The Jetour Dasheng i-DM is a plug-in hybrid C-segment SUV introduced under Chery Holding's Jetour brand. Positioned as a "native intelligent hybrid SUV", it is the marque's first PHEV built upon the bespoke Kunlun intelligent hybrid architecture. First revealed at the Chengdu Motor Show in August 2022, the model was officially launched in September of the same year, followed by an updated line-up in April 2023 comprising three variants, with official guide prices ranging from RM149,900 to RM169,900. Serving as a crucial spearhead for Jetour's new energy transition, the Dasheng i-DM leverages its "mecha-inspired styling + dedicated hybrid platform + outdoor camping lifestyle kit" as primary selling points, targeting younger buyers seeking distinct individuality alongside electrified fuel efficiency.
Competing in the compact PHEV SUV space, the Jetour Dasheng i-DM measures 4,590 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,690 mm tall (listed as 1,685 mm in certain specifications), with a 2,720 mm wheelbase, a 5-door, 5-seater layout, and a kerb weight ranging from 1,795 kg to 1,810 kg. Key highlights include the dedicated Kunlun hybrid platform, a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (3DHT), an overall range of up to 1,000 km, aggressive mecha-style aesthetics, and a lifetime vehicle warranty (inclusive of the EV powertrain components). Its chief rivals in the PHEV SUV segment include the BYD Song Pro DM-i (RM138,800 - RM163,800) and Lynk & Co 01 PHEV (RM199,700 - RM207,800).
In terms of showroom performance, the Jetour Dasheng i-DM has struggled to gain traction. Initial deliveries stood at 352 units in June 2023, but sales plummeted to just 61 units across the entirety of 2024, placing it 111th in monthly segment sales and 322nd among all Chinese domestic nameplates. By 2026, the model has effectively ceased production, with remaining market transactions primarily clearing 2023 inventory units.
The exterior of the Jetour Dasheng i-DM expresses an aggressive mecha theme derived from the brand's "Hui-style Elegance" design language. Up front, it sports a frameless parametric radiator grille with horizontal chrome strakes, drawing inspiration from traditional Huizhou "horse-head" firewall architecture for an instantly recognisable, futuristic face. The split LED lighting setup positions slim daytime running lights up top, while the main low- and high-beam clusters blend seamlessly into the lower bumper, paired with an interactive lighting sequence for a commanding presence after dark.
Along the flanks, crisp character lines and an upswept beltline create an athletic, forward-leaning stance. Flush pop-out door handles and dual-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 255/45 R20 tyres further accentuate its high-tech appeal. The rear profile tapers inwards towards the roof and broadens at the hips, featuring slim, downward-clawing LED tail lamps, an aggressive rear diffuser, and quad-tipped decorative exhaust finishers to round off the sporty styling.
Inside, the Dasheng i-DM embraces a clean, minimalist layout with physical switchgear largely absorbed into the digital displays, headlined by a standard 15.6-inch floating infotainment touchscreen paired with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Drivers get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a space-saving column-mounted electronic gear selector that declutters the centre console bridge. The integrated semi-bucket seats are trimmed in synthetic leather, offering reassuring side bolsters. Jetour offers two interior colourways: grey-white and grey-black; the former combines cold-grey woodgrain trim with antibacterial, stain-resistant silicone upholstery. High-spec variants further gain a head-up display (HUD), ambient lighting, and acoustic front glass.
Powering the Jetour Dasheng i-DM is a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with front-mounted dual electric motors, built on the bespoke Kunlun hybrid platform with an integrated brake-by-wire (WCBS) chassis.
Engine: The 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo unit (SQRE4T15C) produces 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque across 1,750–4,000 rpm. Featuring multi-point fuel injection and a robust cast-iron block, it runs on RON 92 petrol and complies with China VI emission standards.
Electric Motors: The front dual-motor setup yields 125 kW (approx. 170 PS) and 315 Nm of torque. Total system output is rated at a potent 240 kW (approx. 326 PS) and 545 Nm.
Transmission: Drive goes through a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (3DHT) with intelligent multi-mode drive switching. Top speed is rated at 180 km/h, with WLTC combined fuel consumption listed at 1.7–1.8 L/100 km, rising to 6.7 L/100 km in charge-sustaining (battery-depleted) mode.
Range and Battery: Energy is stored in a 19.27 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) battery pack sourced from Gotion High-Tech, delivering an all-electric range of 100 km on the NEDC cycle (80 km WLTC). Total cruising range on a full tank and full charge reaches up to 1,000 km. Both DC fast charging and AC charging are supported via a 400V electrical architecture. Range-topping trims also feature a 3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse-charging function, catering to outdoor lifestyle demands.
Under the skin, the Jetour Dasheng i-DM uses a front-engine, front-wheel-drive monocoque platform, riding on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension. Braking is handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, controlled via an electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. Steering is an electric power steering (EPS) setup. The entire range rides on 20-inch alloys shod with 255/45 R20 tyres, supplied with a tyre repair kit in place of a spare tyre.
Off-road geometry includes a 21° approach angle and a 20° departure angle, backed by a 60-litre fuel tank. The battery pack and fuel tank are centrally slung, lowering the centre of gravity for enhanced cornering composure.
