JAC: Electric SUV with fighting price
COMPETITOR FROM CHINA The segment of electrically powered compact SUVs has grown rapidly in the recent past. Now the JAC e-JS4 is a new competitor - with good equipment and an attractive price.
Cars of the type e-JS4 from the Chinese manufacturer JAC will soon be coming to Europe by sea from Hefei, China. The abbreviation stands for Jianghuai Automobile Co. a manufacturer of passenger cars and commercial vehicles founded in 1964.
Since 2017, JAC has been linked to VW in the JAC Volkswagen Automotive joint venture, initially with equalized shares and more recently with a 75 percent majority held by the Germans.
Since 2019 representation also in Switzerland
The Swiss JAC general importer Auto Kunz Wohlen has already offered the e-S2 model from 2019 and sold a good 200 units of it, but now the slightly larger e-JS4 is to enable a further step forward. Built on a platform that has yet to accommodate electric and combustion engine powertrains in China, the 4.41-meter-long and 1690-kilogram e-JS4 is the first of its kind in the world. With the 65-kWh battery pack, the WLTP range is 405 kilometers. It can be charged at home in around five hours or at the 50 kW fast charging station in less than 45 minutes to 80 percent.
Sufficient driving performance and comfort
The permanent magnet motor delivers 340 Nm and 142 kW (193 hp) to the front wheels. This is enough for acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, and the maximum speed is limited to 150 km/h. On the first short test drive, the JAC proved to be a trouble-free vehicle with sufficient performance and respectable comfort.
The seats are comfortable, and the displays in the instrument cluster and on the 10.25-inch touchscreen are clear and easy to see. A camera provides assistance when reversing. Simple materials are used in the interior, but they are quite sufficient for a vehicle designed for practical use.
... and there is a lot of car for 33 989 francs
The standard equipment is remarkable. The seats are electrically adjustable and heatable, the panoramic roof, DAB+ and smartphone connectivity are standard. The aluminum wheels are fitted with 225/45 R 18 tires.
The JAC dealer network, which importer Auto Kunz is building up with the support of Hostettler Autotechnik AG, now has 16 bases spread throughout Switzerland. The e-JS4 comes with a five-year factory and battery warranty. The price of 33,989 francs can only increase by 1000 francs for the metallic paint.
