Roewe RX8

Model Overview

The Roewe RX8 is an E-segment luxury SUV under SAIC Motor's Roewe brand, officially launched at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2018. Serving as the flagship SUV of the Roewe line-up, the model is available in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations. Built on a ladder-frame chassis, the Roewe RX8 is positioned as a rugged large SUV engineered to blend genuine off-road capability with premium cabin comfort. A total of 8 variants were offered at launch, with official recommended retail prices ranging between RM168,800 and RM251,800; following the rollout of the Chaoqun series in 2019, the price bracket was revised to between RM168,800 and RM228,800. As of June 2026, showroom units on sale primarily comprise the 2019 Chaoqun series line-up.

Design Language

The Roewe RX8 carries forward the brand's signature "Rhythm Design" philosophy, striking a balance between muscular road presence and characteristically Chinese sculpted, rounded contours across its commanding silhouette. Up front, it features a bold floating wing-spread grille, adorned with an intricate woven chrome mesh insert and framed by a closed-loop chrome surround that seamlessly blends into the wing-style full-LED headlamp clusters on either side, exuding an imposing aura. Flanking the lower bumper apron, the Orion Nebula LED front fog lamps comprise four projector units that also double as static cornering lights. Dimensions-wise, the SUV measures 4,923 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,810 mm tall (1,840 mm with roof rails), with a generous 2,850 mm wheelbase. Round the back, a full-width chrome strip bridges the LED tail lamp assemblies, while a silver rear skid plate underscores its off-road credentials.

Cabin and Interior Styling

Inside, the Roewe RX8 embraces a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, with the dashboard drawing cues from modern minimalist consumer electronics. The cabin makes extensive use of soft-touch leatherette surfaces, accented by authentic wood veneer inlays and satin chrome highlights to deliver a refined yet tech-savvy ambience. The wide centre console features a split butterfly-opening armrest, a first in its segment. Top-spec variants are further elevated with premium German Bader full-grain bull leather upholstery.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the entire Roewe RX8 range is powered by SAIC's proprietary longitudinal 2.0TGI direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine (NetBlue family), delivering 165 kW (around 224 PS) and 360 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the wheels via an Aisin-sourced longitudinal 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. The century sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is clocked at 9.1 seconds, with a rated top speed of 186 km/h. In terms of fuel economy, the 2WD model registers 9.1 L/100 km, while the 4WD variant is rated at 9.9 L/100 km; the combined fuel consumption under the NEDC cycle stands at 9.2 L/100 km. The Chaoqun series introduced in 2019 complies fully with China 6 emission standards.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by a rugged body-on-frame platform, the Roewe RX8 is suspended by a double-wishbone independent setup up front and a robust 5-link live-axle configuration at the rear. The steering is handled by a hydraulic power-assisted system. On the driveline front, 4WD models come fitted with a Torque-on-Demand (TOD) full-time all-wheel-drive system, utilising an electronically controlled multi-plate wet clutch as the centre differential. Tailored for heavy-duty trails, 4WD models receive a centre differential lock as standard, with the 2019 Chaoqun 4WD variants stepping up to dual differential locks—featuring both centre and rear axle differential locks across the board; the hardcore Chuanyue Edition further benefits from an Eaton mechanical locking rear differential. The drivetrain is tied together by the ALL-DRIVE intelligent multi-terrain system, offering 6 selectable drive modes: Eco, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Auto. Off-road geometry is respectable, boasting a 26° approach angle and a 23° departure angle. The Roewe RX8 Chaoqun series previously proved its mettle at the military-certified Dingyuan Proving Ground, earning official recognition as China's most capable hill-climbing production SUV.

Interior Features and Equipment

The cockpit is anchored by a 10.1-inch central touchscreen infotainment display and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, supporting dual-screen content sharing. The head unit runs on the Zebra Zhixing OS, complete with Apple CarPlay and CarLife smartphone integration. Seating comes in either 5-seater or 7-seater configurations, with 7-seater models adopting an amphitheatre-style "2+3+2" stepped layout. Second-row occupants enjoy generous legroom complemented by a virtually flat floorboard; the raised third row ensures an expansive forward view without compromising outward visibility. Cargo capacity stands at a practical 595 litres in standard guise, expanding to 1,639 litres with the rear seats folded down, and maxing out at a cavernous 2,178 litres. High-spec trims add a panoramic glass sunroof, a powered tailgate with anti-pinch functionality, heated front seats, and a multi-zone climate control system.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Roewe RX8 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive systems, including Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a 360-degree surround-view monitor, and cruise control. The Chuanyue Edition introduced in 2019 further gains the Super Pilot advanced driver assistance suite. Four-wheel disc brakes, an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, and a full-sized spare tyre come standard across the entire range.

Market Performance and Reception

As Roewe's halo SUV, the RX8 was engineered to go head-to-head with established non-national stalwarts such as the Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Teramont. However, retail uptake fell short of internal targets, with monthly sales topping out at roughly 2,821 units before settling into a steady downward trend. Industry commentators attributed this muted performance to the inherent urban ride stiffness associated with a ladder-frame chassis, middle-of-the-road real-world trail performance, and minor refinement grouses including paint durability, cabin VOC smell, and low-speed transmission hunting. Nevertheless, on pure hardware merit, the Roewe RX8's heavy-duty underpinnings and dual differential lockers carved out a distinct niche among Chinese large SUVs. Even in 2025 retrospects, it remains regarded as a solid indigenous SUV proposition for buyers prioritising genuine ground clearance, terrain articulation, and commanding cabin space. All told, the Roewe RX8 represents a bold milestone in the Chinese brand's push upmarket, earning a memorable spot through its unapologetic off-road architecture and flagship proportions.