JAC defies its ute roots with sleek electric sedan and SUV concepts
China's JAC Motors is best known in Australia as a ute and commercial vehicle manufacturer, but two new electric vehicle (EV) concepts demonstrate its ambition to target new markets segments.
Unveiled at the recent Shanghai motor show, the DEFINE-S sedan and DEFINE-X SUV concepts represent the next stage in JAC's growth as a brand, each featuring futuristic design elements and advanced technologies.
While the DEFINE-S is a seemingly unchanged version of the original DE-FINE concept which broke cover at last year's Beijing show and publicly debuted in Melbourne earlier this month, the DEFINE-X made its first appearance in China last week.
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Both prototypes will serve as flagship models on the DEFINE platform, which will underpin JAC's new lineup of EVs.
The DEFINE-X – distinguishable by its boxy shape, vertical strip headlights, large letter branding, and digital side mirrors – promises to be one of the most manoeuvrable large SUVs on the market.
It comes equipped with JAC's 'ICDC All-Domain By-Wire Intelligent Chassis' – a chassis system that enables all four wheels to respond to inputs in less than 100 milliseconds, which JAC says facilitates 'smooth lateral parking manoeuvres'.
The DEFINE-X will also be capable of turning on a dime and performing a 'crab walk' courtesy of rear-wheel steering system that offers up to 12 degrees of steering angle.
JAC says the rugged, utilitarian design of the DEFINE-X caters to weekend adventures and campsite use, too. Off-road exterior elements include underbody protection, wheel-arch cladding, and a roof rack.
Details surrounding the electric powertrain remain under wraps, and it's unclear if the DEFINE-X concept will make it to production.
However, JAC did reveal that the DEFINE-S sedan is underpinned by a 1000-volt electrical platform and three electric drive motors that deliver a combined 590kW, enough for it to claim a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 2.3 seconds.
As part of its Shanghai display, JAC also showed off the T9 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid version of the T9 ute now on sale here, which will be known as the T9 Hunter in Australia.
JAC has confirmed the T9 Hunter will be released locally in early 2026 as a key rival to the likes of the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV.
Dubbed the most powerful JAC ever, the Hunter PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors producing total system outputs of 385kW of power and 1000Nm of torque.
It has a 32kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, and this allows the PHEV ute to travel 'at least' 100km on electric power alone. The ute also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability so it can power electrical appliances.
JAC also makes an all-electric version of the T9 – the T9 EV – but it's no certainty to come to Australia.
'The JAC T9 EV has a lot to offer Australian ute buyers and businesses keen to embrace zero-emission motoring. However, a decision has not been made on if or when it might come to Australia,' a JAC Motors Australia spokesperson told CarExpert earlier this year.
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MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford says its new Ranger PHEV ute is the 'best tool for the job', despite it failing to match key rivals on battery capacity, power, and electric driving range. Launched in the Australian market last month ahead of imminent customer deliveries, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are propelled by the combination of a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engine and a rear-mounted electric motor, producing a combined 207kW of power and 697Nm of torque. The electric motor sources power from an 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery, which caps the ute's electric driving range at a claimed 49km on the NEDC cycle. The Ranger PHEV is one of three plug-in hybrid utes now available Down Under, alongside the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. Both Chinese rivals outgun the Ranger on power, EV range and fuel-efficiency, calling into question the competitiveness of Ford's newest model. However, Ford is hanging its hat on the Ranger PHEV's superior payload and towing capacity. All variants can tow up to 3500kg, and payloads range between 808-973kg. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Cannon Alpha equals Ford's Ranger in the towing stakes, but neither the GWM (790kg) nor the BYD (685kg) promise an equivalent payload. It's those attributes that local ute buyers value most, according to senior Ford product executive, Jim Baumbick. "We've always tried to develop the best tool for the job," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "When you talk to truck customers they want payload and towing. EV range matters, but in context when you're adding more battery you're working counter to the payload and towing. "You can increase the battery size, but then you have to increase the size of other parts to carry that weight. 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However, Ford is hanging its hat on the Ranger PHEV's superior payload and towing capacity. All variants can tow up to 3500kg, and payloads range between 808-973kg. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Cannon Alpha equals Ford's Ranger in the towing stakes, but neither the GWM (790kg) nor the BYD (685kg) promise an equivalent payload. It's those attributes that local ute buyers value most, according to senior Ford product executive, Jim Baumbick. "We've always tried to develop the best tool for the job," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "When you talk to truck customers they want payload and towing. EV range matters, but in context when you're adding more battery you're working counter to the payload and towing. "You can increase the battery size, but then you have to increase the size of other parts to carry that weight. 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Both the interior and exterior are finished in red, gold and black trim that's inspired by the original L&K emblem. 3D printed L&K badges are used both inside and out in place of Skoda's fast-disappearing winged arrow logo. The Superb's plug-in hybrid drivetrain is left untouched, and makes a combined 150kW and 350Nm from its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combo. The 25.7kWh battery pack has WLTP range rating of 100km. MORE: Everything Skoda Content originally sourced from: The Skoda L&K 130 ute concept is designed to be a support vehicle for a professional cycling team. It is the 10th annual concept designed by the company's academy school students, and honours the company's 130th anniversary. The students transformed from the Superb Combi wagon into a ute by shortening the roof and roof rails, modifying the B- and C-pillars, and reinforcing the body. Naturally, there's a new wall and windscreen behind the rear seats to separate the tray from the cabin. