JMC S350

Model Overview

The JMC Yusheng S350 is a mid-size rugged SUV produced by Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd. (JMC) under its Yusheng sub-brand, developed as a product of close technical collaboration between JMC and Ford. Built on an off-road chassis platform co-developed with Ford, it is positioned as a dual-purpose SUV that balances urban commuting with genuine off-road capability. The Yusheng S350 originally debuted in late 2010, followed by the second-generation model in 2016, giving the nameplate a market heritage of over a decade. Built on a ladder-frame chassis with rugged off-road performance in its DNA, it is available in five- and seven-seater configurations, catering primarily to off-roaders and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts who also require everyday practicality.

Having undergone multiple iterations, the Yusheng S350 has spanned a relatively wide price band across its lifecycle. The all-new Yusheng S350 introduced at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show was priced between RM122,800 and RM151,800. The 2020 Yusheng S350, serving as a mid-life facelift, was launched across 8 variants priced from RM159,800 to RM201,800 in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, representing the most mature iteration of the model line. In its domestic market, its primary rivals include Chinese brand rugged SUVs such as the Haval H9 and Beijing BJ40.

Design Language

Styled by renowned European designer Marc Deschamps, the Yusheng S350 features a muscular, fluid American-inspired aesthetic. The 2020 facelift brought substantial exterior revisions: the front end features a redesigned polygonal grille with bold 'JMC' block lettering across the top replacing the traditional badge, underlined by horizontal chrome slats, angular headlamps, and C-shaped fog lamp surrounds that deliver a commanding front fascia. The profile is defined by muscular character lines and a floating roof effect that adds a hint of sportiness, while the rear features a full-width chrome garnish connecting the U-shaped LED tail lamps. However, early production batches suffered from body rust and corrosion issues, drawing widespread complaints from owners.

Inside, the 2020 Yusheng S350 underwent a major revamp, switching from a wraparound dashboard layout to a cleaner T-shaped centre console adorned with extensive woodgrain trim and satin chrome accents; the synthetic leather seats come with multi-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation functions. Higher-spec variants boast a full digital instrument cluster and a large central touchscreen infotainment display, which cleans up the fascia by eliminating several physical switchgears and integrating climate controls into the screen, substantially elevating the cabin's perceived quality and premium feel over earlier iterations.

Powertrain & Performance

The Yusheng S350 is offered with both petrol and turbodiesel engine options, with core technologies derived from Ford. The petrol variant is powered by a Ford-engineered 2.0GTDi EcoBoost turbocharged engine producing 162 kW (around 220 PS) and 350 Nm of torque, running on direct injection with RON 92 petrol. The diesel variant features a Ford PUMA 2.0T turbodiesel unit delivering 104 kW (around 141 PS) and 340 Nm of torque; sharing its technical architecture with engines deployed in the Land Rover Defender and Ford Raptor, it is well regarded for durability and reliability.

In the drivetrain department, all 2020 automatic variants were upgraded to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, replacing the older 6-speed unit to deliver noticeably smoother gear shifts and improved fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption figures vary across variants: the petrol model is rated at approximately 11.20 L/100 km under the WLTC cycle, while the diesel model claims an official MIIT rating of 7.2 L to 7.8 L/100 km, translating to real-world figures of roughly 9 to 10 L/100 km. Top speed for the petrol variant is rated at 180 km/h.

Chassis & Handling

The Yusheng S350 employs a ladder-frame chassis structure (body-on-frame), providing a robust foundation for its heavy-duty off-road remit. Up front, it rides on a double-wishbone coil-spring independent suspension setup, while the rear features a 5-link coil-spring non-independent live axle setup. Off-road credentials include an approach angle of around 27°, a departure angle of roughly 29°, a ramp breakover angle of 23.1°, ground clearance of 225 to 230 mm, and a maximum wading depth of up to 600 mm.

Drivetrain options comprise rear-wheel drive (2WD) and on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD), with 4WD models featuring a BorgWarner Torque-On-Demand (TOD) intelligent system that automatically shifts between 2WD and 4WD depending on road conditions. Selected variants come standard with an Eaton mechanical rear differential lock that locks automatically under slip, further bolstering vehicle recovery capabilities. Steering is handled via an electric power steering (EPS) setup; however, media reviews noted that steering feedback is somewhat vague with pronounced body roll in corners, alongside a rather soft initial brake pedal response.

Cabin & Features

The Yusheng S350 comes equipped with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display across the range, supporting Bluetooth, voice recognition, and smartphone integration, with upper trims gaining a full digital instrument cluster and connected vehicle services. Higher-spec variants offer Level 2 ADAS driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Front and rear parking sensors along with a reverse camera come standard throughout the lineup, complemented by convenience amenities such as an electric sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-start ignition. On the downside, in-cabin storage compartments are sparse, and luggage capacity in the boot is rather modest, which has drawn criticism from some owners.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, dual front airbags and front side airbags are fitted as standard across all variants. The bodyshell adopts a high-strength safety cage construction with hot-stamped steel reinforcing key structural zones. Active safety kit across the lineup includes a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) display, seatbelt reminders, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Higher-grade models add a 360-degree surround-view camera, Blind Spot Detection/Lane Change Assist, and Auto Brake Hold. Notably, the Yusheng S350 has not undergone crash testing by third-party safety bodies such as Euro NCAP, ANCAP, or C-NCAP.

Market Performance & Reception

The market performance of the Yusheng S350 charted a dramatic trajectory from peak popularity to market obscurity. Annual sales reached a peak of 37,300 units around 2016, but subsequently plummeted: only 120 units were delivered in March 2020, total sales between January and September 2021 hovered at a paltry 739 units, and monthly figures dwindled into double digits in 2022, with just 17 units registered in a single month. Today, the model has been reclassified under JMC's commercial vehicle division and is sold primarily through light truck and pickup dealership networks, while Ford-badged 4S showrooms have largely ceased offering the SUV.

In owner reviews and feedback, drivers generally praise its off-road prowess and bulletproof mechanical foundation, but frequently complain about build quality inconsistencies, interior squeaks and rattles, limited cabin cubby spaces, and body rust issues. Industry analysts attribute its sales slump to sluggish lifecycle updates, an exterior design that diverged from contemporary market preferences, uncompetitive pricing, and modest brand prestige. As of 2025, JMC has not issued an official retirement timeline for the Yusheng S350, though product roadmaps and dealer restructuring indicate that the model is already effectively discontinued or on the brink of phase-out.