The JETOUR Shanhai L9 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV from Chery Holding's JETOUR brand, serving as a core flagship in its "Shanhai" new energy lineup. First introduced to the market in November 2023, the model is billed as a "flagship six-seater family travel SUV", leveraging its key selling points of "abundant space, long electric-assisted range, and high equipment levels" to appeal to multi-member families and long-distance road trips. In April 2025, the all-new Shanhai L9 was officially launched across five variant trims, offering 5-, 6-, and 7-seater configurations with official retail prices ranging from RM164,900 to RM183,900.
Positioned in the competitive PHEV mid-size SUV segment, the JETOUR Shanhai L9 measures 4,911 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,784 mm tall, with a generous 2,850 mm wheelbase—placing it on the larger end of its class. Key highlights include a six-seater zero-gravity seating layout, Chery's Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM powertrain, a combined cruising range of up to 1,100 km, and an attractive entry price starting from RM164,900. Primary rivals in this space include segment stalwarts such as the BYD Tang DM-i, Geely Galaxy L7, and Haval Xiaolong MAX.
On the sales front, the Shanhai L9 has struggled to gain significant traction since its debut. Data shows that total annual deliveries in 2024 stood at approximately 55,000 units (across the entire Shanhai sub-brand), but cumulative sales in the first half of 2025 dropped to just 2,983 units. June 2025 recorded only 529 units, with numbers declining consecutively over recent months (529 units, 318 units, and 156 units). This underwhelming market reception contrasts with its competitive on-paper specifications, with market analysts pointing to weak brand equity as the main stumbling block.
The 2025 Shanhai L9 features noticeable exterior updates, led by a closed-off front grille styled in the "Shanhai family smile" motif, paired with a full-width LED daytime running light (DRL) bar. The main headlamp clusters on either flank are neatly integrated into the lower aerodynamic bumper vents, yielding a sleek aesthetic reminiscent of the Li Auto L series that underlines its electrified credentials. A conventional air intake is retained on the lower bumper, maintaining a clean and functional front fascia.
Along the flanks, the SUV features a sturdy silhouette, a floating roof design, and rear privacy glass. Practical grab-style door handles (non-flush) have been retained, earning praise from buyers for their reliability and ease of use in all weather conditions. Full-coverage door sills ensure passengers can enter and exit without soiling their trousers. In terms of rolling stock, base variants ride on 235/55 R19 tyres, while mid-to-high specifications are upgraded to 255/45 R20 alloys. At the rear, a full-width taillight assembly features a distinctive, sculpted light signature for enhanced visibility, complemented by concealed exhaust outlets that reinforce its clean, electrified look.
Inside, the cabin opts for an understated, premium aesthetic. The dashboard features a clean, horizontal architecture wrapped extensively in soft-touch materials, accented by brushed metal and wood-grain trim pieces for an upscale touch. Across the range, a dual-screen setup is standard, comprising a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch floating central touchscreen, with a steering column-mounted gear selector (stalk shifter) freeing up valuable centre console real estate. Below the centre console sits a 50W wireless smartphone charging pad, tactile physical switchgear, and cup holders, striking a sensible balance between digital flair and everyday usability.
Under the skin, the Shanhai L9 is powered by Chery's fifth-generation Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM system, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a front-mounted dual-electric-motor setup.
Engine: The SQRH4J15 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine delivers a maximum output of 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 220 N·m of torque. It boasts a thermal efficiency of 44.5%, utilises direct petrol injection, runs on RON 92 fuel, and complies with China VI emission standards. The engine is transversely mounted.
Electric Motors: A front-axle dual-motor layout (P2+P3 architecture) generates a combined electric output of 199 kW (approx. 271 PS) and 395 N·m of torque, bringing total system output to an impressive 314 kW (approx. 427 PS) and 615 N·m.
Transmission: Power is channelled through a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) boasting a transmission efficiency rating above 97.5%.
