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Recently, a friend asked me a question: what kind of MPV can be chosen for around 250,000RMB?
Currently available options include SAIC Maxus G20, GAC Trumpchi M8, and Buick GL8 which has long been occupying the C-segment. The entry-level versions of these models are all within this price range. It seems that there isn’t much room for choices.
At the end of October, Roewe IMAX8 was launched, which is another domestic brand MPV. The official guide price ranges from 188,800RMB to 253,800RMB, and it seems to be telling us directly that it wants to make a difference in this market segment.
So, what are the advantages of this car?
From a technical aspect, as the first mass-produced vehicle based on the SAIC Global Modular Architecture (SIGMA), Roewe IMAX8 has a body size of 5016/1909/1782mm, and a wheelbase of 3000mm. Its size falls between Buick GL8 and Honda Odyssey, which makes it smaller than GL8 but larger than Odyssey. It seems to strike a balance between business reception and personal use.
Yang Xiaodong, the General Manager of SAIC Passenger Vehicles, once said bluntly: “We have confidence to become the world’s strongest multi-functional MPV, which is also our dream. We are getting closer and closer to this dream, and now is the time for the market to verify us.”
There are two other indicators worth checking:
・The first is the configuration.
The second-row “Magic Sofa” seats are claimed to be SAIC’s best seats so far, using a composite structure of up to 10 layers, a 30cm super-wide aviation headrest, an electrically adjustable backrest that can reach a maximum angle of 69 degrees, an electric legrest that can reach a maximum angle of 64 degrees, a 65mm-wide 12-gear electric side armrest, and 8 airbags massage + 4-direction pneumatic lumbar support, which indeed provides passengers with first-class cabin experience.
The front-seat cockpit with the 12.3-inch virtual dashboard and the same size floating high-definition touch screen on the central console, is followed by the rear-seat dual 10-inch “Magic Screen”. The tech-savvy rear-seat touch bar not only displays navigation information but can also interact with the driver in sending the target location.
—One of the most eye-catching features is the “Mo Ba” mobile center console of the Roewe IMAX8, which is the world’s first. Since it is movable, it completely breaks the traditional interaction mode of cars. In the past, if you wanted to go to the back seat from the driver’s seat, you might have to get off the car first and then get in the car from the back. Now you can shuttle back and forth inside the car, which is convenient and practical.
At the same time, this “Mo Ba” has a mini bar function. In addition to the basic storage function, it also has a fully electric automatic lifting bar block and a hot and cold dual-drive bar block. You can control it by voice or button to move and break the traditional interaction mode of the first, second, and third rows. It is like a mobile “coffee table”. You can say to it, “Mo Ba, bring a cup of tea to the second-row passengers,” which is an eye-catching feature. It is said that there will be baby cradle, cigar box, and other suites in the future, which are intelligent and practical, and integrate the entire cabin.
The smart feature is also a highlight of the IMAX8. The 12.3-inch center screen is equipped with the latest Zebra Intelligent Driving VENUS system, which improves performance by 56% compared to version 2.0 and has a more beautiful UI, while also supporting various mini-programs.
In terms of automatic driving, the Roewe IMAX8 adopts a radar-camera fusion scheme with 3 millimeter-wave radars, 6 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars, and is equipped with the AI Pilot intelligent driving assistance system and a complete zero-blind zone auxiliary system Additionally, lane departure warning system, automatic parking, facial recognition, and other configurations are functions that other MPVs in the same class and price range do not have. The lane departure warning is slightly frequent during the experience, but its anti-wandering function is still effective in actual usage.
In addition, the Roewe IMAX8 also has double electric sliding doors (can be opened by touch, handle or voice control, adapted to various situations), induction electric tailgate, I-MAX level panoramic sunroof, SKYEYE bird’s eye view system, double-layer soundproof glass, and in-car air purifier.
The second is the power system. The Roewe IMAX8 is equipped with SAIC Blue Core’s latest 2.0T 400TGI turbocharged engine, with a maximum power of 172 kW and a maximum torque of 360N·m. The whole machine is made of aluminum, and the weight is reduced by 15%. The official claims that it can achieve a low fuel consumption of 8.4L and a ultra-high thermal efficiency of 39.52%, thus achieving energy conservation and emission reduction goals.
The transmission uses the AISIN 8-speed automatic transmission. It has a compact transmission structure, ultra-wide gear ratio range, and more precise control. Compared with the 6AT transmission, it only adds one clutch group, and the efficiency is improved by 5% at low torque and 1.5% at high-speed high-torque.The IMAX8’s “2.0T+8AT” powertrain gives me the impression of a smooth start, smooth in the middle, and powerful in the end. The shift is smooth, but the engine’s noise is still a bit loud at high speeds.
Overall, the shortcomings of the SAIC Roewe IMAX8 can be seen, but it shows the manufacturer’s thinking.
From the first SIGMA architecture model to the “Sanmo” — Mobar, Moping, and Moli sofa, IMAX8 has used many “new” things. This is not only a reflection of SAIC Roewe’s technological and architectural strength, but also China’s ability to grasp consumer demand and future trends.
Currently, the car has a first-month sales volume of nearly 5,000 units, which is enough to show the strength of the IMAX8. Roewe iMAX8 has opened a good start for SAIC Roewe, and there is already some anticipation for their subsequent products.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.