The Evolution of the Sehol X4: JAC Motors’ Modern Compact SUV
The Sehol X4 is a compact crossover SUV developed by the Chinese automaker JAC Motors. Introduced in 2020, the vehicle represents an important step in JAC’s transition toward more modern, globally competitive sport utility vehicles. Although relatively new compared with long-established crossover models from Japanese, Korean, and European manufacturers, the Sehol X4 has quickly become notable for its international rebadging strategy, affordable pricing, and expanding presence in overseas markets.
Originally launched as the JAC Jiayue X4 before being renamed under the Sehol brand, the model has undergone several branding and market identity changes in only a few years. It has also been sold under names such as the JAC JS4, JAC T60 Plus, Sehol E40X, and Moskvitch 3 depending on the region.
Origins and Development
The Sehol X4 traces its roots to the earlier JAC Refine S4 compact crossover. Rather than creating an entirely new vehicle platform, JAC Motors extensively redesigned and modernized the Refine S4 to create the X4. The redesign included sharper exterior styling, updated lighting systems, revised interiors, and newer infotainment technology.
The vehicle debuted in mainland China in June 2020 as the JAC Jiayue X4. Shortly afterward, JAC reorganized portions of its passenger vehicle lineup under the Sehol brand, which had originated from the JAC-Volkswagen joint venture. As a result, the Jiayue X4 was renamed the Sehol X4.
Production has remained centered in Hefei, China, although additional assembly operations were later established in Russia for rebadged versions sold under the Moskvitch name.
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Production Years
The Sehol X4 has been in continuous production since 2020.
Production Timeline
- 2020–present: Sehol X4 / JAC Jiayue X4
- 2021–present: Sehol E40X electric variant
- 2022–present: Moskvitch 3 and Moskvitch 3e rebadged versions in Russia
- 2020–present: JAC JS4 export models
- 2020–present: JAC T60 Plus in Brazil
- 2024–present: GTV Kessor in Cambodia
First Generation (2020–Present)
Unlike many compact SUVs that receive complete generational redesigns every five to seven years, the Sehol X4 has remained in its original first-generation form since launch. However, JAC has continued introducing equipment revisions and market-specific updates.
The X4 rides on JAC’s Jianghuai SS platform and features a five-door SUV body style. The design reflects modern Chinese crossover trends, including:
- A large front grille
- Slim LED headlights
- Floating roof styling
- Sharp body creases
- Digital-focused interior controls
The vehicle’s dimensions place it firmly within the compact crossover category:
- Length: 173.6 inches
- Width: 70.9 inches
- Height: 65.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 103.1 inches
Powertrain Evolution
From launch, the Sehol X4 primarily used a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine producing approximately 148 horsepower. Some markets also received a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine.
Transmission options included:
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
The vehicle remained front-wheel drive only throughout its production history.
Electric Variant: Sehol E40X
In 2020, JAC introduced the fully electric Sehol E40X. Initially presented under the Sol brand before the Sehol renaming, the E40X became an important part of JAC’s growing electric vehicle portfolio.
The E40X featured:
- Permanent magnet synchronous electric motor
- 55 kWh or 66 kWh battery packs
- Estimated range of 261 to 312 miles under Chinese testing standards
The electric model also became available in select export markets under the name JAC e-JS4.
Trim Levels Throughout the Years
One interesting aspect of the Sehol X4 is the variety of trim levels offered across different regions. While exact configurations varied by market, several core trims appeared consistently from 2020 onward.
2020–Present Gasoline Models
Manual Transmission Trims
- Freedom
- Elite
- Beyond
CVT Automatic Trims
- Elite CVT
- Beyond CVT
- Dream CVT
The entry-level Freedom trim generally focused on affordability, while the Elite trim added more comfort and technology features. Beyond trims typically included upgraded interiors, larger infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance equipment. The Dream trim represented the most premium version, often featuring panoramic sunroofs, larger digital displays, and enhanced safety systems.
Depending on market and year, available features included:
- LED headlights
- Panoramic sunroof
- 360-degree camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless smartphone integration
- Electronic parking brake
International Expansion and Rebadging
One of the most significant developments in the X4’s history has been its widespread rebadging strategy.
JAC JS4
In export markets such as the Middle East, Egypt, and parts of Latin America, the Sehol X4 has largely been sold as the JAC JS4. The JS4 became one of JAC’s more visible international crossover offerings due to aggressive pricing and modern styling.
Owner discussions online have generally praised the vehicle’s value and equipment levels, though some criticism has focused on CVT performance and fuel economy.
JAC T60 Plus
In Brazil, the model replaced the older JAC T60 and was marketed as the JAC T60 Plus beginning in late 2020.
Moskvitch 3
Perhaps the most internationally publicized rebadge occurred in Russia. Following the withdrawal of several Western automakers from the Russian market, the historic Moskvitch brand returned in 2022 using rebadged Sehol X4 vehicles assembled in Moscow from Chinese kits.
The gasoline version became the Moskvitch 3, while the electric model became the Moskvitch 3e.
GTV Kessor
In 2024, the Cambodian company GTV Motor introduced another rebadged version known as the GTV Kessor. This model retained the X4’s basic mechanical structure while adapting branding and marketing for local consumers.
Technology and Market Position
The Sehol X4 was designed to compete in the highly competitive compact SUV market, particularly against affordable crossovers from brands such as Chery, Geely, Haval, Hyundai, and Kia.
Its strongest selling points included:
- Competitive pricing
- Modern styling
- Extensive standard equipment
- Available electric powertrain
- Strong export flexibility
The model also demonstrated how Chinese automakers increasingly tailored vehicles for global distribution rather than only domestic sales.
Relationship with Volkswagen
The Sehol brand itself has an unusual history. It originally emerged from the joint venture between JAC Motors and Volkswagen Group. After Volkswagen increased its ownership stake in the partnership in 2020, JAC retained the Sehol brand name for several passenger vehicle models, including the X4.
However, by 2023 JAC began gradually phasing out the Sehol name in favor of returning vehicles to JAC branding. This means future versions of the X4 are likely to continue primarily under the JAC name rather than Sehol.
Future Outlook
As of 2026, the Sehol X4 platform remains active and continues serving multiple global markets. While no complete second-generation redesign has yet been officially announced, industry trends suggest several likely future developments:
- Expanded electrification
- Improved hybrid technology
- Larger infotainment displays
- Enhanced autonomous driving assistance
- Updated exterior styling
The growing international acceptance of Chinese automobiles may also help the X4 and its related models gain broader recognition outside Asia.
Although the Sehol name itself may eventually disappear, the underlying X4 vehicle continues to play an important role in JAC Motors’ global strategy. Its adaptability across gasoline, electric, and rebadged forms demonstrates the flexibility that has become increasingly important in the modern automotive industry.
