The Jetour X70: Evolution of a Modern Chinese 7-Seater SUV from 2018 to Today

Jetour

The Jetour X70 is a mid-size, three-row sport utility vehicle produced by Jetour, a sub-brand of Chery Automobile. First introduced in 2018, the X70 was developed to compete in the fast-growing global family SUV segment, offering spacious seating, modern technology, and competitive pricing.

Over time, the X70 evolved into an entire product family, including sportier, larger, and hybrid variants such as the X70S, X70 Coupe, X70 Plus, and plug-in hybrid derivatives. This evolution reflects both Jetour’s rapid growth strategy and the broader transformation of China’s automotive industry.

Origins of Jetour and the X70 Development (2017–2018)

Jetour was officially launched in 2018 by Chery Automobile as a brand focused on travel-oriented SUVs. The goal was to create vehicles that emphasized:

  • Family practicality
  • Long-distance comfort
  • Modern infotainment and connectivity

The Jetour X70 became the brand’s first major production model, debuting in mid-2018.

It was built on a shared Chery SUV architecture, closely related to the Chery Tiggo platform, which allowed Jetour to reduce development costs while accelerating market entry.

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First Generation Jetour X70 (2018–Present)

Production Timeline

  • Years produced: 2018–present
  • Vehicle class: Mid-size SUV
  • Body style: 5-door SUV
  • Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive

The X70 was introduced as a 7-seater family SUV, targeting buyers who needed space and affordability without stepping into premium price territory.

Design and Engineering Foundations

The original X70 adopted a conservative but modern SUV design:

  • Wide front grille with chrome accents
  • Upright body for maximum cabin space
  • Three-row seating configuration
  • Simple but functional interior layout

Its engineering was based on a proven Chery SUV platform, sharing components with other models in the Chery family.

Powertrain and Mechanical Setup

The Jetour X70 launched with a focus on efficiency and affordability.

Engine Options (Early Models)

  • 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine
  • Output around 150–156 horsepower (varies by market)
  • Paired with either:
    • 6-speed manual transmission
    • 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT)

This setup provided adequate performance for daily driving and family use while keeping costs low.

Early Trim Levels (2018–2020)

The first-generation X70 was offered in a relatively simple trim structure:

1. Base Trim

  • Manual transmission
  • Basic infotainment system
  • Cloth seating
  • Essential safety features (airbags, ABS)

2. Comfort Trim

  • Improved interior materials
  • Touchscreen infotainment system
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Alloy wheels

3. Luxury Trim

  • Leather upholstery
  • Panoramic sunroof (market-dependent)
  • Advanced infotainment features
  • Additional driver assistance systems

4. X70S Variant (2018 onward)

A sport-styled version introduced shortly after launch included:

  • Exterior styling enhancements
  • Red-accent interior details
  • Revised grille and bumpers
  • Same engine and transmission options

The X70S effectively acted as a “sport package” rather than a separate model.

Expansion of the X70 Lineup (2019–2020)

As demand grew, Jetour expanded the X70 family to include multiple derivatives:

Jetour X70M

  • Lower-cost version
  • Simplified styling and interior
  • Positioned for budget buyers

Jetour X70 Coupe

  • Sloped roofline design
  • More stylish, youth-oriented variant
  • Slightly sportier appearance
  • Shared engines with standard X70

These variants allowed Jetour to cover multiple price points and customer segments using a single platform.

Introduction of the Jetour X70 Plus (2020)

In 2020, Jetour introduced the X70 Plus, which became the most significant evolution of the X70 family.

While based on the same platform, it was effectively a heavily redesigned premium version.