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also a new tailgate that, at the push of a button, slides out via a rack-and-pinion system to extend cargo tray. When extended, the two bikes housed in the tray-mounted rack slide down from 35 degrees to nearly horizontal to make loading and unloading easier. Overall length, at 4901mm, is unchanged from the regular Superb wagon. Another bike can stored on the roof rack, while the right rear door has sprouted an extra door handle as it slides back, like on a people mover, rather swinging outwards on the standard wagon. To keep track of movements of the bike racing team there are tablet displays on the dashboard and ahead of the passenger's seat, and a permanent internet connection. A radio for communication with the team is installed at the front of transmission tunnel, and a speaker is placed near the rear air conditioning vents. The seat behind the driver has been removed and replaced by a chilled esky, and the roof lining contains storage nets for snacks and bandages. The car's strong bike focus has been done to celebrate the company's history. Skoda began life as a bicycle manufacturer in 1895 as Lauren & Klement, named after founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. Car making began a decade later, and the company was bought by Skoda, an arms manufacturer, in 1925. Both the interior and exterior are finished in red, gold and black trim that's inspired by the original L&K emblem. 3D printed L&K badges are used both inside and out in place of Skoda's fast-disappearing winged arrow logo. The Superb's plug-in hybrid drivetrain is left untouched, and makes a combined 150kW and 350Nm from its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combo. The 25.7kWh battery pack has WLTP range rating of 100km. MORE: Everything Skoda Content originally sourced from: The Skoda L&K 130 ute concept is designed to be a support vehicle for a professional cycling team. It is the 10th annual concept designed by the company's academy school students, and honours the company's 130th anniversary. The students transformed from the Superb Combi wagon into a ute by shortening the roof and roof rails, modifying the B- and C-pillars, and reinforcing the body. Naturally, there's a new wall and windscreen behind the rear seats to separate the tray from the cabin. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also a new tailgate that, at the push of a button, slides out via a rack-and-pinion system to extend cargo tray. When extended, the two bikes housed in the tray-mounted rack slide down from 35 degrees to nearly horizontal to make loading and unloading easier. Overall length, at 4901mm, is unchanged from the regular Superb wagon. Another bike can stored on the roof rack, while the right rear door has sprouted an extra door handle as it slides back, like on a people mover, rather swinging outwards on the standard wagon. To keep track of movements of the bike racing team there are tablet displays on the dashboard and ahead of the passenger's seat, and a permanent internet connection. A radio for communication with the team is installed at the front of transmission tunnel, and a speaker is placed near the rear air conditioning vents. The seat behind the driver has been removed and replaced by a chilled esky, and the roof lining contains storage nets for snacks and bandages. The car's strong bike focus has been done to celebrate the company's history. Skoda began life as a bicycle manufacturer in 1895 as Lauren & Klement, named after founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. Car making began a decade later, and the company was bought by Skoda, an arms manufacturer, in 1925. Both the interior and exterior are finished in red, gold and black trim that's inspired by the original L&K emblem. 3D printed L&K badges are used both inside and out in place of Skoda's fast-disappearing winged arrow logo. The Superb's plug-in hybrid drivetrain is left untouched, and makes a combined 150kW and 350Nm from its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combo. The 25.7kWh battery pack has WLTP range rating of 100km. MORE: Everything Skoda Content originally sourced from: The Skoda L&K 130 ute concept is designed to be a support vehicle for a professional cycling team. It is the 10th annual concept designed by the company's academy school students, and honours the company's 130th anniversary. The students transformed from the Superb Combi wagon into a ute by shortening the roof and roof rails, modifying the B- and C-pillars, and reinforcing the body. Naturally, there's a new wall and windscreen behind the rear seats to separate the tray from the cabin. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also a new tailgate that, at the push of a button, slides out via a rack-and-pinion system to extend cargo tray. When extended, the two bikes housed in the tray-mounted rack slide down from 35 degrees to nearly horizontal to make loading and unloading easier. Overall length, at 4901mm, is unchanged from the regular Superb wagon. Another bike can stored on the roof rack, while the right rear door has sprouted an extra door handle as it slides back, like on a people mover, rather swinging outwards on the standard wagon. To keep track of movements of the bike racing team there are tablet displays on the dashboard and ahead of the passenger's seat, and a permanent internet connection. A radio for communication with the team is installed at the front of transmission tunnel, and a speaker is placed near the rear air conditioning vents. The seat behind the driver has been removed and replaced by a chilled esky, and the roof lining contains storage nets for snacks and bandages. The car's strong bike focus has been done to celebrate the company's history. Skoda began life as a bicycle manufacturer in 1895 as Lauren & Klement, named after founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. Car making began a decade later, and the company was bought by Skoda, an arms manufacturer, in 1925. Both the interior and exterior are finished in red, gold and black trim that's inspired by the original L&K emblem. 3D printed L&K badges are used both inside and out in place of Skoda's fast-disappearing winged arrow logo. The Superb's plug-in hybrid drivetrain is left untouched, and makes a combined 150kW and 350Nm from its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combo. The 25.7kWh battery pack has WLTP range rating of 100km. MORE: Everything Skoda Content originally sourced from:
