JAC E30X 2024 Review

We tested the JAC E30X in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the entry-level Comfort model costs AED92,295 ($36,970) while the range-topping Flagship variant that we sampled is priced at AED105,595 ($42,298).

If the same pricing were to be reflected in Australia – in the eventuality that the E30X is offered here – it would undercut the MG4 (from $40,990 plus ORC) and the BYD Atto 3 (from $48,011 plus ORC).

On paper, this makes the JAC a value-packed offering, although it’s smaller in dimensions than the aforementioned Chinese rivals.

Adding to its value proposition, the JAC E30X comes loaded with kit, especially the Flagship variant we tested.

Even the base model gets automatic LED headlights, retracting flush door handles, remote start and AC activation, multifunction leather steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, faux leather trim, 12-volt power supply, USB port, cruise control and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen.

The Flagship model adds a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a full-length panoramic glass sunroof, a huge 15.6-inch infotainment screen, eight-speaker stereo and 17-inch alloys instead of the base model’s 16-inchers.

There’s no shortage of safety kit in the JAC E30X, as the base model gets dual airbags, a reversing camera and park sensors, traction control, electronic parking brake and ABS with Brake Assist and EBD.

The Flagship model builds substantially on this as it adds side and curtain airbags, a 360-degree surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane departure and lane cross warning, front collision warning, lane keeping assistance and auto emergency brake with pedestrian recognition.

No crash-test ratings are yet available for the JAC E30X.

The JAC E30X is underpinned by JAC’s brand-new DI dedicated EV platform, which fully leverages the packaging benefits of its electrified powertrain.

Although measuring just 4025mm in length, the E30X has a relatively lengthy 2620mm wheelbase, which liberates ample space in the cabin for four generously proportioned adults.

The JAC is also relatively light for an EV, tipping the scales at a none-too-lardy 1445kg. This translates through to its zippy and nimble on-road demeanour (more on this later).

The JAC E30X’s propulsion is provided by a 51.5kWh battery pack that powers a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that drives the front wheels.

The electric motor’s outputs of 100kW and 175Nm might not sound all that Herculean, but this is a case where the numbers only tell part of the story.

The manufacturer hasn’t released any performance data, but the E30X feels decently lively off the mark, and there’s always enough instant oomph to effortlessly nip into gaps in the traffic or overtake slow-moving cars.

JAC quotes a WLTP touring range of 400km on a full charge, and this figure doesn’t sound absurdly far-fetched. Drive it with an ounce of restraint and you might get somewhere close.

Charging from 0 to 100 per cent via the AC port will take nine hours, according to JAC, while a 30-minute zap via a DC fast charger will take it from 30 to 80 per cent charge.

The JAC E30X has cutesy visuals, and that translates through to its driving demeanour.

Hit the unlock button and the flush-mounted door handles pop out automatically. Plonk down in the driver’s seat and the first thing that catches your eye is the huge, high-definition 15.6-inch infotainment screen.

Seeing as there’s no engine to switch on, you simply pull the column-shift gear lever into Drive and you’re off. The car emits a low-volume synthetically generated sound as you pull away, but this gradually fades away as you get up to speed.

There’s a choice of two drive modes – Economic and Standard – with the first of these calibrated to recuperate the maximum amount of energy as soon as you lift off the throttle.?

That said, even in Standard mode the car decelerates sharply as soon as you ease off the throttle, and this means you can resort to one-pedal driving for the most part. The only time you need to use the brake pedal is to come to a complete halt.

The E30X is generally a no-brainer to trundle around in – it’s nimble, offers great visibility and has enough zip in cut-and-thrust traffic and on the highway – but the car’s hypersensitivity to throttle inputs makes it hard to drive smoothly.

It’s fine when you’re at a steady cruise on the highway, but in around-town situations where you need to alternately accelerate and decelerate, you’re likely to find yourself and your passengers lurching back and forth until you develop the requisite micro-sensitivity with your right foot.

This gripe apart, the E30X is a very pleasant sub-compact commuter. It rides with a decent degree of suppleness and the only noise that disturbs the silence is some slight wind rustling from around the A-pillars at speeds above 80km/h.

Although not conceived to be a corner carver, the JAC isn’t averse to being manhandled through turns and its low centre of gravity (owing to the battery pack being mounted below the passenger cell) means it doesn’t roll excessively if you fling it through corners.

Despite being positioned in the budget end of the market, the JAC E30X has a pleasant ambience inside the cabin, and there’s generally a quality look and feel to the seats, dash and trim elements that belie its price point.

As alluded to earlier, the 15.6-inch infotainment screen dominates the cockpit, with the tiny instrument cluster behind the steering wheel providing just the basic information – such as speed, remaining range, and a lane-keeping assist graphic.

The seats are trimmed in faux leather, but they feel good against the skin. They’re also well-sculpted, offering enough support in all the right places. Even the rear seats are surprisingly spacious, to the extent that anyone up to 1.9m should find leg- and headroom to their liking.

Large and upright side windows make for a light-filled cabin, and this impression of bright airiness is enhanced by the full-length panoramic glass sunroof that’s standard in the Flagship model.

However, while occupant space is exemplary, the tiny 250-litre boot would struggle to accommodate even a pair of aircraft cabin bags. You can, of course, fold down the split-fold rear seats to boost luggage space, but this would only be the case if you’re travelling with no more than one passenger.

For the time being, this is a decision you won’t have to make as the JAC E30X isn’t on sale in our market. However, with JAC looking to greatly expand its footprint in Australia, the vehicle could eventually make it to our shores.

Based on our first drive, the JAC E30X is a capable and well-built EV and it’s more engaging than expected to steer. In addition, it represents decent value for money considering all the kit that’s offered as standard.

The E30X is proof that, even though JAC isn’t one of China’s bigger carmakers, the company is capable of producing vehicles that aren’t by any means out of their depth on the world stage.

2024 JAC E30X at a glance:
Price: From $36,970 (in United Arab Emirates)
Available: TBA
Powertrain: Single front-mounted synchronous electric motor
Output: 100kW/175Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 51.5kWh lithium-ion
Range: 400km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: NA
Safety rating: NA

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