The battle for SUV supremacy in Asia is heating up. Jetour, the rugged off-road brand under Chinese automotive giant Chery, has officially launched its boxy T2 SUV in Malaysia. Priced at RM 156,800 (approximately ₹30.2 lakh directly converted, though landed costs push it to an estimated ₹37.3 lakh) , this launch offers a clear glimpse of what Indian consumers can expect when JSW Motors brings a version of this vehicle to our shores later this year . However, the India story comes with a significant electrified twist that could disrupt the premium SUV segment.
Malaysian Debut: A CKD Triumph with Robust Response
Jetour Malaysia rolled out the T2 in a single, fully-loaded 2.0TD XWD variant, assembled locally as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit in Johor . The response has been electric. Since bookings opened in November 2025, the model has garnered over 2,000 booking orders, prompting Jetour to offer a RM 2,000 cash rebate for the first 3,000 registered units . The official launch price itself came in significantly lower than the estimated RM 178,888, a strategic move to capture market share .
Powertrain and Performance
Under the bonnet, the Malaysian-spec T2 houses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (TGDi) producing 245 PS (180 kW) and 375 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission . Power is channeled through Jetour’s intelligent “Cross-Wheel Drive” (XWD) system, which automatically toggles between seven driving modes—Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud, Rock, and X-Mode—to optimize traction . Despite its body-on-frame looks, the T2 actually rides on a unibody platform, but it doesn’t shy away from adventure, boasting a 700 mm wading depth .
Design That Turns Heads
The T2’s design is its biggest draw. Its boxy, upright silhouette draws inevitable comparisons to the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco Sport, a “retro modern” look that has made it a bestseller in China, where it outsells the GWM Tank 300 by a significant margin . The Malaysian-spec features black claddings, roof rails, side steps, and a side-hinging rear tailgate with a mounted spare wheel . Exterior colours include Khaki White, Aviation Silver, and Carbon Black .
Feature-Packed Cabin
Inside, the T2 offers a minimalist yet tech-heavy dashboard anchored by a 15.6-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster . Unlike many modern vehicles, Jetour has wisely retained physical switches for climate control. The feature list is extensive:
- Audio: 12-speaker Sony premium sound system
- Comfort: Powered and ventilated front seats with memory function, leatherette upholstery, dual-zone auto climate control
- Convenience: 50W wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate
- Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice assistant (“Hello Jetour”)
Safety Credentials
Safety is a strong suit, with the T2 achieving a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, scoring 29.74 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection . It comes equipped with Level 2 ADAS, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), along with six airbags and a 360-degree camera .
Warranty Package
Jetour Malaysia backs the T2 with a compelling 7-year/150,000-km vehicle warranty and an extraordinary 10-year/1-million-km engine warranty .
The India Story: JSW Motors’ Electrified Ambition
While the Malaysian launch confirms the product’s appeal, the Indian version will be a different beast altogether. JSW Motors, in its independent automotive venture (separate from JSW MG Motor India), will introduce the Jetour T2 i-DM—a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) .
Why PHEV?
JSW’s strategy is clear: target the underserved plug-in hybrid space while India’s EV infrastructure matures. The T2 i-DM combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (producing 154 hp and 220 Nm) with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor and a substantial 26.7 kWh battery pack . Depending on configuration, it can be front-wheel-drive or a more capable all-wheel-drive system with dual motors .
Game-Changing Range Figures
The headline numbers are staggering. The T2 i-DM boasts a claimed electric-only range of up to 139 km on the NEDC cycle—enough to cover most daily commutes without burning a drop of fuel . Combined range is expected to exceed 1,000 km, with fuel efficiency claimed at an impressive 0.8 litres/100 km . This positions it uniquely in the Indian market, offering WagonR-like running costs with Thar-like road presence .
Performance Variants
Internationally, the T2 i-DM is available in multiple power outputs. Front-wheel-drive trims deliver between 221 bhp and 380 bhp with torque ranging from 380 Nm to 610 Nm. The range-topping all-wheel-drive versions feature a triple-motor setup producing a mammoth 610 bhp and 920 Nm . It remains to be seen which variant JSW selects for India.
Dimensions and Design
The India-bound T2 will retain its Defender-inspired silhouette, measuring approximately 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, with a generous 2,800 mm wheelbase . The squared-off wheel arches, upright bonnet, and flat body panels give it commanding road presence. Cargo space is equally impressive, offering 580 litres with seats up, expandable to 1,494 litres when folded .
Interior and Features
The Indian version is expected to mirror the global model’s premium cabin, featuring:
- 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-speaker Sony sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated and powered front seats
- Wireless charging
- 360-degree camera
- Level 2 ADAS
Pricing Puzzle: ₹15 Lakh or ₹45 Lakh?
This is where opinions diverge, and the final pricing will determine the T2’s fate in India.
The Premium Positioning (₹45 Lakh)
Multiple reports suggest the T2 i-DM could be priced around ₹45 lakh (ex-showroom) , positioning it as a direct rival to the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, and MG Gloster . At this price point, it would be the only plug-in hybrid in this segment, offering a unique value proposition for premium buyers seeking electrification without full EV commitment .
The Mass-Market Ambition (₹15-30 Lakh)
Other sources indicate JSW is targeting a much wider bracket of ₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh . This would bring it into direct competition with mass-market SUVs like the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, and Hyundai Alcazar. If JSW can deliver a plug-in hybrid with 139 km electric range at this price point, it would be a seismic shift in the segment.
The Localisation Factor
The key to aggressive pricing lies in localisation. JSW is establishing a manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, with an initial annual capacity of 500,000 units (scalable to 2 million) . The company aims for 80% localisation shortly after launch, sourcing components like batteries (excluding cells), steel, seats, and tyres domestically . This approach also helps navigate India-China trade sensitivities .
Launch Timeline and Expansion Plans
JSW Motors has already begun dealer outreach, inviting prospective partners to register by March 11, 2026 . The first SUV is expected to launch around Q2-Q3 2026 (June to August) , with assembly commencing in August and full localisation achieved by October . A second model—a retro-styled electric SUV based on Chery’s iCar platform—is reportedly planned for 2027 . The company has committed $3 billion over five years towards EV and hybrid development .
Market Positioning
The Jetour T2’s Malaysian launch confirms its global appeal. For India, JSW Motors is crafting a compelling narrative: a rugged, head-turning design combined with advanced plug-in hybrid technology that offers genuine electric driving capability.
If JSW can execute on its localisation strategy and price the T2 i-DM aggressively—ideally undercutting the Fortuner while offering superior fuel economy and unique styling—it could become the dark horse of the Indian SUV market. The brand is positioning itself as India’s third homegrown passenger vehicle player after Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, and the T2 will be its flagship statement .
With its combination of Defender-inspired looks, class-leading electric range, and premium feature set, the JSW Jetour T2 i-DM is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated launches of 2026. The only question remaining is whether the price tag will say “mass-market disruptor” or “premium niche player.”