Sehol QX

Model Overview

The Sehol QX is a C-segment compact SUV launched on 26 June 2021 by Sehol (a new-generation brand established under the joint venture between JAC Group and Volkswagen Group). As the debut production model built on the brand's MIS Haoxue architecture, the Sehol QX was tasked with spearheading the marque's push into the mainstream market, primarily targeting younger car buyers seeking individuality and cutting-edge tech. At launch, the lineup comprised 8 variants, with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM101,900 to RM148,900, alongside launch-exclusive promotional pricing of RM96,900 to RM143,900. Key segment rivals include popular contenders such as the Haval H6 and Changan CS75 PLUS.

Design Language

The Sehol QX adopts a design philosophy dubbed "Aesthetics of the Era". Up front, it sports an avant-garde fascia featuring split LED headlights and star-track LED daytime running lights (DRLs), with the full-width DRL light bar positioned across the upper grille, lending it a clean, EV-inspired front profile. A slim upper grille is complemented by a lower air intake flanked by fang-shaped black garnishes, creating an aggressive visual stance. The side profile features clean, sculpted character lines, where a dual waistline works in tandem with black cladding on the wheel arches and lower door sills to enhance visual layering and athletic appeal. At the rear, full-width LED taillights are paired with a roof spoiler and dual exhaust garnishes below, delivering a well-defined rear profile. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,605 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,700 mm in height, with a 2,720 mm wheelbase.

Inside, the cabin is themed around an "Interstellar Cockpit" concept. The dashboard is dominated by a dual 12.3-inch twin-screen display setup, paired with a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a rotary electronic gear selector to deliver a strong high-tech ambience. Soft-touch materials are applied extensively throughout the cabin, accented by brushed aluminium trim and chrome highlights, delivering a tactile finish that punches well above its price point.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the entire Sehol QX range is powered by a 1.5-litre TGDI inline-four turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (code HFC4GC1.6E). The engine incorporates a low-inertia turbocharger and integrated intercooler technology to effectively reduce turbo lag. Outputs are rated at a maximum power of 135 kW (184 PS)  and 300 Nm of peak torque, which is available across 1,800 to 3,500 rpm. Power is sent to the wheels via either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). It completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 180 km/h. Fuel economy is rated at 7.4 L/100 km under the WLTC cycle and 6.9 L/100 km under NEDC testing. The engine is tuned to run on RON 92 petrol. Factory warranty coverage is three years or 100,000 km.

Chassis and Handling

Suspension hardware comprises a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. The chassis and dynamic tuning were co-developed with Volkswagen engineers, imbuing the SUV with a distinct "German-engineered ride quality"—solid, composed, and free from any loose or brittle sensations. The suspension damping is decidedly biased towards ride comfort, soaking up minor road imperfections with ease; while it rebounds cleanly over speed bumps, the pliant setup inevitably yields some body roll during hard cornering. Employing a short-overhang, long-wheelbase packaging layout, it achieves a generous 2,720 mm wheelbase within a sub-4.6-metre overall length, boosting agility. The steering system offers three selectable weighting modes, though the baseline assist remains on the lighter side. The brake pedal feel is progressive and reassuring. The Sehol QX cleared the moose test at over 80 km/h and records a 100–0 km/h emergency braking distance of under 35 metres.

Cabin and Equipment

In terms of infotainment and connectivity, the Sehol QX runs on the latest-generation Zhiling 4.0 operating system. The platform deeply integrates digital ecosystems from Huawei (Huawei Smart Assistant, instant-run Quick Apps), Tencent (in-car WeChat integration, Tencent Mini Scenarios), and iFLYTEK (multi-dialect voice recognition, acoustic source localisation). The infotainment unit supports online navigation, streaming video, voice control, and connected telematics services. Higher-spec variants gain facial recognition (FaceID) functionality. Creature comforts include semi-bucket integrated sports seats (offering great lateral support), a leather-wrapped steering wheel (with tilt/telescopic adjustment and paddle shifters), heated front seats, an openable panoramic sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger, and remote engine start. For practicality, the boot offers 670 litres of standard cargo capacity, expandable via 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Sehol QX utilises a rigid body structure comprising 70% high-strength steel. Passive safety kit includes standard front airbags, front side airbags, and curtain airbags. Active safety systems encompass ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Intelligent driving is among the core highlights of the Sehol QX. Equipped with a 3R1V sensor suite (3 millimetre-wave radars + 1 monocular front camera), supported by 4 HD cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle, it delivers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability. ADAS features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB with pedestrian detection), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), and High Beam Assist (HMA). It also boasts an APA fully automated parking assist capable of handling bay, parallel, and angled parking manoeuvres. Additionally, the Sehol QX is equipped with China's first automotive-grade AI chip from Horizon Robotics, powering DMS and IMS cabin-monitoring systems that provide driver drowsiness detection, unsafe driving behaviour alerts, and a Child Safety Surveillance (CSS) rear-seat reminder.

Market Performance and Verdict

Despite its competitive specs, the market performance of the Sehol QX fell short of expectations. Full-year sales in 2022 totalled only 8,239 units, with monthly volume dipping to just 336 units in October 2022; full-year sales in 2024 dropped further to around 1,306 units, eventually recording 0 units in March 2025. Industry observers attribute the sluggish sales to limited brand recognition, insufficient marketing exposure, and a modest physical dealer network, alongside quality-control complaints such as water ingress in indicator lamps and cabin odour issues that dampened word-of-mouth reputation. In terms of owner feedback, buyers generally praise its generous passenger and boot space, solid interior build quality, and composed, German-tuned ride dynamics. In summary, the Sehol QX showcased strong product merits in the RM100,000 to RM150,000 compact SUV segment thanks to its MIS Haoxue platform, punchy 1.5T engine, dual 12.3-inch connected smart cockpit, Level 2 ADAS suite, and comprehensive tech integration; however, constrained by brand awareness headwinds, marketing limitations, and quality control hiccups, its commercial success failed to match its underlying product strengths.