NETA X

Model Overview

The NETA X is a fully electric C-segment SUV produced by NETA Auto (Hozon New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd.). Officially launched in October 2023 as the direct successor to the NETA U, the NETA X is underpinned by NETA Auto's all-new Yunhe pure electric architecture. The 2025 NETA X debuted in August 2024 with a four-variant line-up: 400 Air, 500 Air (new addition), 500 Plus, and 500 Pro, with official retail prices ranging from RM89,800 to RM124,800. As an annual model update, the 2025 NETA X underwent revisions across its variant line-up, equipment list, and powertrain, with the entry-level variant receiving a price cut of RM10,000 compared to its predecessor. In this segment, the NETA X primarily rivals other all-electric SUVs such as the BYD Yuan PLUS (Atto 3), Geely Galaxy E5, and GAC AION Y.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the NETA X carries forward the NETA family design language, drawing inspiration from anime mecha aesthetics. Up front, it features a closed-off grille flanked by split-type headlamp clusters, crowned by slim, upswept LED daytime running lights that deliver a sharp visual identity. The front apron incorporates blacked-out trims and functional air ducts, while the profile is defined by crisp, segmented character lines and blacked-out trim behind the C-pillars, producing a floating roof effect. At the rear, full-width LED taillights are complemented by a roof spoiler and a high-mounted stop light, accentuating the vehicle's visual stance. Dimensions stand at 4,619 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,628 mm in height, with a 2,770 mm wheelbase. Available body colours include Pearl White, Clear Sky Grey, Glacier Blue, Extreme Smart Black, and Amber Brown. Inside, the cabin adopts a minimalist layout with a cleanly styled dashboard dominated by soft-touch materials, achieving an 80% soft-wrapped surface coverage. Suede inserts are applied to the door cards and sections of the dashboard to enhance overall cabin tactile quality. The cockpit is rounded off with a flat-bottom steering wheel and a steering column-mounted electronic gear selector.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire NETA X range is powered by a front-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 120 kW (approximately 163 PS) and 220 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the wheels via a single-speed direct-drive transmission. The official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 9.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 150 km/h. In terms of range, the 2025 NETA X offers two CLTC pure electric range options: a 401 km version equipped with a 51.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, and a 501 km version featuring a 63.5 kWh LFP pack. Battery cells are sourced from CATL, JEVE, and Gotion High-tech, among others. For DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) takes roughly 30 minutes on earlier variants; the 2025 models feature optimised charging curves, reducing the 30% to 80% DC fast-charging duration to around 20 minutes. Kerb weight is rated at 1,670 kg.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the NETA X rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. This chassis tuning is engineered to absorb road imperfections effectively, enhancing ride comfort and high-speed stability. The vehicle achieves a 50:50 front-to-rear axle weight distribution, which contributes to sharper handling and steering precision. The electric power steering (EPS) offers Comfort and Sport modes, which adapt alongside the selected drive modes. Drivers can choose from Standard/Comfort, Eco, Sport, and One-Pedal driving modes. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. Regenerative braking is adjustable across Low, Medium, and High settings.

Cabin and Equipment

On the tech front, the NETA X comes standard with an 8.9-inch full digital instrument cluster and a floating central touchscreen infotainment display. Display sizes vary by variant: the 400 Air and 500 Air variants get a 10.1-inch screen, while the 500 Plus and 500 Pro step up to a 15.6-inch floating unit featuring an ultra-slim bezel design (6.7 mm at its thinnest edge), Full HD 1920×1080 resolution, and 85% NTSC colour gamut coverage. Higher-spec models are powered by the automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset (7 nm process, octa-core processor, 8 TOPS computing capability), ensuring slick UI responsiveness. The AI voice assistant features dual-zone voice localisation for the front row, with a 99% accuracy rate for "see-and-say" commands and a swift 300 ms response time. Seating comprises integrated sports seats with 82 mm foam cushioning in the front and 95 mm in the rear. The 500 Plus and 500 Pro variants add power-adjustable and heated front seats. Additional convenience features include a column-mounted gear stalk, a wireless smartphone charging pad (top-spec model), and automatic climate control. Boot capacity starts at 508 litres, expandable to 1,388 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Structural safety is built around a reinforced fortress-style cage body, with high-strength steel making up nearly 80% of the architecture. Passive safety gear includes standard front dual airbags on entry-to-mid variants, side airbags on the 500 Plus, and full-length curtain airbags on the range-topping 500 Pro. Battery safety is anchored by NETA's proprietary "Tiangong Battery" system, which features a modular lattice layout, aerospace-grade thermal insulation capable of withstanding over 1,000°C, and a hermetically sealed pack design certified to IP68 water/dust ingress and WF2 corrosion-resistance ratings after undergoing more than 2,310 safety tests. The intelligent thermal management system (H-EPT 4.0) helps improve cold-weather driving efficiency by up to 20%.

For advanced safety, the 500 Pro comes equipped with the NETA AD Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Powered by an available Horizon Journey 3 processing chip, the system utilises a suite of 19 high-precision sensors (2 millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 1 forward-facing monocular camera, and 4 surround-view cameras) to enable 23 active safety and driver aid functions. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Auto Parking Assist (APA), Remote Parking Assist (RPA), and Reversing Track Assist. A 360-degree surround-view monitor with a 180-degree transparent chassis function is also fitted. The 2025 model further gains a Driver Monitoring System (DMS, offering fatigue and distraction alerts) and a built-in dashcam (DVR).

Market Performance and Reception

Following its market launch in October 2023, the NETA X achieved 7,091 deliveries in its first full month of sales (November 2023). Full-year sales for 2024 totalled approximately 20,933 units. However, sales experienced a sharp contraction heading into 2025, recording just 55 units in January and 217 units in March. This slump mirrors the broader operational headwinds faced by NETA Auto—the brand saw its domestic retail figures plummet from 2024 onwards, with total brand sales in January 2025 reaching only 110 units and monthly deliveries of core models (NETA X and NETA L) staying below 300 units each. Media feedback notes that the NETA X punches above its weight in terms of interior space (particularly generous rear legroom courtesy of its 2,770 mm wheelbase) and premium cabin appointments, though its electric powertrain performance remains fairly modest within the segment. In competitive benchmark ratings against class rivals, the 2023 NETA X scored in the lower-middle tier overall. As of 2025, the model's estimated value retention rate stands at around 53%.