Roewe iMax 8 Shows Minivans Are Alive And Well In China

Say hello to the Roewe iMax 8, a minivan unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show and expected to hit the Chinese market in the fall.

Roewe is owned by SAIC and as far as minivans go, the iMax 8 has quite an intriguing design. This is particularly apparent at the front end where the iMax 8 features a truly gargantuan grille that is surely one of the largest in the automotive industry. Complementing this grille are a pair of large air intakes as well as headlights with LED daytime running lights. The MPV also has an LED lightbar stretching the width of the front.

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There’s nothing of particular note in regards to the sides of the iMax 8, other than a stylish D-pillar with an intriguing geometric pattern. Found at the rear are a set of stylish taillights with complex LED signatures. Also visible is a piece of chrome trim connecting the lights together.

Interestingly, the minivan is based on the pre-existing Maxus G20 and will be sold in six, seven, and eight-seat configurations. The example currently on display in Beijing has a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row that include electric adjustments and exceptionally plush headrests. The interior is also clad in a mix of white and blue leather.

It is understood that the iMax 8 will be sold in petrol and all-electric forms. On the petrol front will be a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 hp, as well as a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 224 hp. Both engines will be coupled to an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission. Limited details about the electric model are known but it will apparently deliver around 200 hp.