The Jetour Shanhai L7 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) C-segment SUV introduced under the "Shanhai" new energy vehicle (NEV) line-up by Chery Holding’s Jetour brand. Positioned as a "large family hybrid SUV", it caters specifically to multi-member households and long-distance road trips. First rolled out in October 2024, the model received an annual update in March 2025. Unlike the flagship six-seater Shanhai L9 within the same stable, the Shanhai L7 slots into the competitive RM150,000 hybrid SUV segment with a more compact footprint and accessible pricing, taking on direct rivals such as the Chery Fulwin T9, BYD Song PLUS DM-i, and Geely Galaxy L7.
Competing in the mid-size PHEV SUV space, the Shanhai L7 measures 4,749 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,720 mm in height, riding on a 2,745 mm wheelbase. Available in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, it registers a kerb weight between 1,818 kg and 1,841 kg. Key highlights include the Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM powertrain, a 120 km CLTC pure electric range, all-wheel independent suspension, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
On the sales front, the Shanhai L7 experienced a strong start followed by a steep drop: after peaking at 3,709 units in December 2024, sales slid consistently to just 167 units by July 2025, bringing cumulative annual sales to 5,573 units. This sluggish performance stems from a muddled market positioning and stiff internal competition—the SUV is largely perceived as a PHEV derivative of the Jetour X70 PLUS, facing direct price overlaps with the Chery Fulwin T9 and Jetour X70 C-DM alongside relatively entry-level in-car tech.
The exterior styling of the Shanhai L7 carries Jetour’s signature "Hui City Leader" design language. Up front, it features a closed-off fascia flanked by full-width LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that extend into distinctive "J"-shaped signatures. The front bumper houses vertically stacked dual-projector headlamps integrated with ADAS indicator lights, seamlessly marrying form and function.
Along the flanks, the profile is clean and muscular, fitted with semi-recessed door handles with an anti-freeze ice-breaking capability for reliable operation in freezing conditions. Around the back, the full-width taillight assembly features vertical light clusters that echo the brand's "T" insignia. A raised rear bumper elevates the vehicle's visual stance, lending it a planted, robust presence. Six exterior paint finishes are on offer: Jade Green, Galaxy Silver, Dusk Black, Morning Light White, Light Smoke Grey, and Ice Blue.
Inside, the cabin adopts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The dashboard is headlined by a dual-screen layout comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. A column-mounted electronic gear selector (stalk shifter) frees up substantial storage space on the centre console. Soft-touch materials are used extensively throughout the cabin, complemented by slush-moulded trims with contrast stitching that deliver a premium ambience standard for an RM150,000-class contender.
Under the skin, the Shanhai L7 is powered by Chery's Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM setup, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with front-mounted dual electric motors.
Engine: The SQRH4J15 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo mill produces 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 220 N·m of torque. Boasting a thermal efficiency of 44.5% and direct fuel injection, it runs on RON 92 petrol and meets China 6 emission standards.
Electric Motors: The front dual-motor system (P2+P3 layout) churns out a combined output of 199 kW (approx. 271 PS) and 395 N·m of peak torque.
Transmission: Power is routed via a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) that seamlessly shifts across multiple drive modes.
Battery & Electric Range: An 18.37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack sourced from Gotion High-tech delivers a pure EV range of 120 km (CLTC) and 90 km (WLTC). With a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, the total combined cruising range exceeds 1,100 km.
Charging Performance: DC fast charging is supported at up to 41 kW, juicing the battery from 30% to 80% in just 18 minutes (approx. 0.3 hours). AC charging takes 3 hours at a 6.6 kW rate.
Fuel Economy: Official WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.35 L/100 km, while fuel consumption in charge-depleted state sits at 5.18 L/100 km. The fuel tank capacity is 60 litres.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): It features a 6.6 kW V2L external power supply function, capable of running heavy-duty outdoor gear such as induction cookers and projectors simultaneously during camping trips.
Underpinned by a front-wheel-drive (FWD) monocoque layout, the Shanhai L7 rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link (4-link) independent suspension setup. Braking is handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, assisted by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Electric Power Steering (EPS).
The SUV rolls on 235/55 R19 tyres across all variants, complete with a space-saver spare wheel. It offers an approach angle of 18°, a departure angle of 17°, and a 60-litre fuel tank.
Drive modes include Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort, supported by regenerative braking, Auto Brake Hold, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
The chassis is tuned primarily for ride comfort, with the 4-link rear axle doing a noticeably better job of soaking up road imperfections than a traditional torsion beam. Real-world drive reviews note that the suspension effectively absorbs secondary road vibrations, maintains composed body control over speed bumps, and provides confidence-inspiring high-speed cruising stability.
