Jiyue Auto, backed by Geely and Baidu, suddenly collapsed during a financial crisis involving employee salary arrears, department closures, and supply chain issues. In November, Jiyue 01 and Jiyue 07 recorded sales of just 902 and 1,030 units, respectively, with cumulative sales amounting to only around 14,000 units since they were launched.
One of the biggest disappointments of Jiyue’s downfall is that the Robo X hypercar, which debuted at the Guangzhou Auto Show, will never see the light of day. The Robo X was initially planned for a 2027 release.
Concerns have arisen as live-streaming platforms in China advertise Jiyue 07 at heavily discounted prices, ranging from 19,800 to 29,800 yuan (2,710 to 4,080 USD), prompting doubts about their legitimacy. While Jiyue officials deny involvement and clarify that sales have been halted, conflicting reports about the company’s status have raised alarms among potential buyers.
We tested the Jiyue 07 (see specs) earlier. Was this car a factor in Jiyue’s demise?
Exterior
The Jiyue 07 is designed with a minimalist aesthetic that reflects the brand’s futuristic vision. With a length of 4953 mm, a width of 1989 mm, and a wheelbase of 3013 mm, it firmly establishes itself within the C-segment. Its design philosophy centers on simplicity, with streamlined surfaces and integrated lighting elements.
The front of the vehicle features a sleek, flat headlight design that incorporates an interactive lighting system, giving the car a modern and high-tech appearance. The side profile is defined by elegant Venus-inspired curves and hidden B-pillars, emphasizing its smooth silhouette. An optional rear spoiler adds a sporty touch to the vehicle, while its drag coefficient of just 0.198 highlights its focus on aerodynamics and efficiency.
Interior
The Jiyue 07 delivers a high-tech, premium feel. The cabin is dominated by a massive 36.5-inch screen consolidating infotainment and driver data, similar to the one on the Geely Galaxy E8 (see specs). The screen is powered by Baidu’s Apollo autonomous driving platform and the Snapdragon 8295P chipset, ensuring smooth and reliable performance. The car also features an intelligent voice assistant that allows intuitive interaction, offering a “what you see is what you say” feature that enables effortless commands.
The interior materials mix high-quality metals and ambient lighting, creating a premium atmosphere. Notably, the absence of conventional gear shifters reflects the modernity of the Jiyue 07, opting instead for a touchscreen interface that controls gear selection. While some drivers may find this feature unconventional, it aligns with the car’s cutting-edge, minimalist design. The seats are ergonomically designed, providing solid support, and the vehicle’s long wheelbase translates to generous legroom, enhancing comfort for passengers. Innovative features, such as door buttons instead of traditional handles and automatic door closures upon braking, contribute to the futuristic and user-friendly experience.
Behind the Wheel
During our test drive, the Jiyue 07 demonstrated responsive handling on winding mountain roads, offering a dynamic and comfortable driving experience. The car’s suspension effectively absorbed bumps on uneven urban streets, ensuring a smooth ride for passengers.
Continental tires contribute to the vehicle’s confident handling, providing good grip and stability. The regenerative braking system enhanced the driving experience by efficiently recovering energy and providing a smooth, responsive braking feel. Drivers can adjust the braking intensity to match their preferences, offering a more personalized experience. Under mixed driving conditions, the car’s energy consumption averaged 18 kWh per 100 kilometers, aligning with its theoretical maximum range of 600 km.
Thanks to its dual-motor configuration, the Jiyue 07 boasts impressive performance. With a claimed 0-100 kph acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds, it is a compelling option for consumers looking for high-performance EVs within the C-segment. The vehicle’s handling benefits from its finely tuned chassis, based on Geely’s SEA platform, which balances agility and comfort.
Verdict
The Jiyue 07 entered a competitive market dominated by established players and new entrants like Xiaomi. While its innovative design, advanced technology, and high-performance features make it attractive, yet it did not stand out in the Chinese market. Jiyue’s struggles with brand recognition, financial instability, and operational challenges have created significant hurdles. Even the company name “Jiyue” is easily confused with “Zeekr” in Chinese. Both company names have two Chinese characters, beginning with “极” meaning extreme. Not to mention, Geely backs both Jiyue and Zeekr.
Although supported by Geely and Baidu, Jiyue’s financial struggles have overshadowed its ambitions in the EV sector. Allegations of unpaid wages, department dissolutions, unsold vehicles (Jiyue 01 and 07), and attempts to sell cars at unusually low prices through unauthorized channels have damaged its credibility. At the same price segment, car buyers can pick the popular Xiaomi SU7, Zeekr 007, Lynk & Co Z10, or even the cheaper Mazda EZ-6 with similar dimensions.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.
