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The Chinese light-commercial brand JAC has foreshadowed its entry into the passenger car and family SUV space with two new concepts.
Chinese commercial brand JAC will enter the passenger car space as previewed by two concepts at this year’s Shanghai motor show.
Using the JAC De-Fine concept – a futuristic four-seat sedan with freestyle doors – that debuted at last year’s Beijing motor show as a basis, the two new Define concepts push the platform towards a more road-ready package.
The Define-S appears to be identical to the De-Fine concept, but is sporting a new silver paint job instead of the copper of last year’s show car.
The digital side mirrors, wheel designs, sleek bodywork and light-up front bumper all carry over as before.
However, JAC has no detained powertrain elements, specifically 590kW output from three electric motors that enable a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 2.3 seconds.
JAC also mentions the Define-S is underpinned by a 1000-volt platform that should enable fast charging, though to what extent is unclear.
The brand also mentions cutting-edge driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is included with the Define-S, but it is clear the model is still a while away from showrooms.
More importantly however, the Define-X is a rugged, all-electric SUV with styling cues cribbed from the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Appearing like a large SUV, the Define-X melds off-road design elements such as a roof rack, underbody protection, and prominent wheel arch cladding with electric car aesthetics, and could be a production rival for the likes of the Toyota Prado.
Little else has been revealed about the car, but JAC is boasting the concept features a cutting-edge chassis system, “the industry’s largest 12-degree rear-wheel steering angle”, and a ‘crab walk’ mode.
It is unclear when these two new Define concepts will morph into production-ready forms, but JAC Global Vice General Manager David Zhang has told media in Australia ahead of the Melbourne motor show that the brand will expand its portfolio beyond the T9 ute.
“We think the PHEV [plug-in hybrid electric vehicle] and diesel pick-up and SUV is our first priority,” Zhang said.
“But in the near future, we also have a plan for the new-energy SUVs without a frame for family use.”
“They are under investigation, we will have a prototype car and SUV in the Shanghai Auto Show, so we will get the feedback [before deciding which markets to launch them in].”
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
