Roewe Lomemo

Vehicle Overview

The Roewe Lomemo is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) compact SUV officially launched by SAIC Motor's Roewe brand on 20 May 2022. The lineup comprises two variants—the Yuedong Longlong Edition and the Lingdong Maomao Edition—with introductory prices of RM125,800 and RM129,800, respectively. Marking Roewe's first-ever HEV model, it is branded as a "trendy electric pet", catering primarily to young buyers, particularly working urban women seeking chic aesthetics and daily practicality. Its English moniker "LOMEMO" originates from the acronym "LOVE ME MORE", expressing the brand ethos of "extra pampering, for what I love". Its core market rivals include hybrid SUVs such as the BYD Song Pro DM-i.

Design Language

The Roewe Lomemo adopts an EV-inspired design language, headlined by a borderless front grille with a parametric diamond-mesh pattern that blends flush into the front bumper. A gloss black trim piece links the headlamps, carrying the silver Roewe letter emblem at the centre, while light blue accent strips run underneath and flank both sides, extending neatly into the headlamp clusters. Down the sides, a crisp shoulder line stretches seamlessly from front to rear; blacked-out A, B, and C-pillars, together with a dual-tone paint job and silver roof rails, give the SUV a floating-roof silhouette. The rear is fitted with three-dimensional "electric-claw" LED tail lamps and an integrated black roof spoiler.

In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4,440 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,634 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,625 mm. Aside from its two hero paint finishes—Baby Blue and Snowball White—three optional bespoke wrap shades are offered: Smart Green, Ballet Pink, and Velvet Gold. The interior adopts a traditional T-shaped dashboard layout, available in two themes: Mocha Black and Dream Grey. The cabin embraces an airy, minimalist light-colour palette, anchored by dual 12.3-inch connected screens, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and a sleek electronic gear shifter.

Powertrain and Performance

Powering the Roewe Lomemo is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) setup combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The petrol engine delivers a maximum output of 88 kW (around 120 PS) and 150 Nm of torque, while the electric motor produces 70 kW and 200 Nm. Combined, the hybrid powertrain churns out a total system output of 134 kW (approximately 182 PS) and 350 Nm of peak torque. Power is channelled through an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT), allowing for a top speed of 168 km/h.

On the efficiency front, the Yuedong Longlong Edition returns an NEDC combined fuel consumption figure as low as 4.0 L/100 km, while the Lingdong Maomao Edition is rated at 5.9 L/100 km under the WLTC test cycle. It is fitted with a 45-litre fuel tank and runs on minimum RON 92 petrol. The hybrid system operates in pure petrol, pure EV, and hybrid drive modes; however, it does not support plug-in external charging and retains conventional blue vehicle registration plates in China.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the Roewe Lomemo sits on a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam semi-independent setup. It is strictly front-wheel drive (FWD). Braking duties are handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, complemented by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). The vehicle rides on 215/55 R17 tyres, with a kerb weight of 1,470 kg. The chassis tuning leans heavily towards urban commuting comfort, where its tidy proportions provide nimble urban handling and stress-free parking. Boot capacity is rated at 383 litres, expandable to 1,372 litres with the rear seatbacks folded down.

Cabin and Equipment

On the tech front, the Roewe Lomemo comes equipped with dual 12.3-inch IMAX HD connected displays combining a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen. The infotainment runs the latest Zebra Venus intelligent operating system, supporting continuous AI voice commands (up to 90 seconds of uninterrupted dialogue), online navigation, multimedia entertainment, remote vehicle start via app, telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

In terms of convenience and comfort, the SUV features a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, front sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, a Qi wireless smartphone charging pad, and a 6-speaker high-fidelity sound system. Seats are upholstered in synthetic leather, with a panoramic sunroof offered on mid-to-high-spec variants. Space-wise, the 2,625 mm wheelbase bridges the gap between B-segment and C-segment SUVs, offering adequate rear passenger space for daily commuting.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the Roewe Lomemo comes standard with dual front SRS airbags. Active safety systems include core electronics such as ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The SUV also features a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), packing Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Highway Cruise Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Change Assist (LCA). A high-definition 360-degree surround-view camera and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are also included.

Market Performance and Verdict

Following its market launch, the Roewe Lomemo fell significantly short of sales expectations. Introduced at a time when consumer interest in hybrid SUVs was peaking in 2022, the model experienced sluggish demand, with monthly sales languishing in the double digits. Industry sources reported that production was quietly halted soon after launch, with dealers offering aggressive discounts to clear remaining inventory by late 2022. Analysts noted several hurdles behind the Lomemo's poor performance: its 2,625 mm wheelbase made it an awkward fit for conventional family SUV buyers; being a self-charging HEV, it could not be plugged in and missed out on China's green NEV licence plates and policy perks; and its pricing and running costs were less compelling against dedicated pure EV city runabouts. Ultimately, while the Roewe Lomemo attempted to establish a unique identity in the RM120,000–RM130,000 hybrid segment with its "trendy electric pet" concept, twin 12.3-inch displays, hybrid powertrain, and Level 2 ADAS, its muddled market positioning, lack of policy incentives, and cut-throat market competition resulted in a remarkably brief commercial lifecycle.