Performance: The official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 7.8 seconds, with the 0-50 km/h dash taking just 3.4 seconds, and a top speed rated at 180 km/h. Under WLTC testing, combined fuel consumption stands at 1.49 L/100 km, while battery-depleted fuel consumption is rated at 5.3 L/100 km.
Battery and Range: Energy is stored in a 19.43 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack supplied by Gotion High-tech, delivering a pure electric range of 108 km (CLTC) and 84 km (WLTC). With a full tank and full charge, total cruising range exceeds 1,100 km. DC fast charging is supported up to 38.86 kW, enabling a 20% to 80% state of charge in 25 minutes (approx. 0.42 hours), while standard 6.6 kW AC charging requires around 3.5 hours for a full replenish.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Capability: The SUV provides a 2.2 kW internal power outlet along with a 6.6 kW external Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, allowing users to run work devices inside the cabin or power high-draw outdoor gear such as induction cookers and projectors simultaneously during camping getaways.
Underneath, the Shanhai L9 employs a front-wheel-drive (FWD) monocoque chassis layout across the range. Suspension duties are handled by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup. Braking is managed by ventilated discs all around, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It utilises Electric Power Steering (EPS).
The chassis tuning is distinctly comfort-oriented, soaking up minor road imperfections effectively and maintaining good body control over speed humps. However, noticeable body roll is present through tighter bends, indicating a setup best suited for a steady, relaxed driving style. Steering weighting is light and effortless for daily commuting. Off-road clearance figures include a 20° approach angle and a 17° departure angle, backed by a 60-litre fuel tank.
Selectable drive modes include Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport, accompanied by regenerative braking, Auto Hold, Hill-start Assist, and Hill Descent Control.
The digital cockpit of the Shanhai L9 is driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, featuring a 15.6-inch floating infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch full digital instrument display. The multimedia system supports 4G telematics, AutoNavi navigation, OTA firmware updates, Apple CarPlay, and HUAWEI HiCar connectivity. An advanced voice control system manages audio, navigation, telephony, climate controls, sunroof, and power windows.
Seating versatility is a major selling point, with 5-seater, 6-seater (2+2+2), and 7-seater (2+3+2) configurations available; the 6-seater variant serves as the core offering. The second row features individual captain chairs with fore-and-aft sliding adjustment (providing up to 934 mm of legroom), foldable armrests, and ottoman leg rests, delivering MPV-grade seating comfort. Higher trims add heating, ventilation, and massage functions to the second-row seats. Third-row headroom measures 810 mm; while a 170 cm adult can sit naturally, the upright backrest angle makes it best reserved for children or short trips.
Standard comfort amenities across all variants include an openable panoramic glass roof, automatic climate control with rear air vents, and a 540° surround-view camera system with a transparent underbody view. Upper-spec models gain an 8-speaker Sony premium sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, a driver seat massage function, a powered tailgate, acoustic laminated glass, and 64-colour ambient lighting. Storage practicality is excellent, boasting 32 cabin cubbies, door bins capable of holding 1.5-litre bottles, and an open storage tier below the centre console.
With all seats in place, the boot can accommodate two 24-inch travel bags. Folding down the third row creates a flat cargo floor, expanding boot capacity to 1,634 litres for bulky camping gear or baby strollers.
On the active safety front, higher trims of the Shanhai L9 are equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Key functions include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring / Lane Change Assist, Door Opening Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The sensor suite comprises 5 exterior cameras and 6 ultrasonic parking sensors. Entry variants come equipped with standard cruise control and the 540° camera system.
For passive safety, the Shanhai L9 is built around a high-strength safety cage structure. Front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags are standard across all variants. Standard active chassis electronics include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with real-time pressure readout.
For peace of mind, JETOUR offers an unlimited-year and unlimited-mileage warranty covering the vehicle and its core electrified drivetrain components for first-hand retail owners (terms and conditions apply).
