NETA X

Model Overview

The NETA X is a compact fully electric SUV from NETA Auto, launched in China in October 2023 as an upgraded facelift of the NETA U to form a dual-model lineup alongside it. The SUV debuted with four variants, priced between RM89,800 and RM124,800. In August 2024, the NETA X received a major update under an "added kit, lower price" strategy, which brought the starting price down from RM99,800 to RM89,800.

The refreshed NETA X is available in four variants: 400 Air, 500 Air, 500 Plus, and 500 Pro. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,619 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,628 mm in height, with a segment-busting wheelbase of 2,770 mm. The entire range features a five-seater layout, positioned as a spacious five-seater fully electric SUV competing against rivals like the BYD Yuan PLUS and GAC AION Y.

Design Language

The NETA X carries forward NETA Auto's "Confidence" design philosophy, featuring a bold and striking exterior profile. Up front, it sports a closed-off grille and a split headlight setup paired with sleek L-shaped DRLs, complemented by lower L-shaped orange trim accents that accentuate its sporty stance, while higher-spec variants gain an Active Grille Shutter (AGS). The side profile features clean character lines accentuated by black wheel arch mouldings and side skirts, while the rear gets a full-width "Polar Light" LED taillight bar with an integrated central chrome strip, visually widening the rear stance. The updated model introduces new paint finishes such as "Dustless Silver", alongside Pearl White, Clear Sky Grey, Extreme Black, and Glacier Blue, offering five exterior colours in total.

Inside, the cabin features a "270° wraparound" layout with a clean and clutter-free design, doing away with most physical buttons in favour of a steering-column-mounted gear selector. The dashboard is styled with horizontal lines that neatly integrate the air-con vents, offered in a dual-tone brown and black colourway. Soft-touch materials cover up to 80% of the interior, with high-contact areas fully wrapped in leatherette upholstery to enhance the premium feel.

Powertrain and Performance

Across the range, the NETA X is powered by a front-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor (model TZ180XS113), producing 120 kW (approx. 163 PS) and 220 Nm of torque, with a top speed rated at 150 km/h. Battery-wise, it is fitted with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, packing a 53.3 kWh capacity in the 400 Air and 63.5 kWh in the 500 variants. This delivers a CLTC-rated all-electric range of 401 km and 501 km respectively. A high-efficiency six-in-one electric drive system, HEPT 4.0 thermal battery management system, and in-house developed Haozhi super heat pump system are standard across the board, with the heat pump significantly boosting cold-weather efficiency. The 401 km version completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds. A 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power supply function and mobile app remote control come standard across all variants.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the NETA X rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, complemented by a CST (Comfort Stop) braking assistance feature. In the compact EV SUV segment at this price point, having an independent rear suspension gives it a clear competitive edge. The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively soaking up road imperfections and surface chatter on paved roads with minimal cabin vibration. With the floor-mounted battery lowering the vehicle's centre of gravity, overall driving stability is commendable. The front-wheel-drive EV features electronic power steering (EPS) and an electronic parking brake (EPB with Auto Hold), offering four selectable driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and One-Pedal mode.

Cabin and Features

The NETA X stands out in cabin technology, equipped standard with an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset powering a 15.6-inch floating central touchscreen (Plus/Pro variants) and an 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster, complete with intelligent voice control, mobile app connectivity, and full-car OTA updates. The range-topping 500 Pro variant further adds premium amenities such as a powered tailgate, an openable panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade, wireless smartphone charging, driver seat memory with welcome function, heated front seats, and an 8-speaker audio system. Boot capacity is rated at 508 litres, expandable to 1,388 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the passive safety front, the NETA X adopts a reinforced "three-ring, four-longitudinal, five-transverse fortress" body structure to enhance crash energy absorption. The 2024 400 Air comes standard with dual front airbags; the 500 Plus and above add front side airbags, while the 500 Pro further equips full-length curtain airbags for a total of 6 airbags.

For active safety and ADAS, the 2024 500 Pro is equipped with the NETA AD driver assistance suite, packing a sensor setup of 6 exterior cameras, 1 interior camera, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 2 millimetre-wave radars (19 sensors in total) driven by a Horizon Journey 3 chip, supporting 23 Level 2+ ADAS features. These include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Automated Parking Assist (APA), and Reverse Tracking Assist. Other driver aids include a 360-degree surround-view camera with a transparent chassis view, Lane Change Assist, and Driver Fatigue Monitoring.

Market Performance and Reception

The market performance of the NETA X has seen a noticeable downturn. Following its launch in November 2023, monthly sales peaked at 7,091 units. While it sustained strong numbers in January 2024 (4,766 units), sales began to decline steadily thereafter. By the second half of 2024, monthly sales hovered around 1,000 units, before plummeting sharply in 2025—down to just 55 units in January 2025, and hitting zero from September onwards. This downward trajectory reflects NETA Auto's wider financial and operational crisis, with reports indicating that the brand's domestic retail sales have dropped to zero since January 2026, alongside complete plant shutdowns.

In terms of consumer feedback, the NETA X holds an overall user rating of 3.78 out of 5 stars on China's Dongchedi platform. Positive reviews highlight its generous interior space (courtesy of the 2,770 mm long wheelbase), dependable real-world range, and strong value for money; among e-hailing drivers, it earned high marks for being affordable, having a large battery capacity, and offering quick returns on investment. On the flip side, complaints mainly revolve around steering feel, ride quality refinement, and sluggish after-sales support. While the NETA X boasts competitive product substance in terms of space and tech against segment rivals, its commercial performance was ultimately undermined by the brand's operational headwinds, highlighting the uphill battle new-energy start-ups face when shifting from fleet (B2B) to retail (B2C) markets.