The Evolution of the Traum S70: The Rise and Fall of Traum’s First SUV
The Traum S70 was the inaugural vehicle launched by the Chinese automotive brand Traum, a division of Jiangnan Auto under the larger Zotye Auto Group. Introduced during a period of rapid growth in China’s SUV market, the S70 was designed to establish Traum as a youthful, technology-focused brand capable of competing with both domestic and international manufacturers. Although the vehicle enjoyed only a brief production run, it played a significant role in launching the Traum brand and remains its most historically important model. Produced from 2017 through 2021 for the 2018–2021 model years, the S70 represented the beginning of Traum’s ambitions in the highly competitive crossover SUV segment.
The Birth of the Traum Brand
In June 2017, Zotye Auto announced the creation of a new automotive brand called Traum. The name, which means “dream” in German, was chosen to help position the marque as a modern and aspirational manufacturer aimed primarily at younger consumers. Traum was intended to serve as Zotye’s technology-oriented sub-brand, offering stylish vehicles with advanced connectivity and digital features. The first model selected to launch the new brand was the S70, a midsize crossover SUV unveiled in late 2017 and introduced to the Chinese market in early 2018.
The S70 was designed under the direction of former Mercedes-Benz designer Benedek Tóth, giving the vehicle a more sophisticated appearance than many Chinese crossovers of the period. Its styling featured a large grille, sleek headlamps, and a modern cabin emphasizing digital displays and connected technology.
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Production Years
The Traum S70 was manufactured from 2017 through 2021, with sales beginning as a 2018 model. Production took place at Jiangnan Auto facilities in Jiangxi, China. While the vehicle remained officially in production through 2021, sales volumes declined significantly after 2019 as Zotye Auto encountered financial difficulties that affected the entire Traum brand.
Production Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2017 | S70 unveiled and production begins |
| 2018 | First full model year and market launch |
| 2019 | Continued sales and lineup expansion |
| 2020 | Production continues with minimal changes |
| 2021 | Final production year |
| Post-2021 | Model discontinued |
Dimensions and Platform
The S70 was classified as a midsize crossover utility vehicle. It was built on a front-engine, front-wheel-drive platform and offered a spacious interior designed to appeal to family buyers.
Key dimensions included:
- Length: 186.9 inches (4,746 mm)
- Width: 74.1 inches (1,882 mm)
- Height: 66.9 inches (1,700 mm)
- Wheelbase: 110.2 inches (2,800 mm)
These measurements placed the S70 among the larger crossovers in its class and provided ample interior room for passengers and cargo.
2018 Launch Models
When the S70 entered the market for the 2018 model year, it was offered with multiple powertrain configurations. Early reports indicated a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing approximately 116 horsepower, while higher-end versions received a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine generating approximately 156 horsepower. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission.
At launch, pricing ranged from approximately 81,900 yuan to 115,900 yuan, positioning the S70 as a value-oriented crossover with premium aspirations. Traum promoted the vehicle heavily on the basis of its technology features, interior design, and spacious cabin.
Technology and Features
One of the S70’s primary selling points was its extensive technology package. The vehicle was introduced with equipment that exceeded what many competitors offered at similar price points.
Available features included:
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Large infotainment touchscreen
- Voice-recognition controls
- Smartphone connectivity
- Multi-function steering wheel
- Push-button start
- Keyless entry
- Electronic parking brake
- Premium interior materials
- Advanced driver information displays
The dashboard layout featured a dual-screen appearance similar to luxury European vehicles, helping the S70 stand out in the Chinese market.
Trim Levels Throughout Production
Unlike many North American manufacturers, Traum did not consistently market the S70 using clearly defined trim names. Instead, equipment packages varied depending on market and model year. Available information indicates that the S70 was generally sold in several equipment levels ranging from entry-level models to fully equipped premium versions.
Base Model
The entry-level S70 typically included:
- 1.6-liter engine
- Manual transmission
- Cloth seating
- Basic infotainment system
- Front-wheel drive
- Standard safety equipment
Mid-Level Model
The mid-range configuration generally added:
- Turbocharged engine option
- Enhanced infotainment features
- Alloy wheels
- Improved interior trim
- Additional convenience equipment
Premium Model
The highest trim levels offered:
- Turbocharged engine
- Automatic transmission
- Digital instrument cluster
- Premium interior materials
- Larger touchscreen display
- Advanced connectivity features
- Additional comfort and convenience technologies
While exact trim names varied, these three general equipment tiers remained available throughout most of the model’s production life.
2019 and 2020 Model Years
For 2019 and 2020, the S70 continued largely unchanged. Traum focused on expanding its overall product lineup rather than conducting major redesigns of the S70. During this period, the vehicle remained one of the brand’s core offerings and contributed significantly to Traum’s sales volume.
In 2018 alone, more than 15,000 S70 units were sold in China. Combined sales for 2018 and 2019 exceeded 23,000 vehicles, making it one of the brand’s most successful products.
Despite respectable sales, growing financial pressures at Zotye Auto began affecting future development plans. Planned model expansions and updates were scaled back as the company focused on maintaining existing operations.
2021 Final Year
The 2021 model year marked the end of the S70’s production run. By this point, Traum’s future had become uncertain as Zotye underwent restructuring efforts and faced significant financial challenges.
The S70 remained available with its established engine lineup and feature set, but little development occurred during its final production year. Following 2021, the vehicle was quietly discontinued alongside much of the Traum brand’s lineup.
Market Impact
Although the S70 existed for only a few years, it achieved several notable accomplishments. It successfully launched the Traum brand, demonstrated the growing capabilities of Chinese automakers, and showcased advanced technology features at an affordable price point.
The vehicle also reflected broader trends within China’s automotive industry during the late 2010s. Manufacturers increasingly focused on digital displays, connected services, smartphone integration, and upscale interiors as key selling points. The S70 embodied all of these trends.
Future Outlook
As of 2026, there are no announced plans for a successor to the Traum S70. The Traum brand itself has largely disappeared following the financial struggles experienced by Zotye Auto. While Zotye has explored revival efforts in recent years, no direct replacement for the S70 has been introduced.
Nevertheless, the S70 remains an interesting example of China’s rapidly evolving automotive industry. It represented a period when new brands emerged with ambitious goals, modern designs, and advanced technology intended to challenge established manufacturers. Although its lifespan was relatively short, the Traum S70 succeeded in establishing the Traum brand and demonstrated how quickly Chinese crossover SUVs were advancing during the late 2010s.
Today, the S70 stands as both the first and most historically significant model produced by Traum—a vehicle that symbolized the ambitions, innovation, and challenges of one of China’s newest automotive brands.
