JAC ESei4 Pro

Model Overview

The JAC iEVS4 (marketed in overseas markets as the ESei4 Pro or E40X) is an all-electric compact B-segment SUV launched in 2019 by JAC New Energy under the JAC Group. Positioned as a "long-range pure electric SUV", it serves as a flagship representative of JAC New Energy's eighth-generation technology and third-generation product lineup. Occupying a higher tier within the JAC iEV series, the iEVS4 touts its generous driving range and tech-laden cabin as core selling points, targeting urban commuting families and first-time young car buyers. In its home market, post-subsidy prices ranged from RM129,500 to RM159,500 across various range variants. Following its domestic debut, the model established solid technical credibility in its class thanks to its 470 km NEDC long-range variant, while making inroads into overseas markets such as Latin America under the E40X badge as one of JAC’s core spearheads in its global EV export push.

Design Language

On the exterior front, the iEVS4 retains the foundational design of its petrol-powered platform sibling, the Refine S4, while incorporating bespoke pure electric styling cues. Up front, it features a fully enclosed front grille, with the charging flap cleverly concealed behind the front emblem. The unique textured pattern on the front fascia is complemented by a full-width chrome trim connecting the headlights to broaden its visual stance; the sharp headlamps mirror the dragon-spine LED taillights, while a shark-fin window line, two-tone alloy wheels, and a floating roof design further accentuate its sporty profile. Along the flanks, rising dual waistlines create an aggressive, forward-leaning stance. In terms of dimensions, the domestic-spec iEVS4 measures 4,410 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,660 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm, placing it squarely in the standard compact SUV segment. Inside, the cabin layout mirrors its ICE counterpart, featuring a driver-oriented centre stack, a floating central touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster, with higher-spec variants sporting leather trim with contrast stitching across the dashboard and door cards to elevate perceived quality.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the entire iEVS4 lineup is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with JAC's in-house integrated electric drive system. Early iterations delivered a maximum output of 92 kW (approx. 125 PS) and 270 Nm of torque, while post-2020 upgraded models saw outputs bumped to 110 kW (approx. 150 PS) and 330 Nm. Energy is supplied by a liquid-cooled constant-temperature ternary lithium battery pack, with capacities ranging from 61 kWh to 67 kWh. The SUV offers three NEDC-rated range options: 355 km, 402 km, and 470 km, with the 470 km flagship variant setting a competitive benchmark among its pure electric compact SUV peers. For charging, DC fast charging juices the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes, while AC slow charging takes roughly 8 hours. Energy consumption is rated at around 13 kWh to 14 kWh per 100 km, making it well-suited for daily urban commutes and short weekend road trips.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by a front-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, the iEVS4 utilizes MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear—a standard suspension configuration for EVs in this category. With the battery pack laid flat beneath the floorboards, the lower centre of gravity provides noticeably better cruising stability than its ICE counterpart. Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) come standard across the range, delivering light steering at parking speeds and reassuring weight at highway cruising. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, complete with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Brake Hold. The suspension tuning leans heavily towards ride comfort, effectively soaking up minor urban road imperfections; however, body roll is moderately noticeable during spirited cornering or over undulating roads, and the rear torsion beam compromises second-row ride comfort over sharper bumps.

Cabin and Features

Cabin technology is among the core highlights of the iEVS4. Higher-spec variants come equipped with JAC's next-generation IoV 3.0 system, integrating intelligent voice assistant, remote telematics, and connected lifestyle modules to enable comprehensive human-machine voice interaction. A 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster form the dual-screen digital cockpit, supporting intelligent voice control, online navigation, multimedia playback, 4G connectivity, smartphone integration, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Higher-tier variants also gain practical conveniences such as a 360-degree surround-view camera, keyless entry, and push-start ignition. The seats are upholstered in leatherette, and the rear bench features split-folding functionality, expanding boot capacity from 520 litres to 1,050 litres to accommodate everyday shopping and luggage needs.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the iEVS4 incorporates JAC’s proprietary five-tier safety architecture combined with advanced liquid-cooled thermal management, maintaining battery operating temperatures within an optimal 10°C to 35°C window even under extreme conditions to effectively eliminate the risk of thermal runaway. Standard active and passive safety features across the range include EPB with Auto Hold, ESC, EPS, Traction Control System (TCS), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), with the range-topping variant boasting 6 airbags. For active driver assistance, higher-spec models feature Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring, working alongside onboard perception sensors to provide essential driving assistance. The overseas-spec E40X takes technology a step further by offering IoV connectivity as standard across the range, supporting voice control, smart navigation, remote telematics, and OTA updates to solidify its "Smart Protection, Intelligence, and Smart Connectivity" brand ethos.

Market Performance and Verdict

Upon its domestic launch, the iEVS4 drew considerable interest in the RM100,000 to RM150,000 compact EV bracket, driven by its 470 km range and competitive starting price of RM129,500. However, hampered by modest brand awareness in the new energy sector, rapid product iterations from competitors, and intensifying EV price wars after 2020, its domestic market volume remained relatively small, with sales gradually levelling off. Abroad, the E40X (ESei4 Pro) found stronger footing in Latin American markets such as Colombia, marketed as an intelligent electric SUV with standard IoV, voice control, and OTA capability, serving as a key pillar in JAC's overseas electrification strategy. From an ownership perspective, the iEVS4's 470 km usable range, comprehensive safety suite, and vehicle warranty terms earned positive remarks; however, the firm damping over harsh bumps from the rear torsion beam, infotainment response latency, and airbag omissions on base trims were frequently cited as areas for improvement. All in all, the JAC iEVS4 represents a significant milestone in JAC New Energy's "eighth-gen tech, third-gen product" era. Spearheaded by its long-range capability, it helped JAC accumulate valuable product experience in the domestic RM100,000 to RM150,000 EV space while paving the way for Chinese electric SUVs in international export markets under its tech-centric identity.