Jetour has come a long way in the past couple of years. With the T1 Lightning i-DM and the larger T2 Lightning i-DM, the carmaker has established its position as a top-of-mind choice for buyers in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment. Jetour became a brand you can expect to take you off the beaten path in great style and with exceptional fuel economy.
But now, a new shift is taking place in the lineup.
This is the all-new Jetour S08 i-DM. While it delivers the same efficiency as its outdoorsy stablemates, thanks to its electrified powertrain, it features seating for seven in a comfortable cabin so that the whole family or barkada can join the adventure.
On the outside, the S08 i-DM’s design is very welcoming and approachable, with simple slats and clean-looking lighting units on the fascia. This people mover trades its SUV siblings’ thick bumpers, wide fenders, and muscular form in favor of a more elegant look. Its subtle curves, understated lines, and traditional shape will suit a broader range of tastes, making the S08 i-DM a family-friendly car in terms of aesthetics.
The simplicity continues inside with the cabin’s leather upholstery and premium finishes. The use of different materials provides visual and tactile variety, and because this crossover is inspired by the outdoors like its other stablemates, there’s even a mountain range pattern etched on the wireless charging pad. The wood panels also add elegance to the interior, setting the mood for serene and relaxing journeys.
On the move, the S08 i-DM’s ride is confidently plush, with a good balance between comfort and sturdiness over potholes and other road imperfections. While the driver and the front passenger get a few extra amenities, all occupants can enjoy motorized seat adjustment—yes, even in the third row—and an expansive sunroof spanning almost the whole length of the vehicle.
The vehicle itself is propelled by a dual-motor system, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and an 18.4kWh battery completing the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The S08 i-DM offers 89km of fully electric driving, with the engine stepping in to recharge the battery if its charge level gets too low. This ensures prompt response and silent EV running is maintained on most journeys—or until the driver feels the need to turn on Sport mode.
Whether in the city or out of town, the S08 i-DM’s 21-feature suite of advanced driving aids helps guarantee a safe journey. Blind-spot monitoring and rear-collision warning are especially helpful with a vehicle over 4,800mm in length, while the comprehensive camera system offers complete visibility around the car.
The feed from the exterior cameras is shown on the 15.6-inch display of the multimedia system, which is compatible with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In case this sounds standard and expected for most new vehicles these days, the S08 i-DM also has a feature called Sunflower Mode. Upon being prompted with the voice command “hello, Jetour,” it swivels the screen toward the speaker anywhere in the vehicle, providing clearer viewing and easy accessibility.
The cabin can also be configured in many different ways. Queen Bed Mode, for example, can maximize comfort when car-camping, while Pallet Mode can optimize the interior layout for cargo carrying. Best of all, these modes can all be engaged at the press of a button on the main screen.
With its classy design, extensive configurability, and a proven plug-in hybrid system, the S08 i-DM can satisfy the needs of a broad range of car buyers. And with an introductory price of P1.698 million, this Jetour’s latest crossover arrives as a highly competitive contender against conventional MPVs and people haulers.
Created in partnership with Jetour Auto Philippines
More photos of the Jetour S08 i-DM: