JMC Dadao

Model Overview

The JMC Dadao is an all-new premium pick-up brand under Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd. (JMC). Officially unveiled in March 2023, it is positioned as an "all-scenario premium pick-up", highlighting the seamless fusion of passenger-car comfort, intelligent tech, and diverse lifestyle versatility. Serving as a strategic transformation model for JMC Pickups, the Dadao brand aims to reshape the domestic high-end pick-up segment and compete head-on with rivals such as the GWM Poer.

Built on JMC’s proprietary "Xuntian Architecture", the JMC Dadao lineup has developed four core model series: the utility-focused Dadao Quannengzhe, the comfort-oriented passenger variant Dadao Zhuiguangzhe, the hardcore off-roader Dadao Gantanzhe, and the Dadao Shandiban engineered specifically for complex mountain terrains. On 28 March 2026, the all-new JMC Dadao was officially launched with a starting price of RM112,800. Specifically, the 2026 Dadao Quannengzhe starts from RM112,800, the Dadao Shandiban from RM132,800, the Dadao Zhuiguangzhe from RM134,800, and the flagship Dadao Gantanzhe from RM174,800. In terms of dimensions, it measures 5,435 mm in length, 1,935 mm in width, and 1,872 mm in height, with a generous 3,270 mm wheelbase—placing it at the top of its class.

Design Language

The exterior of the JMC Dadao embodies a "hardcore aesthetic" design philosophy, combining bold, muscular styling with futuristic flair. Up front, it features a bold full-width corporate grille flanked by diamond-cut dual-lens LED headlamps and an integrated full-width LED daytime running light (DRL) strip, delivering immense road presence. The body features sculpted aerodynamic contours with a drag coefficient of just 0.38 Cd, an outstanding figure in the pick-up truck segment. At the rear, the harp-string-inspired projection LED tail lamps not only add a touch of elegance but also incorporate a ground projection function when reversing, enhancing visibility and safety during night-time parking.

Inside, the JMC Dadao significantly elevates passenger-car-like refinement. The cabin features extensive soft-touch materials, a stylish two-tone colour scheme, and 64-colour ambient lighting to deliver a class-above premium ambience. The dashboard is headlined by a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.1-inch or 12.8-inch swivel/tilting central infotainment display with adjustable left-right viewing angles for a cutting-edge tech experience. Practicality is not compromised, as tactile physical switchgear is retained for essential controls to ensure effortless blind operation on the move.

Powertrain & Performance

The powertrain represents the premier mechanical upgrade for the 2026 JMC Dadao. Under the bonnet lies the top-spec Blue Flame MAX 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, churning out a potent 157 kW (213 PS) and 510 Nm of peak torque—a significant leap over the outgoing 2.3-litre unit. Engineered for supreme durability, the engine boasts a B10 service life rating of one million kilometres, balancing robust output with exceptional longevity. Power is routed through either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in 4x2 rear-wheel drive and 4x4 four-wheel drive configurations. It delivers an impressive combined fuel consumption as low as 6.9 L/100 km, representing stellar fuel efficiency for a pick-up weighing over two tonnes. Top speed is rated at approximately 170 km/h, paired with a robust 3-tonne braked towing capacity.

Additionally, the JMC Dadao also offers a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine option, delivering 190 kW (approx. 258 PS) and 450 Nm of peak torque to cater to petrol preferences. The four core series span a price bracket of RM112,800 to RM174,800, forming a well-rounded product line-up.

Chassis & Handling

Built on the upgraded "Xuntian Architecture" 2.0, the chassis is finely tuned to balance off-road ruggedness with on-road pliancy. The suspension setup comprises a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link rigid axle augmented by a Watt's linkage, boasting 210 mm of front suspension travel and 220 mm at the rear. The Ford-patented multi-link with Watt's linkage rear suspension is a segment-exclusive highlight, effectively mitigating body roll and enhancing cornering stability and steering precision at high speeds.

For the 4WD hardware, the JMC Dadao offers two drivetrains: a traditional part-time 4WD system and an EMOD intelligent 4WD system. The part-time 4WD setup is robust and straightforward, allowing quick switching between 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range 4WD), and 4L (low-range 4WD) modes. In 4L mode, torque is multiplied by 3.06 times with a maximum torque capacity of 1,850 Nm, significantly bolstering rock-crawling and obstacle-recovery capability. Dedicated off-road trims come standard with front and rear electronic differential locks—completing a "triple-lock" setup alongside the central transfer case lock. Together with Crawl Control and Tank Turn electronic aids, variants like the Dadao Gantanzhe possess genuine hardcore credentials to conquer extreme terrains.

