The Yiwei 3 is JAC Motors' first pure electric compact hatchback built on the all-new DI dedicated EV platform, serving as the debut model for the JAC Yiwei brand. Making its global debut on 12 April 2023 before officially launching in June the same year, the EV is tailored for urban runabouts and young car buyers. Key highlights include the native DI pure electric architecture, 46-series large cylindrical battery cells, a 9-in-1 integrated electric drive unit, Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery integration technology, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). As of 2026, the Yiwei 3 line-up encompasses the 2024 Beloved Edition and multiple 2025 variants, with prices ranging from RM69,900 to RM127,900. It offers three CLTC-rated range options: 330 km, 405 km, and 505 km. Measuring 4,025 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, and 1,560 mm tall with a 2,620 mm wheelbase, it is positioned as a 5-door, 5-seater A-segment electric hatchback.
The Yiwei 3 adopts the "Bubble Universe Aesthetics" design philosophy, featuring a rounded, chic silhouette that has earned it the moniker "Little Porsche" among some buyers. Up front, it sports a closed-off grille flanked by oval LED "angel-eye" crystal headlamps with integrated projector lenses and circular LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for an adorable, quirky look; the lower front bumper features a three-section layout with slim integrated fog lamps at the corners and a polygonal lower air intake. In profile, clean waistlines, body-coloured window trims, and flush pop-out electric door handles give it a sleek side profile, complemented by a gently sloping roofline that creates a floating roof effect. At the rear, matching split circular LED tail lamps echo the front lighting signature, alongside JAC's restyled artistic brand emblem. The Yiwei 3 is available with dual-tone exterior paint finishes and various wheel choices, notably featuring distinct tri-colour petal-style alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin incorporates extensive rounded rectangular motifs with a dual-tone contrasting scheme, delivering a youthful, contemporary ambiance. It is fitted with a two-spoke flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, a floating full-digital instrument display, and a sizable floating central infotainment touchscreen. The seats are trimmed in leatherette with contrast stitching, presenting a solid, premium build quality that stands out in its segment.
The Yiwei 3 is driven by a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor (PMSM), available in standard and high-output tunes. The 70 kW (approx. 95 PS) variant delivers smooth power delivery ideal for city commutes, while the 100 kW (approx. 136 PS) variant offers snappier throttle response, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds. Top speed is capped at 150 km/h across the range. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed reduction gear transmission in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup. The vehicle features the world's first 9-in-1 electric drive powertrain, packaging the motor, controller, reduction gearbox, and other core components into a single unit, significantly improving power density and drive efficiency.
For energy storage, the Yiwei 3 uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack sourced from Gotion High-Tech, employing 46-series large cylindrical cell technology. Compared to conventional prismatic and pouch cells, these 46-series cylindrical cells offer superior safety and cost advantages; DC fast charging from 0% to 80% takes only about 18 minutes under ambient temperatures, ranking among the fastest in its class. The Yiwei 3 provides three CLTC operating range choices of 330 km, 405 km, and 505 km, corresponding to battery capacities of 34.5 kWh, 41 kWh, and 51.5 kWh respectively. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse charging is supported to power external electrical appliances on the go, while higher-spec variants also come equipped with an energy-efficient heat pump air-conditioning system.
Underneath, the Yiwei 3 rides on a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam semi-independent setup—a standard arrangement in entry-level pure electric hatchbacks that optimises cabin packaging while keeping production costs in check. The chassis tuning was calibrated by a dedicated engineering team, delivering a well-composed ride with capable bump absorption over urban surfaces. With a tight turning radius of just 4.95 metres, it offers impressive manoeuvrability in tight city spots. The braking setup is paired with essential driver aids such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Auto Brake Hold, and Hill-Start Assist (HSA). The overall driving dynamics prioritise effortless urban runabout duties and daily commuting over outright spirited performance.
The intelligent cockpit is one of the Yiwei 3's standout USPs. Mid-to-low spec trims come standard with a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment unit, while top-tier variants upgrade to a 15.6-inch HD smart entertainment display. Running on the iFLYTEK Feiyu 3.0 operating system with 8 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage, it supports four-zone voice command recognition, keyless entry, push-button/walk-away auto-lock functions, and seamless integration with the Huawei HiCar app ecosystem. The interface is snappy and intuitive, delivering a segment-leading tech experience at its price point.
Creature comforts are equally well-appointed: a heat pump climate control system and a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat are standard across the board. Higher-spec variants add seat heating, ventilation, and memory functions, rear air-con vents, a 1.45 m² panoramic glass roof, a wireless smartphone charger, 64-colour ambient lighting, an in-car fragrance system, an air-purifying negative ion generator, and a vanity mirror with 360° ring illumination. The rear bench features a single-piece folding backrest to expand boot capacity when needed.
On the safety front, the Yiwei 3 incorporates CTB (Cell-to-Body) integration and a honeycomb battery enclosure, physically reinforcing the structural integrity of both the battery pack and the vehicle's body shell. The passenger cell is engineered to meet five-star crash test standards. Front dual airbags, front side airbags, and front/rear curtain airbags come standard across all variants. A 540-degree transparent chassis camera system, working in tandem with 5 HD cameras, 3 millimetre-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, provides all-round peripheral surveillance.
In terms of active safety, the Yiwei 3 boasts a Level 2 ADAS suite featuring over 18 safety and driving assist functions. Key capabilities include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). Flagship trims further feature fully automated parking, remote-controlled parking, and remote driving functions. Packing such a comprehensive active safety package at an entry price point around the RM60,000 mark gives it a distinct competitive edge against rivals.
Overall market reception for the Yiwei 3 has remained relatively subdued. Third-party sales data indicates that the model recorded around 2,300 deliveries in the first eight months of 2024, with March 2024 sales dipping to just 73 units. Competing in a cutthroat segment dominated by heavyweight pure electric hatchbacks like the BYD Seagull and Wuling Bingo, the Yiwei 3 offers solid product credentials on paper, but weak brand recall has heavily suppressed its commercial uptake.
Owner reviews reflect mixed sentiments: positive feedback overwhelmingly praises the generous smart cockpit tech, practical cabin space (its 2,620 mm wheelbase provides superior rear legroom over the Wuling Bingo), dependable real-world driving range, and the everyday convenience of its Level 2 ADAS. On the flip side, complaints focus on thermal management quirks under heavy highway use—specifically battery temperatures climbing to 45°C after consecutive fast charges, which triggers thermal throttling and cuts DC charging speeds from 30 kW down to 10 kW; a shrinking 4S service dealer network in certain localities that compromises after-sales support; and JAC's relatively weak brand presence in the passenger car sector, which raises concerns over depreciation, resale values, and buyer confidence. All in all, the Yiwei 3 is a well-engineered, feature-packed EV runabout offering solid value in space, tech, and range, yet brand equity and dealership reach remain the primary hurdles holding it back in the subcompact EV space.
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