Roewe iMAX8

Model Overview

The Roewe iMAX8 is a large MPV under SAIC Motor's Roewe marque. Officially launched in October 2020, it represents the brand's first flagship MPV offering. Positioned as a "tech-luxury MPV" catering to both family outings and corporate chauffeur duties, the vehicle marks a strategic move by SAIC Passenger Vehicle in the MPV segment. The Roewe iMAX8 lineup is split into two powertrain branches: the petrol-powered variant (400TGI) and the plug-in hybrid variant (DMH). The 2026 petrol version serves as the core model on sale, with official retail prices ranging from RM185,800 to RM255,800. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid version (2025 model) is priced between RM199,900 and RM249,900. Sharing selected engineering platforms and components with the Buick GL8 under the wider SAIC stable, the Roewe iMAX8 has often been viewed as a more affordable alternative to the Buick GL8, though a noticeable gap remains in brand prestige and showroom performance compared to mainstream rivals.

Design Language

The Roewe iMAX8 adopts the brand's signature "Digital Rhythm" design philosophy. The front fascia features an imposing "Ronglin Wing" radiator grille finished with intricate parametric scale-patterned chrome inserts, creating a bold, upmarket visual presence. The flanking LED headlamp clusters integrate seamlessly into the grille and feature automatic headlights as well as adaptive high-beam assist, lending the exterior a high-tech and sophisticated look. Along the sides, the elongated silhouette is defined by sweeping dual character lines and a floating roof design, delivering a sleek profile that avoids the ungainly proportions typical of large MPVs. At the rear, full-width LED tail lamps connected by a tasteful chrome accent strip give the vehicle a clean, understated, yet premium appearance.

In terms of dimensions, the 2026 model measures 5,016 mm in length, 1,909 mm in width, and 1,788 mm in height, with a 3,000 mm wheelbase, aligning well with the segment benchmark. The MPV comes with dual sliding side doors (manual on entry-level trims, powered on higher-spec variants), coupled with a low floor height that facilitates effortless ingress and egress for children and elderly passengers.

Inside, the iMAX8 features a wraparound cockpit layout with extensive soft-touch padding across the dashboard, complemented by woodgrain inserts and satin chrome accents that elevate perceived cabin quality above most rivals in this price bracket. Higher-grade variants boast a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen running the Venus intelligent OS, which supports satellite navigation, voice commands, connected services, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Gear shifting is handled via an electronic shift-by-wire selector, with physical buttons retained on the centre console for intuitive, distraction-free operation. Synthetic leather upholstery comes standard on the petrol variant, with top-tier trims upgraded to plush genuine leather.

Powertrain Performance

The Roewe iMAX8 offers two distinct powertrain configurations:

Petrol Variant (400TGI): Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (code 20A4E) producing 172 kW (234 PS) and a peak torque of 360 Nm across a broad band of 1,500–4,000 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (8AT). The official 0–100 km/h sprint is completed in 8.8 seconds (8.7 seconds for the 2026 Shuxiang Edition), with a top speed of 200 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at approximately 8.7 L/100 km under the WLTC cycle, backed by a 70-litre fuel tank rated for RON 92 unleaded petrol. Owner feedback suggests that this powertrain delivers smooth take-offs and seamless gear shifts, though acceleration reserves can feel slightly constrained when executing high-speed overtaking manoeuvres under a full passenger load.

Plug-in Hybrid Variant (DMH): Powered by a dedicated hybrid system pairing a 1.5T turbocharged engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The petrol engine delivers 110 kW (150 PS), while the electric motor generates 176 kW (239 PS), yielding a combined system torque of 390 Nm. It is paired with a 1-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). A lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack delivers an all-electric range of 135 km (CLTC) or 100 km (WLTC), contributing to an exceptional total combined cruising range of 1,536 km. Fuel consumption is rated as low as 1.33 L/100 km under the WLTC cycle, and around 6.3 L/100 km in charge-depleted hybrid mode. With DC fast charging, juicing from 30% to 80% takes just 30 minutes, and the system supports a 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function.

Chassis and Handling

The Roewe iMAX8 adopts a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut independent suspension setup at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear. This chassis architecture is widely adopted in this segment, striking a fine balance between ride comfort and handling stability. The suspension tuning is decidedly comfort-biased, soaking up minor road imperfections with ease and maintaining reassuring straight-line stability at cruising speeds. The electric power steering (EPS) is calibrated light for effortless low-speed manoeuvring and parking, though road feedback through the rim remains somewhat muted. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, complemented by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold function. Tyre dimensions are specified at 225/55 R18. User reviews note that wind noise and tyre roar become noticeable at motorway speeds, and the slightly firm rear damping can compromise passenger comfort over harsher road surfaces.

