Roewe iMAX8 New Energy

Model Overview

The Roewe iMAX8 New Energy is a mid-to-large plug-in hybrid MPV introduced by SAIC Motor under the Roewe marque. First launched in 2022, it forms Roewe's MPV product lineup alongside the petrol-powered iMAX8. Positioned as a "tech-luxury PHEV MPV" catering to both family outings and corporate chauffeur duties, the vehicle represents one of SAIC Passenger Vehicle's strategic moves in the new energy MPV segment. Sharing technical platforms and component resources with the Buick GL8, the Roewe iMAX8 New Energy has been dubbed an "accessible alternative to the Buick GL8" in the market. The variants currently on sale are predominantly the 2025 and 2026 models, all powered by a 1.5T DMH plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering trims including the Luzun Shuxiang Edition, Luzun Zhixiang Edition, Luzun Shexiang Edition, and Fudao Edition (2025 model), with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM199,900 to RM295,800. The 2026 model currently serves as the core offering with 3 variants.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Roewe iMAX8 New Energy carries forward the "Digital Rhythm" design philosophy of the petrol-powered iMAX8 while sharing specific design cues with the Buick GL8. Up front, it features a prominent "Ronglin Wing" radiator grille finished with parametric scale-style chrome embellishments, delivering a commanding visual presence. The flanking LED headlamp assemblies integrate smoothly into the grille, equipped with automatic headlamp activation and adaptive high-beam assist. Down the sides, the MPV presents an elongated silhouette fitted with dual sliding rear doors (manual on base trims and powered on higher-spec variants), accompanied by an accessible floor height for effortless ingress and egress. Over at the rear, full-width LED taillights linked by a sleek chrome strip lend the tailgate a clean and timeless aesthetic.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the MPV measures 5,016 mm in length, 1,909 mm in width, and 1,802 mm in height, riding on a 3,000 mm wheelbase, which places it squarely in the mid-to-large MPV segment. The front and rear track widths stand at 1,643 mm and 1,644 mm respectively, with an approach angle of 16° and a departure angle of 21° ensuring decent ground clearance. While slightly more compact overall than the Buick GL8, its generous 3,000 mm wheelbase guarantees ample cabin room.

Inside, the iMAX8 New Energy adopts a wraparound cockpit layout, heavily swathed in soft-touch trim complemented by wood-grain inserts and satin chrome accents. Higher-spec variants come equipped with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment unit powered by the Venus smart OS, supporting satellite navigation, voice control, and telematics services. Gear selection is handled via an electronic shifter, while physical switchgear is retained on the centre console for straightforward, distraction-free operation. Seat upholstery spans from synthetic leather on lower trims to premium genuine leather on high-spec models.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire Roewe iMAX8 New Energy range is driven by the DMH super hybrid setup, pairing a 1.5T turbocharged petrol engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The transversely mounted 15FKE engine delivers a maximum power output of 110 kW (150 PS) and 235 N·m of peak torque. The front electric drive motor produces 176 kW (239 PS) and 390 N·m of peak torque. This powertrain is paired with a 1-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) sending drive exclusively to the front wheels.

Energy is stored in a 24.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack supplied by REPT BATTERO, providing an all-electric range of 135 km under CLTC testing and 100 km under WLTC standards. Total combined cruising range on a full tank and full charge reaches up to 1,536 km, demonstrating commendable overall CLTC range efficiency. Fuel consumption is rated as low as 1.33 L/100km on the WLTC combined cycle, with charge-depleted fuel consumption rated at 6.3 L/100km (WLTC) or 4.71 L/100km (CLTC). Via DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% SoC takes just 30 minutes (0.5 hours), with a fast-charging capacity of 6 kW. Top speed is capped at 175 km/h.

Notably, the 2024 model year also featured a fully electric BEV variant (570 km range) powered by a 245 PS motor and priced at RM287,800, primarily aimed at corporate fleet and VIP shuttle markets.

Chassis and Handling

The Roewe iMAX8 New Energy uses a front-engine, front-wheel-drive architecture suspended by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup. This suspension combination strikes a balance between road-holding stability and passenger comfort, with chassis damping noticeably geared towards plush ride quality. The electric power steering (EPS) is lightly weighted, facilitating effortless low-speed manoeuvres and tight parking. Stopping power is managed by ventilated disc brakes all round, complete with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto-Hold system. The MPV rides on 225/60 R18 tyres and comes without a spare tyre. Kerb weight is rated at 2,266 kg, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 2,793 kg.

Real-world owner feedback notes that while the supple suspension effectively irons out road imperfections and surface chatter, wind and tyre roar become noticeable at highway cruising speeds, accompanied by a slight floating sensation at the rear in heavy crosswinds.

Cabin and Features

The Roewe iMAX8 New Energy adopts a practical 2+2+3 seven-seater layout. The second row features twin individual captain chairs (on higher trims) with power adjustment, extendable ottoman leg rests, lumbar support, along with heating, ventilation, and massage functions for plush seating comfort. The third-row bench features optimized cushion padding and recline angles to comfortably fit two adults. A walk-through centre aisle allows convenient access to the rearmost seats. While exact boot capacity figures have not been officially specified, the third-row backrests can be split-folded to expand luggage room.