The market performance of the JETOUR Shanhai L9 has not lived up to its generous on-paper specifications. More than a year after its debut, sales volume remains low—first-half 2025 sales tallied just 2,983 units, with June delivering 529 units amid a steady quarter-on-quarter drop (529, 318, and 156 units). Industry commentators note that while the product itself is competent, JETOUR's brand equity in the electrified vehicle space lacks the pull of established heavyweights like BYD, Geely, or Leapmotor.
Market analyses attribute the Shanhai L9's modest commercial reception to several key factors:
Limited brand equity in the NEV space. Since its founding in 2018, JETOUR built its reputation and million-unit sales volume on budget-friendly ICE models like the X70. Consequently, it lacks established trust in the premium PHEV sector. In the RM150,000 to RM180,000 price bracket, prospective buyers often prefer topping up a modest amount for a BYD Tang DM-i or Geely Galaxy L7 rather than opting for a JETOUR.
Intense segment rivalry. By the time the Shanhai L9 arrived in late 2023, the hybrid SUV segment was already dominated by BYD's DM-i lineup, followed closely by competitive entries from Geely Galaxy and Haval. Arriving relatively late, the Shanhai L9 struggled to carve out market share.
Average core EV metrics. A 19.43 kWh battery pack is relatively modest against same-segment rivals that pack 20 to 25 kWh units; a 108 km electric-only range is merely adequate; fuel consumption in depleted mode (5.3 L/100 km) is unremarkable; its 7.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration offers no major performance edge; and its front-end styling has been criticised for being overly derivative of the Li Auto lineup.
Minor software and trim glitches. Some owners have reported occasional infotainment system software bugs and smartphone connectivity lag, which, while not mechanical failures, detract from the ownership experience.
Among satisfied owners, praise is directed at the vast interior room (particularly second-row captain chair comfort in the 6-seater), generous kit levels (zero-gravity seats, massage function, Sony audio), solid real-world fuel economy (5.3 L/100 km on a depleted battery), and the first-owner lifetime warranty. Criticisms primarily focus on poor brand recognition affecting projected resale value, tight third-row legroom over long hauls, audible engine roar under heavy acceleration, and uninspired exterior styling.
In the wider market context, the Shanhai L9 goes up against key competitors such as the BYD Tang DM-i (from RM179,800), Geely Galaxy L7 (from RM138,700), and Haval Xiaolong MAX (from RM159,800). While the Shanhai L9 holds an advantage in three-row seating versatility, zero-gravity comfort, and audio equipment, it trails behind in brand prestige, drivetrain maturity, and pure electric range.
The JETOUR Shanhai L9 represents an ambitious step in JETOUR's electrification journey, serving as the flagship for its dedicated "Shanhai" hybrid lineup. Built on a spacious platform stretching nearly 4.9 metres with a 2,850 mm wheelbase, it pairs six-seater zero-gravity seating, a capable Kunpeng PHEV system, and sharp pricing starting from RM164,900 to present a value-driven alternative in the mid-size family SUV segment.
Nonetheless, the Shanhai L9's modest market performance underscores the uphill battle of moving upmarket. In the eyes of many car buyers, JETOUR remains associated with entry-level ICE products, while rival brands have already established formidable reputations for hybrid technology and dealer support. Even with the comprehensive 2025 design and equipment upgrades, moving the sales needle has proven difficult—proving that feature-packing alone is no longer a guaranteed recipe for success in a crowded PHEV market.
For family car shoppers on an RM150,000 to RM180,000 budget who prioritise cabin space, a 6-seater layout, and maximum equipment per ringgit over brand prestige, the Shanhai L9 stands as a sensible, highly practical contender. However, for those placing a premium on brand equity, longer electric driving range, or punchier performance, established segment leaders remain a safer bet. Turning the tide in future updates will ultimately depend on JETOUR's long-term brand building and targeted market strategy.
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