is handled by disc brakes all round, complete with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Hold. Tyre sizes are 215/65 R16 (7-seater) or heavy-duty 215/65 R16LT (8/9-seater); a tyre repair kit is standard across the board, with a spare tyre available as an option.

Cabin & Equipment

Cabin practicality and seating versatility form the primary appeal of the Refine E4. Thanks to its 5,200 mm overall length and 3,080 mm wheelbase, interior space is cavernous. Buyers can select from three seating configurations: the 7-seater adopts a 2+2+3 layout featuring individual second-row captain seats with fore-aft slide and recline functions—with select trims offering 360-degree swivel capability to configure a mobile meeting room or family lounge; the 8-seater features a 2+3+3 arrangement; while the 9-seater utilises a 4-row layout to carry up to nine occupants.

Tech appointments are tiered by trim: top-grade models (Premium / Executive) come factory-fitted with a 14-inch touchscreen featuring GPS navigation, live traffic updates, Bluetooth connectivity, telematics, and a 6-speaker audio system. Entry-level grades (Elite / Comfort) can be optioned with a 10-inch central touchscreen. The entire range supports smartphone app remote connectivity (door locks, power windows, climate control, and charging status) alongside a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. For cabin comfort, front dual-zone air-conditioning (cooling and heating) is standard, with a roof-mounted rear air-con blower available on selected trims. Ample cubby spaces and cup holders are thoughtfully placed throughout for commercial and private passenger use alike.

Safety & Driver Assistance

In terms of passive safety, the Refine E4 is built with a high-strength safety cage structure. Airbag protection includes a standard driver’s airbag across all variants, with a front passenger airbag included as standard on higher-spec trims or available as an option. ISOFIX child seat anchor points, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and a driver seatbelt reminder are standard across the board.

Active safety is comprehensive, with all variants featuring Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/BAS), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Higher-spec grades add Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Furthermore, Active Yaw Control (AYC) is fitted as standard—automatically applying selective brake pressure during high-speed cornering to quell understeer or oversteer, mitigating tail-out slides.

Driver aids include standard rear parking sensors, with higher trims gaining a reverse camera and cruise control. A 360-degree surround-view monitor is available on top variants. As for battery safety, the onboard LFP battery pack features liquid cooling and low-temperature pre-heating functions to maintain optimal charging efficiency in colder climates.

Market Performance & Verdict

The Refine E4 serves as the Refine brand’s flagship entry in the commercial EV MPV arena. Teaming up with the Refine E3, the "Passenger Transport Twins" capitalise on market shifts towards compact-fleet, app-based, bespoke, and zero-emission passenger transport. Fully certified for intermediate and premium passenger transport operations, the Refine E4 has established itself as a go-to electrification choice for tour operators and fleet transport companies nationwide transitioning from conventional fuel-powered fleets. The 2026 iteration bolsters its commercial appeal with an extended 540 km range option and comfort-biased coil-spring rear suspension. Key rivals in this segment include the Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi M5 EV (RM109,800 to RM196,900) and BAW Ace M7 EV (RM82,800 to RM189,800).

User feedback highlights the vehicle’s core strengths: vast, versatile cabin space (7/8/9-seat choices, 970-litre boot), remarkably low running costs (around RM0.06 to RM0.10 per km), an extensive EV powertrain warranty (8 years/400,000 km), and a durable chassis setup (rear leaf spring or coil spring choices for varying payload demands). On the downside, entry-level safety is sparse (front passenger airbag optional or omitted), in-car tech lags behind passenger-car MPV benchmarks, lower trims feature an abundance of hard cabin plastics, and DC fast charging is slightly slower than its rivals (the 540 km version takes 0.85 hours for a 15% to 80% top-up).

As JAC Refine’s flagship new energy commercial offering, the Refine E4 delivers strong value in the RM150,000 to RM250,000 electric MPV space thanks to its distinct formula of "long range, massive cargo capacity, and low running costs". The 2026 updates refine its driving range, ride comfort, and on-board connectivity, solidifying the Refine moniker as a reliable, profit-generating workhorse in the commercial EV transport sector.