Cabin and Features

The Roewe iMAX8 features a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout. The second row houses two individual captain seats (on high-spec variants) equipped with powered adjustments, ottoman leg rests, lumbar support, and heating, ventilation, and massage functions, delivering top-tier passenger comfort. The third-row bench offers generous padding and an optimised backrest rake, comfortably seating two adults with over a fist's worth of knee room. A practical centre walkthrough allows easy access to the rearmost seats. Boot space stands at a standard 1,564 L, expandable further via split-folding the third-row seats. Generous cup holders and cubby spaces are distributed throughout the cabin to accommodate family luggage and business essentials.

In terms of convenience features, upper trim levels are equipped with a twin-pane panoramic sunroof, dual power sliding doors, a hands-free powered tailgate with height memory, a wireless smartphone charging pad, 256-colour ambient lighting, rear fold-out tray tables, and an on-board mini-fridge. The cabin is kept comfortable with a three-zone automatic climate control system featuring dedicated rear roof vents. Audio entertainment is provided by a premium 11-speaker Bose surround sound system on top-spec variants. A distinctive highlight on select models is the "Magic Bar" smart centre console, which slides electrically along a floor rail between the front and middle rows, integrating versatile storage and an active hot/cold compartment.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

In terms of passive safety, the Roewe iMAX8 is built around a high-strength cage body shell. Driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags come standard across most trims (the 2026 entry-level Shuxiang Edition includes only dual front airbags as standard, with side airbags optional). A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), rear ISOFIX child-seat anchors, and three-point seatbelts for all seats are standard across the range.

For active safety and driver assistance, the top-spec petrol variant (Zhixiang Edition) is equipped with a Level 2 ADAS suite. This includes Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). The sensing suite comprises 1 millimetre-wave radar, 5 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, paired with a 360-degree surround-view camera and an underbody transparent chassis view. Lower-spec variants settle for basic passive cruise control and rear parking sensors. Similar feature disparities exist in the PHEV lineup—the flagship Luzun Shexiang Edition gets full Level 2 ADAS with all-speed ACC, whereas the base Shuxiang Edition offers only standard cruise control.

Notably, user feedback reveals that 2023 and earlier model years suffered from noticeable ADAS omissions, lacking essential features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist. Furthermore, complaint records on consumer portals such as 12365auto indicate occasional powertrain anomalies on the 2025 PHEV variant, including instances where the petrol engine fails to start when forced into battery-preservation charging mode—a factor prospective buyers should keep in mind.

Market Performance and Evaluation

Since its introduction in 2020, the Roewe iMAX8 has seen lukewarm market demand. In November 2025, monthly sales recorded just 52 units for the petrol version and 423 units for the PHEV variant. Over the trailing six-month period, monthly volume has hovered in the double- to low triple-digit territory, placing it 56th in the large MPV segment. It trails significantly behind heavyweights such as the GAC Trumpchi M8 (~5,000 units/month), Buick GL8 (~8,000 units/month), and BYD Xia.

Owner reviews highlight several standout qualities: generous and versatile cabin space (3,000 mm wheelbase accommodating all three rows comfortably), exceptional seating comfort (plush second-row captain chairs with ottoman and massage features), lavish equipment levels (Bose audio, Magic Bar console, on-board fridge), a composed chassis, and smooth power delivery from the 8AT gearbox on petrol models. Conversely, key criticisms include weaker brand prestige against joint-venture rivals, sparse active safety kit on baseline trims, visible hard plastics in lower cabin areas, noticeable wind and tyre noise at highway speeds, and higher real-world fuel consumption (around 10–11 L/100 km in real-world city driving).

The main hurdles preventing the Roewe iMAX8 from translating critical acclaim into strong showroom numbers stem from limited brand pull (with the marque facing long-standing negative public perceptions regarding reliability), competitive disadvantages against direct rivals (a smaller footprint than the Buick GL8 alongside uneven equipment packaging across variants), subdued marketing presence, and a pricing strategy that leaves it uncomfortably close to established legacy rivals like the GL8.

In summary, the Roewe iMAX8 remains a competent, well-rounded large MPV that scores high on interior room, ride comfort, and overall equipment, offering compelling value for money particularly for family buyers shopping in the RM200,000 ballpark. However, the model continues to trail front-runners like the Trumpchi M8 and Buick GL8 in brand recognition, ADAS packaging, and market traction. To carve out a sustainable foothold in an increasingly competitive MPV arena, Roewe will need to double down on product refinement, aggressive marketing, and customer aftersales support.