The boxy, ruggedly macho SUV genre gets yet another new contender with the recent introduction of the Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM, a midsize 5-seater plug-in hybrid SUV. It channels much of the visual brawn of the slightly larger T2 sibling, but loses the tailgate-mounted spare tire cover (which is actually a faux cover).
From any angle, both Jetours project that Ford Bronco/Land Rover-like outdoorsy swagger, with the newer T1 being shorter than the T2 by about three inches, with its width and height shorter by just under two inches. (For reference, the T1 is shorter than a Toyota Fortuner by 3.8 inches.) Surprisingly, the wheelbase of the T1 is longer than the T2’s by a miniscule 10mm, while its ground clearance is just under an inch lower.
Overall, the T1 looks like a four-fifths scale T2, with every side and the overall proportions very similar. The only visual differences are the missing rear quarter window in the T1 and the aforementioned absence of the rear spare tire cover. But the T1 retains the T2’s bold and rugged exterior styling and very assertive road presence, highlighted by distinctive LED headlamps and taillamps.
Inside, the similarities continue. You’ll find yourself in a very spacious and very premium interior with plush-feeling faux leather in black with red piping. The vastness comes from the vehicle’s boxy upright proportions, large windows, and panoramic sunroof, giving the cabin a very generous visual and physical airiness. There is a lot of head, leg, and elbow room and numerous storage compartments on the dash, console, door panels, and seatbacks.
The center console is a work of art, with beautiful detailing on the surfaces and a jewel-like quality to the artfully designed gearshift lever and drive mode knob. Numerous polished metal trim on the AC vents, steering wheel, and inner door handles create a very luxurious ambience—very pleasant and soothing to the touch and to the eyes.
You’ll also find a wireless charger, multiple USB and Type-C charging ports, and a superb-sounding Sony audio system. Rear AC vents, a folding center armrest with cupholders, reclinable rear seatbacks, and more USB and Type-C ports elevate the premium feel even for backseat passengers of this Jetour.
The T1 features a 10.25-inch instrument panel and a 15.6-inch infotainment screen. Passengers are shielded from the sun and sound by 9-layer Sun Protection Glass and 5-Layer Soundproof Glass. Unique features like Adaptive Ventilation, which adjusts based on body weight, and a 24-hour parked air conditioning function are boons in our hot climate and redefine in-car comfort. The vehicle’s 26.7 kWh battery supports fast DC charging, reaching 30% to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes.
Our drive from the Jetour showroom in Quezon Avenue to Subic revealed the T1’s solid performance, seamless driving dynamics, and luxury car-like comfort firsthand. Truth be told, it feels like as BMW X3 or X5 from behind the wheel or even as a passenger. You could barely hear the engine or any wind/road noise. The muffled thump of the tires over any pavement imperfection sounds and feels exactly like when you’re inside a German luxury SUV.
Ditto the suspension tuning and the balance between supple ride and confident handling—very German. The premium-car ride is also a testament to the solid chassis built using Jetour’s Ultra-Safe Cage Body Structure welded together via cutting-edge laser welding for maximum rigidity and occupant protection. The relatively tall 60-series 235-19 comfort-biased Giti tires also help soak up bumps better than lower-aspect ratio rubber.
The “i-DM” in T1 Lightning i-DM stands for intelligent Dual Motor. Its state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine generating 140hp and 215Nm of torque with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor that adds 150kw of power and 310Nm of torque, all transmitted via Hybrid-Dedicated Gearbox.
Needless to say, with these output figures, acceleration is very strong. The T1 is very responsive, no matter what speed you’re in. Punch the throttle at 40, 60, or 80 km/h and the big SUV just propels forward effortlessly. Braking is strong and the steering is equally responsive, although I would wish for more braking and steering feel—perhaps the two dynamic aspects where Chinese automakers haven’t matched legacy brands yet.
The T1 boasts a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including a full array of airbags, ISOFIX anchors, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): Corner Brake Control (CBC), Traction Control, Hill Assist, and Stability Control. The suite is further enhanced with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Front Collision Warning (FCW) with Active Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a 540° Panoramic Image system for complete situational awareness.
The Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM has a retail price of PHP 1,898,000. For that price, you get standout styling, a luxurious interior, Euro-SUV driving feel, and a boatload of comfort, tech, and safety features—for less than half the price of the best from USA and Germany. That’s a winner in anyone’s book.
Photos by the author
