JAC 8

The seemingly vague moniker "JAC 8" usually refers to a flagship MPV under JAC Motors' "Refine" sub-brand—the Refine RF8.

Embracing a "New China-Chic" design language, this large smart hybrid MPV carries deep significance in its name's "8". It not only symbolizes flagship prestige, prosperity, and good fortune, but also heralds the model's mission as a trailblazer in the brand's 3.0 era transformation.

🚗 Model Overview

The JAC Refine RF8 is the first strategic model built on the all-new MUSE co-creation intelligent electric architecture following the Refine brand revamp, positioned as a large "New China-Chic Smart Hybrid MPV". Engineered to cater to family upgrades and executive business transport, its key rivals include established MPVs such as the Trumpchi M8/E8, Buick GL8, and Denza D9.

The RF8 spans a broad price bracket, offering a diverse range of variants:

🎨 Design Language

As a "New China-Chic Smart Hybrid MPV", the Refine RF8 seamlessly blends Oriental aesthetics with modern technology across both its exterior and interior.

• Exterior: Up front, the MPV offers three distinct Chinese-inspired grille designs: Lingkong, Longlin, and Qingyun. The Longlin grille features an illuminated design that delivers strong road presence at night, paired with flanking Tiger-Roar LED headlights and a sleek full-width light bar for a commanding, contemporary look. Round back, the full-width LED taillight cluster is equally striking when lit.

• Dimensions: It measures 5,215 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,830 mm in height, with an expansive wheelbase of 3,100 mm. Its generous proportions and over 3.1-metre wheelbase not only eclipse many segment rivals, but also ensure a cavernous "mobile living room" inside.

• Interior: The dashboard is headlined by dual 12.3-inch connected screens. The Yuexiang Series launched in 2026 takes comfort and tech up a notch, offering a standard 23.5-inch all-scenario AR-HUD alongside premium interior palettes such as Yunjin Beige, Tanyun Brown, and Xuanmo Black, creating a truly upscale ambience.

⚡ Powertrain & Performance

The Refine RF8 offers both petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains to suit varied driving demands.

Thanks to its 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and efficient hybrid system, the PHEV delivers an impressive balance between brisk performance and fuel efficiency. The Yuexiang Series boasts a combined driving range of up to 1,150 km (WLTC), virtually eliminating range anxiety on long-distance road trips.

🏎️ Chassis & Handling

• Suspension Setup: While detailed suspension specifications are yet to be disclosed, as a comfort-oriented large MPV, the chassis tuning is engineered to soak up road imperfections and deliver a plush ride. The Yuexiang Series comes equipped with dual powered sliding doors and zero-gravity captain seats, ensuring effortless ingress/egress and first-class comfort for rear occupants.

🛋️ Cabin & Features

The Refine RF8's cabin is a showcase of smart connectivity and premium luxury:

• Smart Infotainment: The infotainment system offers two setups: JAC's proprietary "Zhiling" system and the co-developed Huawei "HarmonyOS" system. The HarmonyOS variant is equipped with a 15.6-inch Huawei smart touchscreen, delivering ultra-smooth operation and seamless ecosystem integration with Huawei mobile devices. The Yuexiang Series is further upgraded to a dual smart operating system.

• Comfort Amenities: Generously equipped, the Yuexiang Series features second-row zero-gravity captain seats (with power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions), an onboard hot/cold refrigerator, a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen, and up to 2,500 litres of boot space, making it a genuine palace on wheels.

🛡️ Safety & Driver Assistance

• Safety Ratings: In the authoritative C-IASI crash safety tests, the Refine RF8 achieved the top "G" (Good) rating across three core categories: Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection, and Active Safety Assistance.

• ADAS & Autonomous Tech: Equipped with an L2+ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and more. Crucially, the Refine RF8 is also the first MPV in its class to feature front and rear bidirectional AEB, actively mitigating both front-end collisions and rear-end shunts.

📊 Market Reception & Verdict

Market Reception: As the spearhead model of the rejuvenated Refine marque, the RF8 has established a firm foothold in the competitive mid-to-high-end MPV market on the back of its well-rounded package, competing directly in the RM200,000 bracket against models like the Chery Refine E8. That said, some industry watchers note that its modest marketing push has left this capable MPV somewhat flying under the radar.

Owner Feedback: Online reviews and owner sentiments largely praise the RF8 for its distinctive "New China-Chic" styling, generous cabin space courtesy of its 5.2-metre footprint, refined drive from the 3-speed DHT hybrid system, and strong value proposition. Against direct rivals like the Trumpchi E8 in particular, the Refine RF8 wins plaudits for its powertrain refinement, ride quality, and cabin dimensions.

All in all, the JAC Refine RF8 is a thoroughly well-rounded large new energy MPV that strikes a fine balance across space, smart technology, premium refinement, and performance. It not only underlines JAC Refine's ambition to move upmarket, but also presents buyers in the RM200,000 MPV segment with a genuinely compelling new alternative.