Roewe iMax8 EV Launched In China, Starts At $38,000

On August 20, Roewe launched the iMax8 EV, an electric version of its iMax8 MPV. The new vehicle is a three-row all-electric minivan with a price range of 259,800 – 359,800 yuan ($38,000 – $52,800). The iMax8 EV which has been on presale since May 5 comes in three trims: Luxury, Aviation, and Smart Driving.

Roewe’s new EV is based on the Roewe iMax8 which has been in production since 2020. Both versions of the minivan share many exterior details, however, the EV has a slightly different grille. According to Roewe, the black grille of the Roewe iMax8 EV is composed of 66 pieces of diamonds. Offered in four colors, the iMax8 EV has a length, width, and height of 5016/1909/1796 mm and a wheelbase of 3000 mm. To distinguish between both versions, there is a yellow EV logo at the rear. 

Inside, the similarities with the ICE version continues, with second-row VIP seats and a similar center console. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and 10.25-inch central control screen are also borrowed from the iMax8. However, there is a new steering wheel and interior color scheme. 

The cabin can seat seven passengers and adopts a 2/2/3 seating layout. All seats are draped in Nappa leather while second-row seats have massage, heating, ventilation, and electric leg rest functions.

For power, the iMax8 EV is motivated by a drive motor that churns out 180 kW and a peak torque of 350 Nm. It is also equipped with a 90 kWh SAIC Rubik’s cube battery, and the MPV has a 550 – 570 km cruising range, consuming 16.7 kWh per 100 km.

Created in 2006, Roewe is a sub-brand of SAIC Motor that focuses on luxury cars. Some of its models include the Roewe 360/360 Plus, Roewe i5, Roewe RX3, Roewe RX5 SUV, and Roewe Marvel X. Recently, the firm unveiled a new SUV and sedan for the Chinese market, and The new iMax8 EV is expected to face competition from the Lantu Dreamer and the newly-launched SAIC Maxus MIFA 9.

Sources: Yiche, Sina