First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM

Not too long ago, Jetour Auto Philippines Incorporated (JAPI) rolled out the X70 Lightning i-DM — its newest entry into the country’s growing new-energy vehicle (NEV) category and hybrid electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. 

To kick off the launch of the newest addition to the Jetour X70 family, the local wing of the carmaker staged a two-day drive allowing members of the motoring media to experience the features and capabilities of the vehicle first hand. 

Zigwheels Philippines was able to spend some time with the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM, and here are our thoughts. 

Handsome hauler 

Compared to its elder brothers, the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM sports a more handsome look that complements its beefy body. 

At its fore is a large fascia with a modern-looking grille. The latticework is bordered by LED lighting, which improves the SUV’s road presence at night. Flanking the grillework is a pair of LED headlamps. 

The SUV’s cheeks have vent-like housings for additional lighting. Meanwhile, the chin boasts strong horizontal slats that add to the NEV’s character. 

Onto its sides are blacked-out claddings that cover the wheel arches and the door sills. There are also black trims on the Jetour X70 i-DM’s side mirrors, which have repeaters. 

While the window pillars use a black finish, they are bordered by chrome accents. Rounding up the features on its side profiles are a pair of roof rails and a set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/55 series tires. 

At the back, the hybrid SUV packs a roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp. The glass is of decent size, and the taillamps are connected by a long horizontal light bar. Its bumper gets reflectors on each side as well as diffuser-like trims with yet another reflector in the middle. 

Overall, the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM offers modern looks without being over the top. These would satisfy car buyers who want to stand out without being too loud. 

That said, it was not surprising to see other motorists eyeing the vehicles that formed our convoy. 

Spacious cabin 

Impressive was the interior space offered by the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM. 

Although only two people were aboard the vehicle when we made our way to Subic, there was obviously plenty of space for luggage and some more passengers. It was also filled with upmarket amenities that are aimed to make one’s journey (short or long) more convenient and comfortable. 

I loved that the seats had the right amount of plushness and stiffness. They are covered in leather, which is abundant in the NEV’s cabin. 

The front seats are power adjustable, with controls found on the door cards — much like the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line we too for a quick drive last month. 

In addition, they have cooling and heating functionalities as well as adjustable headrest wings. 

The multi-functional steering wheel — with controls that reminded the author of the touch pad used by Blackberry phones — also gets some leather finish, and the same material covers a part of the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM’s dashboard, door trims, and center armrest (which offers a generous stowage space with some cooling properties). 

Below are some of its notable interior features: 

• Wireless charging pad 
• Panoramic sunroof 
• Rear air conditioning vents with USB type-A, type-C ports 
• Deep-dish plastic floor mats 

The second-row seats get similar upholstery as the front seating and a pull-down armrest with cupholders. They can be folded and configured depending on one’s hauling requirements and can give ample space for carrying various cargo. 

Tedious tech 

The Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM gets two digital screens to feed the driver relevant information and keep the NEV’s passengers engaged and entertained. 

Past the steering wheel is a multi-information instrument panel that displays the following data: 

• Speedometer 
• Odometer 
• Fuel gauge 
• Active power consumption
• Estimated range 
• Engaged gear 
• Drive mode 

Also found here are other details like the temperature, lighting, time, and the advanced driver assist features. 

The instrument cluster is accompanied by an infotainment screen that has basic connectivity features, like CarbitLink. The group had to use a dongle (which was already inside the vehicle) to connect smartphones to the infotainment unit, which took some time to figure out. 

Nowadays, where mobile phone integration plays an important role in the use of applications for navigation, communication, and entertainment, equipping a vehicle with the right connectivity features for a seamless experience can be a deal-maker or breaker for some car buyers. 

For those who like to listen to music while driving, the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM packs Sony-branded speakers with decent audio quality. 

Ample power, range 

Powering the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors. Here are its performance figures, based on the company’s website: 

Maximum power (in hp)	115
Maximum torque (in Nm)	220

 

The said setup delivers ample power for both cruising in the city and speeding on the expressway. Acceleration was smooth in stop-and-go traffic (when we passed through the busy road leaving the Jetour Auto Quezon Avenue dealership) and it was able to sustain power in high speeds as we breezed through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. 

More impressive was how it handled. The Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM was agile enough to take on easy curves and was admirably stable on straightaways. 

Long trips should be no problem as the SUV can go as far as 1,200 kilometers with a full tank and a single charge. 

Safety 

The Jetour X70 Lightning is equipped with the following safety features: 

• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brake-force distribution 
• Brake assist 
• Electronic stability control 
• Hill-start assist 
• Hill descent control 
• Rollover mitigation 
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Forward collision warning 
• Lane keeping assist 
• Lane departure warning 
• High beam assist 
• Traffic jam assist 
• Blind spot detection 
• Rear cross traffic alert 

Verdict 

The Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM would be a good choice for adventurous car buyers looking to switch to a more sustainable means of transportation. 

Its hybrid powertrain offers good range and is able to provide the right amount of “oomph” for various driving situations. 

JAPI currently offers the model in a single variant, priced at P1.648 million.

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