Cabin & Equipment

The smart cockpit is central to the Dadao's passenger-oriented transformation. The 2026 model is equipped with the J-Space 2.0 intelligent operating system, deeply integrated with DeepSeek dual AI large language models to support multi-command simultaneous voice processing, continuous dialogue, and visual voice execution, thoroughly redefining pick-ups beyond their traditional "workhorse" stigma. The digital cockpit integrates a 12.8-inch smart touchscreen with a fully digital instrument cluster, forming an interconnected dual-screen interface.

In terms of convenience and comfort, higher trims offer passenger-car-grade luxuries such as a premium 10 to 12-speaker audio system, in-car karaoke, wireless smartphone charging, an electronic column gear selector, an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather upholstery with powered, heated, and ventilated front seats. In an industry-first, the JMC Dadao features seamless in-car drone ecosystem integration, enabling drivers to command an onboard drone via voice prompts for trail reconnaissance, convoy escort flight, aerial photography, and real-time video feed transmission back to the main screen—unlocking new dimensions for outdoor adventures. A 540-degree panoramic surround-view camera with a transparent underbody view is also fitted on top variants, offering extra peace of mind over tricky terrain.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the JMC Dadao is constructed around a high-tensile ladder-frame chassis and a reinforced safety cage, with 100% galvanised exterior steel panels for superior corrosion resistance, structural rigidity, and load-bearing strength. Standard equipment includes a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), reverse camera, and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Higher-spec models feature a 540-degree transparent chassis camera system, making it among the earliest pick-ups in its class to introduce this tech.

For advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the Dadao features the J-Pilot system with Level 2.5 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, transitioning driving aids from passive tracking to active decision-making. Key active safety features comprise Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Active Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Door Opening Warning (DOW), and Rear Collision Warning (RCW). Commendably, the Dadao is also equipped with in-cabin vital signs monitoring to prevent children or pets from being inadvertently trapped inside. Underpinning this is the next-gen iDEA electronic and electrical architecture, supporting Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates and future-proofed for Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous driving capability.

Market Performance & Reception

Since its market introduction in 2023, the JMC Dadao has maintained robust sales momentum. Industry data reveals that from January to July 2024, cumulative sales of JMC pick-ups reached 28,372 units, capturing a 17.2% market share to solidify its spot as the nation’s second best-selling pick-up brand, with the Dadao series spearheading deliveries and dominating segment sales in over 40 major cities. For the full year 2024, JMC pick-up deliveries hit 73,242 units, marking a 22.77% year-on-year surge. JMC’s overall vehicle sales similarly climbed from 341,200 units in 2024 to 377,300 units in 2025, charting resilient counter-trend growth. On leading automotive portals like Autohome, the JMC Dadao has repeatedly topped customer satisfaction and reputation charts, cementing its place among the top three pick-up choices for mainstream buyers.

Owner feedback has been largely positive, with drivers praising several standout traits: the Blue Flame MAX 2.5T turbodiesel engine offers effortless torque delivery while returning remarkably thrifty fuel economy (averaging around 7 to 8 L/100 km in real-world testing); the Watt's linkage rear suspension dramatically improves on-road ride composure and stability, providing rear-seat comfort far superior to conventional leaf-sprung trucks; the intelligent cabin and Level 2.5 ADAS suite lead the segment; and the 3-tonne towing capacity offers excellent utility for towing caravans, boat trailers, and equipment. On the flip side, criticisms note that top-spec models like the Dadao Gantanzhe approach RM180,000, which sits on the higher side for the segment; the rear multi-link setup is slightly less tolerant of extreme overloading compared to heavy-duty leaf springs; and occasional system lag in the infotainment display has been cited by some owners, awaiting future OTA firmware refinement.

In conclusion, as a pivotal strategic model spearheading JMC’s brand evolution, the JMC Dadao harnesses the Xuntian Architecture, Blue Flame MAX powertrain, Watt's linkage suspension, and the J-Space smart cockpit to carve out a distinct identity of "hardcore capability, passenger-car refinement, and smart connectivity" in the RM100,000 to RM180,000 premium pick-up market. Through precise positioning across its core model line-up (Dadao Quannengzhe, Dadao Zhuiguangzhe, and Dadao Gantanzhe), the JMC Dadao has firmly entrenched itself in the premier tier of the pick-up market, emerging as one of the fiercest contenders against the GWM Poer. Its primary competitors include the GWM Poer, Foton Grand General, and SAIC Maxus T-Series.