Drive mode selections include Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort, accompanied by adjustable regenerative braking, Hill-start Assist Control, and Hill Descent Control. The chassis setup prioritises ride comfort and high-speed stability, with the low-slung mass of the Kunlun platform aiding overall body control.
Across the range, the Dasheng i-DM comes fitted with the 15.6-inch floating central touchscreen and 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system integrates Huawei HiCar, Amap, Tencent navigation, 4G telematics, advanced voice control (for media, navigation, telephony, climate, and sunroof), and full-vehicle over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Convenience and comfort features include an opening panoramic glass roof, flush pop-out door handles, a powered tailgate, keyless entry with push-start button, automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, and a PM2.5 cabin filtration system. Top-grade models add facial recognition, adaptive high-beam assist, ambient lighting, heated and power-folding wing mirrors, front acoustic laminated glass, and full-speed adaptive cruise control.
Geared towards active lifestyles, high-spec variants come equipped with a 3 kW V2L external power supply alongside dedicated storage for camping cookery and integrated fold-out tray tables.
For passive safety, the Dasheng i-DM relies on a high-strength cage body shell. The airbag suite covers front dual airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags (front and rear head protection) as standard across the range. Standard active safety kit includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with individual pressure readouts.
Advanced safety is headlined on the flagship Lightning 02 variant, which gets a full Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Features include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection/Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Door Opening Warning (DOW). The sensor suite comprises 1 millimetre-wave radar, 4 surround-view cameras, 1 front monocular camera, and 4 ultrasonic parking sensors.
Conversely, the entry-level Lightning variant omits Level 2 ADAS, making do with standard passive cruise control and a reverse camera. First-hand owners in China were covered by an unlimited-mileage, unlimited-period vehicle warranty (including the EV battery, motor, and electric controller), subject to official terms and conditions.
The market reception of the Jetour Dasheng i-DM stands in stark contrast to its on-paper technical prowess. Since its 2022 debut, sales have remained sluggish, totalling a negligible 61 units throughout 2024—averaging fewer than 10 units per month. Ranking 111th in monthly SUV volume and 322nd overall among Chinese domestic nameplates, it quickly became a fringe player. By 2026, the Dasheng i-DM has effectively been taken off production lines, surviving only as run-out stock with a three-year residual value retention rate of around 53%.
Industry observers attribute the Dasheng i-DM's market struggles to several key factors:
Unfavourable Pricing Structure: The RM149,900 - RM169,900 price tag placed it directly in the crosshairs of the segment-dominating BYD Song Pro DM-i (RM138,800 - RM163,800). With BYD enjoying immense brand equity in the electrified vehicle space, consumers naturally gravitated towards the market leader at equivalent pricing.
Polarising Product Positioning: While the mecha aesthetic offered distinct flair, its overtly aggressive styling alienated mainstream family SUV buyers in the RM100,000 - RM150,000 bracket, who predominantly favour conservative styling and cabin utility.
Subdued Brand Perception in Electrification: Although Jetour established a strong footprint with its million-selling X70 family, the brand remained firmly associated with budget-friendly petrol SUVs. Converting that reputation into PHEV credibility proved an uphill battle.
Cutthroat Segment Rivalry: The 2023–2024 period saw an influx of formidable PHEV contenders, including the BYD Song Pro / Song PLUS DM-i, Haval Xiaolong, and Geely Galaxy L7. Boasting refined hybrid hardware and aggressive retail campaigns, they left the Dasheng i-DM outmatched on price and brand appeal.
Distribution and Network Mismatch: Jetour's dealership footprint was largely concentrated in lower-tier cities, whereas PHEV demand in China was heavily driven by tier-one cities with licence-plate restrictions. This network mismatch severely hampered footfall.
On owner review portals (holding an average rating of around 4.50 out of 5), verified buyers praised its striking looks, linear power delivery, and generous lifetime warranty terms. Conversely, common complaints centred on higher-than-expected fuel consumption once the battery was drained (6.7 L/100 km), merely average rear legroom, and weak brand equity hurting resale value.
The Jetour Dasheng i-DM represented an ambitious, design-led gamble for the brand as it navigated the shift towards electrification. Packing a bespoke Kunlun hybrid platform, a 3DHT transmission, aggressive mecha styling, and a lifetime warranty, it sought to carve out a unique lifestyle niche in the RM100,000 - RM150,000 PHEV segment. However, ambitious pricing, polarising styling, modest brand cachet, and hyper-competitive rivals sealed its commercial fate.
From an engineering standpoint, its multi-speed hybrid layout and creative camping-oriented packaging demonstrated Jetour's willingness to innovate. Yet commercially, it fell short of delivering both brand elevation and sustainable showroom volumes. The Dasheng i-DM's trajectory serves as a reminder for the industry: technological credentials must be backed by precise pricing, mainstream appeal, and solid brand equity to thrive in an intensely contested PHEV arena. For buyers hunting for an unconventional design, unconcerned by brand prestige, and prioritising comprehensive powertrain warranty coverage, leftover stock or used examples of the Dasheng i-DM present an intriguing, value-focused proposition.
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