JAC Refine L5

Vehicle Overview

The JAC Refine L5 is a full-size executive MPV launched under JAC Group's Refine brand, rebranded from the Refine M5 and officially introduced in December 2021. Positioned as an "all-round commercial MPV", it focuses on dual-purpose versatility for both business and family use, catering to corporate transport, family travel, and passenger fleet sectors. Serving as a core member of Refine's "L" series, the L5 builds upon the mature technical platform of the M5 with comprehensive upgrades to its exterior and interior design as well as equipment levels. The 2022 model is the primary version on sale, offered across 3 variants with official prices ranging from RM155,800 to RM167,800. Powertrain options include 2.0T petrol and 2.0T turbo-diesel engines, with a 7-seater layout fitted as standard across the range.

Design Language

The exterior of the Refine L5 retains a stately and commanding executive MPV aesthetic. Up front, it features an imposing hexagonal front grille integrated seamlessly with the headlamps, decorated with multi-slat chrome inserts and finished with the "REFINE" script emblem. The headlamp clusters incorporate projector units, integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), front fog lamps, along with manual levelling, automatic on/off, and follow-me-home delay functions. Along the sides, the profile is sleek and elongated, featuring dual manual sliding doors for effortless passenger ingress and cargo loading. The rear sports a clean, upright profile with vertical tail lamp assemblies that provide distinct nighttime visibility.

In terms of dimensions, the MPV measures 5,120 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,970 mm in height, with a 3,080 mm wheelbase. Spanning over 5.1 metres in length and nearly 2 metres in height, it boasts significant dimensional presence within the large MPV segment, while the generous 3,080 mm wheelbase lays the groundwork for expansive cabin space.

Inside, the Refine L5 features a tasteful tri-tone cabin finished in black, brown, and grey, delivering a clean, functional ambience. The centre console is dominated by a portrait-oriented 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment unit equipped with JAC's latest telematics system, supporting Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and online weather updates. The leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with tilt adjustment, while the instrument binnacle combines analogue dials with a colour multi-info display (MID). The synthetic leather seats are generously cushioned to ensure long-distance ride comfort.

Powertrain and Performance

The Refine L5 is available in both petrol and diesel guises, both compliant with China VI emission standards:

Petrol Variant: Powered by an LJ488ZLQ 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 163 kW (222 PS) at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 385 Nm from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (6AT). Top speed is rated at 170 km/h, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of roughly 12.0 L/100 km.

Diesel Variant: Powered by an HFC4DB2-2E 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) at 3,600 rpm and 360 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 2,400 rpm. This is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT), also driving the rear wheels. Top speed stands at 165 km/h, with the oil-burner offering superior low-end pulling power and fuel efficiency. It comes fitted with a 70-litre fuel tank running on standard Euro-grade diesel.

Chassis and Handling

The Refine L5 is built on a monocoque chassis featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout. The front suspension employs a double-wishbone independent setup, paired with a heavy-duty solid axle non-independent rear suspension. This configuration strikes a balance between front-end handling stability and rear load-lugging capability, well-suited for diverse commercial MPV duties. It is equipped with electric power steering (EPS) for light and manageable manoeuvring. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, paired with a traditional mechanical handbrake. It rides on 225/60 R17 tyres and comes with a full-size spare tyre. A minimum ground clearance of 160 mm delivers decent rough-road clearance.

Cabin and Equipment

Cabin practicality and occupant comfort remain the primary highlights of the Refine L5. It adopts a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout, featuring two individual captain chairs in the second row that support fore-aft sliding, recline adjustment, and full 360-degree swivel functionality, enabling versatile face-to-face seating arrangements. The third-row bench folds as a single unit, expanding boot space from a standard 862 litres up to a massive 2,360 litres, easily accommodating corporate luggage or family road-trip cargo. Generous cubby spaces are dotted throughout the interior, alongside a rear 230V power outlet designed to power laptops and mobile office gear.

In terms of infotainment and connectivity, all variants feature a 10.4-inch central touchscreen running JAC’s smart connected ecosystem, complete with smartphone screen mirroring, Bluetooth hands-free, and voice command functions. Audio is piped through a 6- to 7-speaker sound system. Comfort conveniences include standard tri-zone automatic climate control with rear blower vents, a multi-function leather steering wheel, and synthetic leather upholstery across the board. High-spec trims add heated front seats as well as powered adjustment for both driver and front passenger.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the Refine L5 comes standard with dual front airbags across all variants. The body is built with a high-strength cage structure, utilising high-tensile steel in crucial load-bearing zones to preserve cabin structural integrity in a crash. ISOFIX child seat anchor points and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are standard equipment.

Active safety is supported by Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) fitted as standard. Driver aids include rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and cruise control across the range. Higher variants gain front parking sensors. Note that the vehicle does not come equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Autonomous Emergency Braking or Lane Keep Assist.

Market Performance and Verdict

The market reception of the Refine L5 has remained relatively steady. With the 2022 model currently serving as the main offering priced from RM155,800 to RM167,800, it presents a compelling price-to-size proposition among mid-to-large MPVs. Key market rivals include the GAC Trumpchi M6, SAIC Maxus G10, and Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi. The L5's competitive edge lies in its massive 5,120 mm body length and 3,080 mm wheelbase, the versatile swivelling second-row captain chairs, an expansive 862 L to 2,360 L boot capacity, and the choice between petrol and diesel powertrains to suit varied commercial requirements.

From an owner perspective, its major strengths centre on its cavernous cabin, rugged and dependable chassis, affordable running and maintenance costs, and high value for money. On the flip side, drawbacks include a slightly dated cabin finish and infotainment feature set relative to newer segment rivals, the lack of powered sliding doors, higher fuel consumption on the petrol model (averaging around 12 L/100 km), and lower brand equity compared to contenders like Trumpchi. Furthermore, with a relatively small vehicle parc, its after-sales service network coverage leaves room for improvement against mainstream players.

As a cornerstone executive workhorse in the Refine lineup, the Refine L5 delivers distinct product appeal in the RM150,000–RM170,000 MPV bracket through its "maximum space, solid value" philosophy. For commercial operators and buyers prioritising rugged utility, sheer cabin room, and sensible upkeep costs, the Refine L5 remains a dependable, pragmatic workhorse; however, for those demanding cutting-edge smart tech, premium cabin tactile quality, and stronger brand prestige, newer segment rivals may prove more enticing.