Roewe iMAX8 since its launch in October 2020, its market performance has been unsatisfactory, the original shout to hang Trumpchi M8, the result due to chicken ribs and high prices and other factors, last year's cumulative sales of only 13903 vehicles, monthly sales have always hovered between more than a thousand vehicles. In order to reverse the decline of Roewe iMAX8 in the MPV market, SAIC Roewe took advantage of the rise of the new energy MPV wave to bring a pure electric version of the iMAX8 EV, hoping to win the favor of consumers with the advantage of first mover.
In fact, the timing of SAIC Roewe's move this time is still relatively accurate, at this time is in the embryonic period of new energy MPV, Lantu, Extreme Kr, Weipai, Denza and other brands of MPV models are on the way to come, this market can be said to be an undeveloped blue ocean market, at this time if you seize the opportunity, with the title of "the world's first pure electric MPV" can definitely pull the heat and traffic full, but if you want to convert this gimmick into sales, you still have to see whether the iMAX8 EV has real kung fu.
Judging from the official pictures released, the iMAX8 EV continues the design style of the fuel version in terms of appearance and styling, and in order to distinguish it from the former, it has been reshaped in the front face design, and replaced with a new Ronglin black diamond grille, which looks quite domineering, and the exclusive paint of the light silver makes the iMAX8 EV look a little more textured as a whole. Other aspects are basically consistent with the fuel version, the through-line waistline extends to the rear, the suspension roof adds a bit of sports atmosphere, and the rear is embedded with an EV logo, indicating the identity of its new energy model.
From the previously exposed declaration information, it can be known that the length, width and height of the iMAX8 EV are 5016/1909/1807mm, the wheelbase is 3000mm, and compared with the fuel version, only the body height has increased by 25mm, although it meets the standard of medium and large MPV in terms of space, but if it is compared with the same level of Trumpchi M8 (5149mm long / wheelbase 3000mm), Buick GL8 (length 5238mm / wheelbase 3088mm), there is still a slight gap.
As a pure electric version of the model, the power of the iMAX8 EV is naturally its biggest attraction, the maximum power of the motor it is equipped with is 180kW, and the official has said that the fastest speed can reach 180km/h, which is more than enough for home travel. Pure electric endurance of more than 550km, but also support 30 minutes 30-80% fast charging, to a certain extent to alleviate the user's travel anxiety. In addition, the car has also made great efforts in battery safety, such as the battery cell is used in the lying arrangement, and the use of high-temperature porcelain flame retardant materials, automatic pressure relief explosion-proof valves can also actively depressurize, greatly improving the safety of electric MPV.
It is not difficult to see that the iMAX8 EV, which is highly consistent with the fuel version in terms of shape or body size, should be what everyone calls the "oil to electricity" model, but it is only by replacing the pure electric power system to compete for the new new energy MPV market. Although it is a new pure electric version of the model, it feels more like a test of the waters. This is still a normal phenomenon if it is left two or three years ago, but in the stage when major manufacturers have begun to concentrate on new energy models, this "oil to electricity" model, whether in sincerity or market competitiveness, seems to be somewhat out of touch with the times.
Just imagine, are the identity of domestic brands, are pure electric MPV models, consumers choose oil to electricity MPV, or the new forces use pure electric architecture MPV? The answer is self-evident, under the impact of traditional car companies, under the impact of new energy car manufacturing forces, their brand appeal has long lost the style of that year. As for the rich configuration that SAIC Roewe is proud of, in the face of the innovative gameplay of those new forces that do not talk about routines, they must also bow to the wind.
Therefore, if the iMAX8 EV competes head-on with those pure electric MPV models with red seedlings, it is difficult to get benefits. However, with the first-mover advantage, if the iMAX8 EV is fully committed to the price, it is still very interesting to win the recognition of the market through the green card and the unique quietness of the electric model. At present, the price range of the fuel version of Roewe iMAX8 is 18.88-25.38 million yuan, considering the current dismal sales performance of the car, saic motor Roewe in the MPV in recent years also does not have enough brand reputation precipitation, iMAX8 EV although it will be more expensive than the fuel car, but the starting price should be controlled at about 200,000 yuan. After all, no matter how high the pricing, no sales is also nonsense, and the oil to electricity model is destined to be the first transitional product to be eliminated in the market, and there is really no need to hold the shelf in a limited time.
At present, it can save the iMAX8 EV, and there is still some looking for only pricing, which may also be the only way to make consumers gladly accept its embarrassing identity of "oil to electricity", and do not try to compete head-on with new forces such as Extreme Kr 002 and Lantu Dreamer, and win a glimmer of vitality through differentiated positioning, which is the key to the survival of iMAX8 EV.
*Some of the pictures come from the Internet, if there is infringement, please contact to delete