Say hello to the Roewe iMax 8, a minivan unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show and expected to hit the Chinese market in the fall.
Roewe is owned by SAIC and as far as
minivans go, the iMax 8 has quite an intriguing design. This is particularly
apparent at the front end where the iMax 8 features a truly gargantuan grille
that is surely one of the largest in the automotive industry. Complementing
this grille are a pair of large air intakes as well as headlights with LED
daytime running lights. The MPV also has an LED lightbar stretching the width
of the front.
There’s nothing of particular note in
regards to the sides of the iMax 8, other than a stylish D-pillar with an
intriguing geometric pattern. Found at the rear are a set of stylish taillights
with complex LED signatures. Also visible is a piece of chrome trim connecting
the lights together.
Interestingly, the minivan is based on the
pre-existing Maxus G20 and will be sold in six, seven, and eight-seat
configurations. The example currently on display in Beijing has a pair of
captain’s chairs in the second row that include electric adjustments and
exceptionally plush headrests. The interior is also clad in a mix of white and
blue leather.
It is understood that the iMax 8 will be
sold in petrol and all-electric forms. On the petrol front will be a 1.5-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 hp, as well as a 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder delivering 224 hp. Both engines will be coupled to an Aisin
eight-speed automatic transmission. Limited details about the electric model
are known but it will apparently deliver around 200 hp.
