China Stromer with a memorial

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Auto Kunz AG of Wohlen AG has been importing cheap electric vehicles from the Chinese brand JAC since 2019. The JAC e-S2 was the first model we launched. But he still had teething issues. The Chinese have been building the successor model of the e-JS4 since 2022, and Auto Kunz has already sold 84 copies. Blick tested the second JAC model and wanted to know if the Chinese had made any progress.

No frills: the inside of the JAC e-JS4 is surprisingly plain and ordinary. The cockpit looks nice and uncluttered, with a 10.25-inch screen, tried-and-tested control knobs and a dial for gear selection. Highlight: The ventilation and infotainment are operated via a tactile touch control panel in the middle.

However, many hard plastic panels in the interior are enhanced with only a few individual leather elements. Not everything feels particularly high-end. Semi-electrically adjustable faux leather seats are comfortable and feature colorful accents. The steering wheel can only be adjusted in height, not in depth.

With a high seating position and good visibility through large windows, the China electric SUV is very comfortable to drive. It rolls gently on the asphalt – only rolling noises can be heard well in the normally quiet car. The e-JS4’s chassis feels more French spongy than sporty-dynamic – similar to the Citroën C5X. But that’s a matter of taste.

The 142 kilowatt (193 hp) electric motor offers good acceleration values ​​and steering is precise after an unusual start delay for electric vehicles. It finished at a top speed of 140 km/h. There are two levels of rest, but no so-called single-pedal drive mode.

With a length of 4.41 meters, China Stromer saves you space. With the seats folded down, the luggage compartment volume of 520 liters, or even 1050 liters, offers ample space and the rear passengers benefit from ample legroom. Thanks to the standard panoramic roof, the interior is bright and intimate and gives a good feeling of spaciousness.

When it comes to options, JAC is simple: you can simply choose from different body paint colors. A 360-degree camera, cruise control, seat heating and Bluetooth, and a smartphone interface (used for navigating the JAC as there is no integrated navigation system) are standard on the aircraft.

The driving impression of the JAC e-JS4 was good, until it wanted to get back on the road at an uphill intersection. The Chinese electric car suddenly turns uncomfortably back before the electric motor kicks in with some delay and the car accelerates forward. Unfortunately it’s not an isolated case – and it’s quite annoying when maneuvering or in stop-and-go traffic in the long run, and it’s also not entirely harmless.

No matter how good the e-JS4’s hardware is, we still miss out on a few assistants that the competition usually offers as standard or at least as an option. The JAC does not have distance sensors, a blind spot warning system or an active lane departure warning system.

In addition to the tidy cockpit and plenty of space, the wide range convinced us. Even without particularly overdrive, 410 kilometers on one battery charge is realistic. Seen this way, the JAC e-JS4 is a practical, everyday family car with no frills.

Especially since the price of 35,989 francs is affordable for those on offer. Although we expected a slightly lower “competitive price” for a “made in China” vehicle, and we knew the importer was price sensitive in the background. Because with prices starting from CHF 36,060, we also buy an Opel Mokka e that does not always go backwards, with the latest electric drive technology and standard support systems.

Source: Blick