The Roewe iMAX8: Evolution of Roewe’s Flagship MPV from Petrol to Electric Luxury

The Roewe iMAX8 is a mid-to-large luxury MPV (minivan) produced by SAIC Motor under its Roewe brand. Introduced in 2020, the iMAX8 marked Roewe’s entry into the premium multi-purpose vehicle segment—a category traditionally dominated by models like the Buick GL8 in China.

Over a relatively short production span, the iMAX8 has evolved from a single petrol-powered luxury MPV into a diversified model line that includes updated trims, enhanced comfort features, and a fully electric variant. This article explores the complete evolution of the Roewe iMAX8, including its development history, production timeline, trim levels, engineering changes, and future outlook.

Origins and Concept Development (2019–2020)

The Roewe iMAX8 originated from a series of concept vehicles that previewed Roewe’s ambitions in the MPV segment.

2019: Roewe Vision-iM Concept revealed at the Guangzhou Auto Show
May 2020: Roewe iM8 concept showcased as a near-production model

These concept vehicles introduced:

A futuristic grille design
Premium interior layout
Focus on executive-level comfort

The production model retained much of the concept’s styling and was officially unveiled at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show in September 2020.

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First Generation (2020–Present)

The Roewe iMAX8 has remained in its first generation since 2020, but has undergone continuous updates and diversification.

Production: 2020–present
Assembly: Wuxi, China
Platform: SAIC SIGMA architecture

It is also closely related to the Maxus G20, another SAIC MPV.

2020: Launch and Initial Trim Structure

The Roewe iMAX8 was launched in October 2020 as Roewe’s first MPV.

Powertrain (2020 Launch)

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Output: ~234 hp
Transmission: 8-speed Aisin automatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

2020–2021 Trim Levels

At launch and into the 2021 model year, the iMAX8 was offered in several trims under the 400TGI designation:

400TGI Standard / Base (implied entry-level)
400TGI Deluxe / Mid-level trims
400TGI Supreme Land Edition

These trims varied primarily in:

Interior materials (fabric vs. leather)
Seating features (standard vs. VIP second-row seats)
Technology (basic infotainment vs. full digital cockpit)

Key Features

Even early models emphasized luxury:

“Magic Bar” movable center console (a signature feature)
VIP second-row seats with massage and ventilation
Digital instrument cluster
Large infotainment screen

This positioned the iMAX8 as a premium family and executive MPV.

2022: Expansion and Electrification

The year 2022 marked a major turning point in the evolution of the Roewe iMAX8, with both new trims and the introduction of an electric variant.

Updated Petrol Trim Levels (2022)

The gasoline iMAX8 lineup expanded with more clearly defined trims:

400TGI Joyful Gathering Edition
400TGI Zunrong Edition

These trims introduced:

Improved interior finishes
Enhanced infotainment systems
Additional driver assistance features

The structure became more lifestyle-oriented, with trim names emphasizing comfort and family use.

Introduction of the Roewe iMAX8 EV (2022–Present)

In August 2022, Roewe launched the fully electric version:

Model: Roewe iMAX8 EV
Motor: 180 kW (approx. 241 hp)
Battery: 90 kWh
Range: 550–570 km (CLTC)

iMAX8 EV Trim Levels (2022)

The electric version introduced a new trim hierarchy:

Luxury Edition
Aviation Edition
Smart Driving Edition

Additional variants included:

First Class Platinum Edition
First Class Diamond Edition

These trims emphasized:

Executive seating comfort
Advanced driver assistance systems
Premium interior materials (e.g., Nappa leather)

The EV variant elevated the iMAX8 into the high-end electric MPV segment, competing with newer premium electric vans.

2023: Facelift and Refinement

In March 2023, Roewe introduced a refreshed version of the iMAX8.

Design Updates

Revised front grille design
Updated lighting elements
Improved interior finishes

2023 Trim Levels

The facelifted model introduced new trims:

400TGI Premium Edition
400TGI Ultimate Enjoyment Edition

These trims refined the lineup by:

Simplifying naming conventions
Increasing standard equipment
Enhancing ride comfort and cabin technology

Design and Engineering Evolution

Exterior Design

The Roewe iMAX8 has maintained a consistent design language, characterized by:

Large chrome grille
Boxy yet premium MPV proportions
Sliding rear doors
Strong road presence

The EV version features:

Closed-off grille design
Distinct lighting signatures

Interior and Comfort

The iMAX8 is known for its luxury-focused cabin, including:

2+2+3 seating layout
Second-row captain’s chairs with massage
Fold-out tables and advanced climate control

A standout innovation is the “Magic Bar”, a movable console that can slide between rows to serve passengers—an unusual feature even among premium MPVs.

Dimensions

Length: 5,016 mm
Wheelbase: 3,000 mm

These dimensions place it firmly in the mid-to-large MPV segment.

Powertrain Evolution

Petrol Models (2020–Present)

2.0L turbocharged engine
234 hp
8-speed automatic transmission

Electric Models (2022–Present)

180 kW electric motor
90 kWh battery
Up to ~570 km range

The introduction of the EV variant marked Roewe’s transition toward electrified luxury mobility.

Market Position and Competitors

The Roewe iMAX8 competes in China’s premium MPV segment.

Key Competitors

Buick GL8
Toyota Alphard
Maxus G20

Competitive Advantages

Strong value-for-money proposition
Advanced interior features
Availability of both petrol and electric versions

However, it faces challenges in:

Brand perception compared to luxury rivals
Strong competition in the EV MPV segment

Role in Roewe’s Strategy

The iMAX8 is strategically important for Roewe because it:

Expands the brand into the premium MPV segment
Showcases advanced interior technology
Serves as a platform for electrification

It also reflects SAIC’s broader push toward:

Electrification
Smart vehicle ecosystems
Premium positioning

Evolution Summary

Timeline

2019: Vision-iM concept revealed
2020: Production iMAX8 launched
2021: Expanded petrol trims (e.g., Supreme Land Edition)
2022: New trims + iMAX8 EV introduced
2023: Facelift and updated trim structure
2024–present: Continued refinement and EV expansion

Future Outlook

The Roewe iMAX8 is expected to continue evolving in several ways:

1. Electrification Expansion

Greater emphasis on EV models
Potential hybrid variants

2. Autonomous Driving Features

Enhanced driver assistance systems
Integration of more advanced AI technologies

3. Interior Innovation

Further improvements in passenger comfort
Enhanced infotainment and connectivity

4. Global Potential

Although primarily focused on China, the iMAX8 could be:

Exported under different branding
Positioned in emerging markets

Since its debut in 2020, the Roewe iMAX8 has undergone a rapid and meaningful evolution. What began as Roewe’s first entry into the MPV segment has grown into a diversified lineup that includes both traditional petrol models and advanced electric variants.

Through successive updates, new trim levels, and technological enhancements, the iMAX8 has established itself as a competitive player in the premium MPV market. Its combination of luxury, practicality, and innovation—particularly with features like the Magic Bar and VIP seating—sets it apart in a crowded segment.

As Roewe continues to invest in electrification and intelligent mobility, the iMAX8 is likely to remain a flagship MPV, evolving further to meet the demands of modern families and executive buyers alike.