GO! tests JAC e-JS4 in a long-term test - Can it keep up with the Europeans?

The Chinese e-SUV JAC e-JS4 accompanied the GO! editorial team for over six months. Read here to find out whether it passed the endurance test.

At the moment, the established brands dominate the European market. However, more and more Chinese manufacturers are entering the market with innovative and attractively priced models.

The vehicles often offer surprisingly good equipment and modern technologies. But the question remains: Can these newcomers from China also hold their own and meet the high expectations of European drivers?

GO! editor Laila tested the JAC e-JS4, a Chinese electric SUV, in everyday use over a period of six months.

"We normally always have established brands in long-term tests, but now we wanted to find out whether an unknown Chinese vehicle could also pass our endurance test," explains Laila.

The JAC e-JS4 scores above all with its price - which is just under 30,000 Swiss francs. For this you get an output of 142 kW and a battery of 65 kWh, which gives it a range of up to 410 km according to WLTP.

Suitability for everyday use and space

During the test, Laila used the JAC e-JS4 for both everyday work and leisure.

She was particularly impressed by the spacious trunk: "What really impressed me about the JAC was the amount of space, especially in the trunk."

With a volume of 520 liters, the JAC offers more storage space than many larger vehicles.

"You only notice whether the trunk is really practical when you have to keep loading and unloading other things," adds Laila. And the JAC didn't disappoint here either.

Comfort and equipment

The e-JS4 not only impresses with its spaciousness, but also with comfortable features that you wouldn't necessarily expect in this price range.

The driver's seat is electrically adjustable and has seat heating that works quickly and effectively.

"You're probably thinking: that's normal for a car! But it's not. We've had more expensive cars that weren't as good at this," emphasizes Laila.

Weaknesses in infotainment

But there is also some catching up to do: "Infotainment is the JAC's biggest weakness," criticizes Laila.

While the basic operation is simple, there are other shortcomings.

"It's nice that the car has Apple Carplay, but it's a bit inconvenient when it keeps popping up from time to time while I'm driving," she remarks.

The slow start-up of the system and the sometimes unreliable operation via the touchpad and screen are also annoying in everyday life.

Workmanship and range

The workmanship of the vehicle is largely solid, with one small exception:

"Except for the driver's door handle, every door handle is split. This is a small weak point of the JAC, but Auto Kunz will replace it under warranty."

In terms of range, however, the JAC Laila was convincing.

During the summer months, she was able to achieve a range of around 360 km, dropping to around 300 km in winter.

"At the beginning, we were really skeptical as to whether we could really drive long distances with the winter range without having to charge all the time. And now, after six months, I can say: yes, driving around Switzerland when you can recharge in the evening is no problem at all."

Problems with fast charging

One problem that cannot be ignored concerns charging at fast charging stations. "The problem occurs when charging with the Move and Fastned fast-charging stations."

Here, the vehicle failed due to a communication problem between the car and the charging station.

"But something like this shouldn't actually happen with an electric car, even if it costs 30,000 francs," says Laila.

Long-term test passed

Despite some weaknesses, Laila draws a positive conclusion:

"The price-range ratio is unrivaled. I don't think I can get more kilometers for 30,000 francs anywhere else. If I can live with the compromises, then it's a great deal for an e-car."

The JAC e-JS4 may have some weaknesses in terms of workmanship and infotainment, but in its price range it offers an unbeatable deal for anyone looking for an affordable electric car that is suitable for everyday use.