Standard across the range is the dual-screen cockpit comprising twin 12.3-inch displays for the instrument panel and floating centre touchscreen. Running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, the infotainment suite supports 4G connectivity, AutoNavi and Tencent Maps, OTA software updates, and HUAWEI HiCar smartphone mirroring. The voice command system manages media, navigation, hands-free calls, climate control, and sunroof operations, featuring dual-zone voice detection and continuous dialogue triggered by the wake word "Hello, Xiao Jie".
In terms of cabin amenities, standard and optional equipment include an opening panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate with memory function, keyless entry and start, remote engine start, automatic climate control with rear air vents, dual-zone temperature control, and a PM2.5 air purification system. Higher-grade variants add acoustic front windscreen/side glass, power-folding heated side mirrors with auto-fold upon locking, a 50W wireless phone charging pad, and a 220V three-pin power socket.
The seats are wrapped in faux leather upholstery. The 5-seater version gets a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while the 7-seater version features sliding and reclining second-row seats along with split-folding third-row seats. Practicality is well catered for with generous cubby spaces throughout, expanding to a maximum boot capacity of 1,688 litres.
Passive Safety: The Shanhai L7 is engineered around a high-tensile safety cell structure. All variants come standard with 6 airbags, including front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags. Active electronic safeguards include ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS with individual readout), and Roll Stability Control (RSC).
ADAS & Smart Driving: Level 2 driving assistance comes standard across the entire range. The sensor suite consists of 5 cameras, 4 ultrasonic sensors, 1 front monocular camera, and 1 millimetre-wave radar.
ADAS features include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). It also includes a 360-degree surround-view monitor with a transparent underbody chassis view (540-degree camera system).
The Jetour Shanhai L7 has seen a roller-coaster sales trajectory. Following its debut, the SUV initially garnered keen consumer interest owing to its roomy cabin and plug-in hybrid efficiency, posting a monthly peak of 3,709 units in December 2024. However, momentum fizzled out rapidly, with sales tumbling to just 167 units by July 2025. With a cumulative tally of 5,573 units, it lingers near the bottom of its segment.
Automotive market analysts attribute this downturn to several factors:
Blurry Product Positioning: Consumers largely viewed the Shanhai L7 as merely a plug-in conversion of the Jetour X70 PLUS. Clashing directly in price with the Chery Fulwin T9 and Jetour X70 C-DM, it lacked a clear unique selling point.
Fierce Market Competition: The RM150,000 PHEV SUV segment is already fiercely contested and dominated by established players like the BYD Song PLUS DM-i, Geely Galaxy L7, and Haval Xiaolong, leaving very little breathing room for a late entrant.
Limited NEV Brand Equity: Jetour is still heavily associated with "budget-friendly petrol cars" in consumer perception, resulting in limited brand pull when venturing into the electrified vehicle segment.
Product Compromises: The 18.37 kWh battery (120 km pure EV range) merely matches segment averages without offering a standout edge; furthermore, the third-row seating is cramped and best reserved strictly for short-haul, emergency use.
Owner feedback reflects this dichotomy: satisfied buyers praise its expansive interior room, fuel economy, and generous standard spec list. On the flip side, complaints focus on tight third-row accommodation, occasional infotainment lag, and poor brand cachet that hurts future resale value.
The Way Forward: In an effort to arrest the sales slide, Jetour introduced the upgraded Shanhai L7 PLUS in August 2025. Featuring a longer 2,820 mm wheelbase, a larger battery yielding a 220 km EV range, and advanced tech like Urban Navigate on Autopilot (NOA), the PLUS variant aims to stage a comeback. The Shanhai L7 PLUS racked up over 48,000 bookings within 60 hours of its debut, signalling renewed market interest.
The Jetour Shanhai L7 represents an important tactical move by Jetour in the competitive RM150,000 hybrid SUV arena. Combining a 1.5T plug-in hybrid powertrain, a 120 km EV range, versatile 5/7-seater layouts, and standard Level 2 ADAS, it ticks the essential boxes for family buyers seeking a practical, fuel-efficient high-riding cruiser. Nevertheless, indistinct positioning, intense rivalry, and weak NEV brand equity have hamstrung its commercial success.
As a complete package, the Shanhai L7 delivers solid value in cabin flexibility, running costs, and standard kit, though it still has room for refinement in high-end tech integration and third-row occupant comfort. For pragmatic buyers with an RM150,000 budget who prioritise space and equipment over badge prestige, the Shanhai L7 is a sensible choice. Meanwhile, the subsequent Shanhai L7 PLUS—with its extended wheelbase, longer electric range, and upgraded driver-assist suite—stands a much better chance of regaining solid ground in the market.
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