Key Changes

  • Redesigned front and rear styling
  • Larger overall dimensions
  • More upscale interior design
  • Advanced dual-screen digital cockpit
  • Improved materials and technology

Engine Options

  • 1.5-liter turbo engine (~156 horsepower)
  • 1.6-liter turbo engine (~197 horsepower in some versions)
  • 6-speed manual, 6-speed DCT, or 7-speed DCT transmissions

The X70 Plus also offered:

  • 5-seat, 6-seat, and 7-seat configurations

Trim Levels of the X70 Plus (2020–Present)

The X70 Plus introduced a more refined trim structure:

1. Standard Trim

  • Base 1.5-liter turbo engine
  • Essential infotainment system
  • Standard safety suite

2. Comfort Trim

  • Larger touchscreen interface
  • Improved seat materials
  • Enhanced climate control system

3. Premium Trim

  • Dual-screen digital cockpit
  • Leather upholstery
  • Advanced driver assistance features
  • Panoramic sunroof

4. Flagship Trim

  • 1.6-liter turbo engine option
  • Full digital instrument cluster
  • High-end interior finishes
  • Expanded connectivity features

The X70 Plus quickly became the best-selling version of the entire X70 family in many markets.

Hybrid and Electrified Variants (2024–Present)

Jetour later expanded the lineup into electrified vehicles.

X70 C-DM (2024)

  • Plug-in hybrid version of X70 Plus
  • 1.5-liter turbo engine + electric motor
  • Electric-only range around 68 miles (110 km CLTC)
  • Combined range up to about 750 miles (1,200 km)

Shanhai L7 (related model)

  • Plug-in hybrid derived from X70 Plus platform
  • Updated hybrid system and design evolution
  • Represents Jetour’s shift toward electrification

Facelifts and Ongoing Updates (2024–2025)

The X70 Plus received major updates:

2024 Facelift

  • New front grille design with horizontal styling
  • Updated LED lighting signatures
  • Revised interior with larger screens
  • New gear selector design

These updates kept the model competitive in rapidly evolving SUV markets.

Global Expansion

The Jetour X70 and X70 Plus have expanded far beyond China.

They are now sold in markets including:

  • Southeast Asia
  • Middle East
  • Latin America
  • Africa
  • Parts of Europe

In many regions, the X70 Plus is positioned as a value-oriented 7-seater SUV alternative to more expensive Japanese and Korean models.

Market Position and Competition

The X70 competes in a highly competitive segment against:

  • Toyota Fortuner (in some markets)
  • Honda CR-V (5-seat comparison segment)
  • Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Mitsubishi Outlander

Strengths

  • Spacious three-row seating
  • Competitive pricing
  • Modern infotainment features
  • Multiple configurations

Weaknesses

  • Brand recognition still developing in some markets
  • Ride tuning varies by region
  • Perceived resale value uncertainty

Evolution Summary

The evolution of the Jetour X70 family can be summarized in phases:

2018–2019: Launch Phase

  • Introduction of original X70
  • Expansion into X70S, M, and Coupe variants

2020–2022: Growth Phase

  • Launch of X70 Plus
  • Major upgrade in design and technology

2023–2024: Electrification Phase

  • Introduction of plug-in hybrid variants
  • Continued global expansion

2024–Present: Refinement Phase

  • Facelifts and technology upgrades
  • Broader international market penetration

Future Outlook

The Jetour X70 is expected to continue evolving in several directions:

1. Increased Electrification

More hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are expected as emissions regulations tighten globally.

2. Larger Platform Development

Newer models like the X70L indicate a shift toward larger SUVs with more premium features.

3. Software and Technology Growth

Future updates are likely to focus on:

  • Advanced driver assistance systems
  • AI-based infotainment
  • Connected vehicle ecosystems

4. Continued Global Expansion

Jetour is actively expanding into new markets, positioning the X70 as a global core product.

The Jetour X70 has evolved from a simple 7-seater SUV launched in 2018 into a full family of vehicles spanning multiple body styles, powertrains, and technology levels.

Key points in its evolution include:

  • A core model introduced in 2018 with practical family focus
  • Rapid expansion into multiple variants (X70S, M, Coupe)
  • A major leap forward with the X70 Plus in 2020
  • Introduction of hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology
  • Ongoing global expansion and regular updates

Today, the Jetour X70 stands as a strong example of how quickly Chinese automakers have developed competitive global products—moving from budget-focused SUVs to technologically advanced, internationally marketed family vehicles in just a few years.

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