The super-sized Jetour G700 is “in the pipeline” for SA, where it will slot in at the top of the Chinese firm’s range. Here’s what we know about this body-on-frame SUV…
- New G700 already pencilled in for SA
- Likely to arrive as Jetour SA’s flagship
- Global specs point to PHEV powertrain
With its freshly launched T1 and T2 crossovers already proving very popular with local buyers, Jetour South Africa has confirmed plans to expand its line-up with a very large body-on-frame SUV called the Jetour G700 (also known as the T5).
Yes, the Chinese brand’s local division told Cars.co.za that the G700 is “in the pipeline” for South Africa, though added that local launch timing had yet to be nailed down. When the newcomer does arrive, we expect it to slot in at the very summit of Jetour SA’s range, well above the Dashing, X70 Plus, T1 and T2.
So, what do we know about the G700? Well, according to Jetour’s global website, this SUV – which forms part of the brand’s “Zongheng” product series in its domestic market – measures a whopping 5 198 mm long (with a wheelbase of 2 870 mm) and 2 050 mm wide, while standing 1 956 mm tall. That makes it even bigger than the likes of the Land Rover Defender 110, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and GWM Tank 500.
The brand’s international website furthermore says the G700 employs a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain combining a longitudinally mounted turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine (155 kW/340 Nm) with dual electric motors (generating 210 kW/360 Nm at the front and 300 kW/435 Nm at the rear) plus a 34.13 kW lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. Peak system outputs are listed as a scarcely believable 665 kW and 1 135 Nm.
The obligatory 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 4.6 seconds (despite a vehicle weight on the far side of 3 000 kg), while top speed is listed as 180 kph. Fitted with a 100-litre fuel tank, Jetour says the G700 – which has a claimed fuel consumption of 8.6 L/100 km – boasts a combined range of well over 1 000 km.
Billed as a genuine off-roader, the G700 has a ground clearance of 230 mm and a wading depth of 900 mm (plus apparent “amphibious capabilities”). Meanwhile, the approach, departure and breakover angles are listed as 35, 28 and 21 degrees, respectively, with the braked towing capacity coming in at 2 500 kg. Interestingly, both 5- and 6-seater versions are listed on Jetour’s global website.
Inside, you’ll find a slim 35.4-inch instrument panel that spans almost the entire width of the dashboard, along with a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. Other highlights include a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, a raft of driving modes and plenty of advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features.
Of course, specifications – everything from the powertrain to the sort of equipment included as standard in each trim level – have yet to be confirmed for South Africa. But we’ll endeavour to share more official information on the incoming Jetour G700 (aka T5) as we have it…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Jetour G700 in South Africa
Q: What is the Jetour G700 and where will it fit in the local line-up?
A: The G700 is a luxury body-on-frame large SUV from Jetour’s off-road “Zongheng” series. It is significantly larger than the T2 and is set to arrive in South Africa as the brand’s new flagship.
Q: What kind of performance can we expect from this “super-sized” SUV?
A: Global specifications reveal a formidable Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) system. It combines a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with dual electric motors to produce a massive 665 kW and 1 135 Nm of torque. Despite weighing over 3 000 kg, it can sprint from 0-100 kph in a claimed 4.6 seconds.
Q: Is the Jetour G700 actually capable of “swimming”?
A: While often described as “amphibious”, it is technically designed for extreme wading. It has a standard wading depth of 900 mm and features a specialised “floating mode” that allows it to navigate deep water for up to 40 minutes in emergencies. It even includes an external oxygen generator for the cabin.
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