In terms of in-car technology, equipment distribution varies significantly across variants. The Luzun Shexiang Edition (RM249,900) comes fitted with comprehensive driver-assist camera systems, including a 360° surround-view monitor, blind-spot display, and a 540° transparent chassis view. However, the model hierarchy suffers from an irregular spec distribution—the flagship "Fudao Edition" (2025 model) / "Rongjie Edition" priced at RM319,800 oddly omits essential comfort and active safety kit such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), ventilated/heated front seats, and power-adjustable/heated/ventilated/massaging second-row seats, while even the near-side sliding door reverts to manual operation and electric seat adjustment is restricted purely to the driver.

On the convenience front, range-topping variants boast a dual-pane panoramic glass sunroof, dual powered sliding doors, a hands-free powered tailgate, wireless smartphone charging pad, and 256-colour ambient interior lighting. Climate control is fully automatic, supported by dedicated rear air-conditioning vents.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the Roewe iMAX8 New Energy comes standard with dual front airbags and front side airbags across the range. However, side curtain airbag availability is tiered—the entry-level Luzun Shuxiang Edition misses out, whereas the Luzun Zhixiang Edition and Luzun Shexiang Edition receive full-length side curtain airbags covering front and rear occupants. Standard active safety kit across all models includes a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), rear ISOFIX child-seat anchors, three-point seatbelts for all seats, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

When it comes to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the Roewe iMAX8 New Energy trails behind segment rivals. Across the 2026 model lineup, only the range-topping Luzun Shexiang Edition (RM249,900) is equipped with Level 2 ADAS capabilities, packing full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), driven by a single front-facing monocular camera and 4 ultrasonic sensors. The Luzun Shuxiang Edition and Luzun Zhixiang Edition make do with conventional passive cruise control, lacking Level 2 driver aids. Similarly, the 2025 Fudao Edition/Rongjie Edition (priced between RM295,800 and RM319,800) also omits advanced driver assistance features.

This product packaging leaves the Roewe iMAX8 New Energy at a distinct disadvantage compared to similarly priced rivals—vital systems such as AEB, full-speed ACC, and Blind Spot Monitoring are strictly confined to variants priced at RM249,900 and above, supported by a fairly basic sensor suite. Additionally, user reviews and consumer complaint records highlight that select 2025 models faced powertrain glitches where the engine failed to engage under forced battery-save mode, alongside reports of battery charging faults and warranty claim disputes.

Market Performance and Verdict

Market traction for the Roewe iMAX8 New Energy remains muted. In November 2025, monthly sales stood at just 423 units, while the petrol-powered iMAX8 registered 52 units over the same period, with combined monthly sales hovering between dozens and a few hundred units over recent months. Primary segment rivals—such as the GAC Trumpchi E8 (from RM209,800), BYD Xia (from RM206,800), and Buick GL8 Luzun PHEV (from RM339,900)—continue to command a substantial lead in sales volume.

Feedback from existing owners highlights clear plus points: strong fuel economy delivered by the DMH hybrid system (1.33 L/100km combined), a roomy and functional cabin (3,000 mm wheelbase), and plush seating comfort. On the flip side, key gripes include: pronounced wind and road noise at speed, rear-end crosswind instability, lack of critical safety kit on entry trims, class-lagging ADAS availability, and an inconsistent spec strategy where pricier variants skimp on standard features.

The underlying factors behind why the Roewe iMAX8 New Energy struggles to convert product merit into strong showroom sales can be attributed to four core areas:

1. Weak Brand Equity: The Roewe marque historically suffered from widespread consumer scepticism regarding long-term reliability and build quality, an image it has found difficult to shake off. By November 2025, nearly half of the brand's volume was sustained by the budget-friendly Roewe i5, leaving overall market awareness for its premium, upmarket offerings remarkably low.

2. Compromised Product Appeal: Despite sharing platform foundations with the Buick GL8, it offers smaller dimensions and less muscular performance; its 1.5T PHEV setup trails rivals' 2.0T or high-output 1.5T powertrains; ADAS features are scarce with Level 2 aids limited to the top trim; and lifestyle amenities like rear entertainment displays or an on-board cool box are not standard fare.

3. Ambitious Pricing Strategy: With an entry price starting from RM199,900, it sits uncomfortably close to the Buick GL8. Given that its brand cachet and overall prestige lag behind the Buick, showroom incentives have been insufficient to establish a compelling value proposition.

4. Underwhelming Marketing Push: Despite the iMAX8 nameplate being on the market for several years, general consumer awareness remains low. Sparse marketing exposure and minimal social presence have kept the vehicle off the shortlists of mainstream MPV buyers.

In summary, as a plug-in hybrid MPV sharing engineering foundations with the Buick GL8, the Roewe iMAX8 New Energy delivers genuine merits in terms of fuel efficiency, cabin space, and seating comfort, presenting a practical option for running-cost-conscious family buyers. However, prominent shortcomings in brand perception, driver assistance kit, pricing structure, and marketing outreach have hindered its commercial momentum. For the 2026 model and future iterations to gain meaningful ground in an increasingly cut-throat MPV arena, Roewe will need to undertake a thorough overhaul of its product lifecycle strategy, variant packaging, pricing positioning, and marketing campaigns.