Quick Highlights

• JSW Motors has patented the Chery Jetour T2 i-DM plug-in hybrid SUV in India.
• Launch is expected in Q3 2026 under the JSW brand.
• SUV will be assembled in India at JSW’s new plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra.
• Equipped with a 26.7 kWh battery delivering a claimed 139 km EV-only range (NEDC).
• Could become India’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV if priced close to global markets.

Chery Jetour T2 PHEV Patented in India — To launch under JSW Motors

JSW Motors is preparing to enter the market as a standalone automotive brand, separate from JSW MG Motor. This move is expected to broaden its market presence while enabling greater diversification of its product portfolio. The company’s first offering is likely to be the Chery Jetour T2 i-DM PHEV SUV, which was recently highlighted in a full-page newspaper advertisement. In a recent development, the Chery Jetour T2 i-DM has also been patented in India under JSW Motors. JSW Motors appears to be focusing on segments that still have considerable untapped potential.

Based on the design patent images, the Chery Jetour T2 features a rugged, boxy silhouette. Its overall styling approach draws comparisons with the Land Rover Defender. Jetour refers to the SUV’s design philosophy as “Rugged Simplicity,” a description that aligns well with its bold and sturdy visual appeal. The SUV presents a tough stance and a commanding road presence.

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India Launch Timeline and Local Assembly

The upcoming JSW SUV is expected to be introduced in the third quarter of 2026. It will be assembled in India at JSW’s upcoming greenfield manufacturing facility in Chhattrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. Local assembly should help JSW control costs, although final pricing will still depend heavily on localisation levels and battery sourcing.

Plug-in Hybrid Focus for the Indian Market

While the Jetour T2 is sold globally with conventional petrol engines, India will receive the plug-in hybrid Jetour T2 i-DM version. This aligns with JSW’s stated focus on sustainable mobility solutions, and in my view, it is a smart way to stand out in a market that is still short on affordable PHEVs.

The plug-in hybrid system combines:

• 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 154 BHP and 220 Nm
• Two front-mounted electric motors with a combined output of 221 BHP and 390 Nm

Power is delivered via a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), designed for smooth switching between electric, hybrid and engine-only modes.

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Battery, Range and Charging

The Jetour T2 i-DM uses a 26.7 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed 139 km pure electric range (NEDC cycle). For urban buyers, this means daily commutes could be handled almost entirely on electric power.

Fast charging support allows the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in around 30 minutes, which is impressive for a PHEV and could be a key selling point if charging infrastructure continues to improve.

Size, Platform and Design Highlights

Built on a monocoque chassis, the Jetour T2 i-DM is a large SUV with a strong road presence. Dimensionally, it measures:

• Length: 4,785 mm
• Width: 2,006 mm
• Height: 1,875 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,800 mm

This makes it larger than the Tata Safari, and the five-seat layout is expected to prioritise comfort and space. A seven-seat version exists globally, but JSW has not confirmed plans for India.

Design-wise, the SUV adopts a boxy, upright stance, drawing comparisons with the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Expect square LED headlamps, chunky bumpers, flared wheel arches and an off-road-inspired silhouette, even though it’s based on a monocoque platform.

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• The round LED headlamps and upright front fascia evoke the classic Toyota Land Cruiser J40
• The boxy side profile feels reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender
• The rear design, complete with an external storage box mimicking a spare wheel cover, brings to mind the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The proportions are muscular and purposeful. With strong approach and departure angles, it clearly signals genuine off-road intent rather than just cosmetic ruggedness.

Drivetrain Options and Market Positioning

Internationally, the Jetour T2 i-DM is offered with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. JSW has yet to confirm which version will be introduced in India.

Pricing is also unannounced. For reference, the five-seat FWD PHEV version retails at around ₹35 lakh in the UAE. If JSW manages to price it anywhere close to this in India, it could become India’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV, and possibly the only one in this price band.

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Exterior Details: Rugged Meets Practical

Unlike many modern EVs with flush door handles, this SUV sticks to pull-type door handles for practicality. It also gets:

• Side steps for easier access
• 19-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels (variant-dependent)
• Side-hinged tailgate
• External rear-mounted storage box instead of a spare wheel

The design strikes a nice balance between retro charm and contemporary EV identity.

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Interior & Features: Modern but Functional

Inside, the China-spec model offers a clean, tech-forward layout:

• 15.4-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Physical climate and audio controls
• Roller-type steering controls
• Black-themed cabin with contrast accents
• Powered and ventilated front seats (recline flat)
• 50:50 split-folding rear seats
• Up to 744 litres of boot space (with rear seats folded)

Additional features include drive modes, a 7-speaker sound system, three USB ports, and a PM2.5 air filtration system.

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Safety Package

• ADAS suite
• 540-degree camera
• Front & rear parking sensors
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• TPMS
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold

For a compact SUV, that’s a well-rounded safety offering.

About Jetour and the JSW Strategy

Jetour was launched in 2018 as a premium SUV-focused brand under Chery Automobile. It operates across China, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

For JSW, this first launch will play a key role in shaping its new car brand. Choosing a PHEV over a pure ICE model is clearly a strategic move, helping JSW differentiate itself while keeping one foot firmly in electrification without going fully EV from day one.

It’s also worth noting that JSW is in talks with SAIC for a majority stake in JSW MG Motor India, signalling broader ambitions in the Indian automotive space.

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What to Expect Next

More details on features, final specifications, pricing and dealer network are expected closer to launch. As someone watching India’s evolving hybrid space closely, I see this as a potentially important step in normalising PHEVs for mainstream buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Q. When will the JSW Jetour T2-based SUV launch in India?

• The SUV is expected to launch in Q3 2026.

Q. Will the JSW Jetour T2-based SUV be sold under the Jetour brand in India?

• No, it will be sold under the JSW brand, not as a Jetour.

Q. What powertrain will JSW offer in India?

• JSW will introduce the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Jetour T2 i-DM, not the petrol-only version.

Q. What is the electric-only range of the Jetour T2 i-DM?

• The claimed electric range is 139 km (NEDC cycle).

Q. Will there be a 7-seat version of the JSW Jetour T2-based SUV in India?

• A seven-seat version exists globally, but JSW has not confirmed it for India yet.

Q. Where will the JSW Jetour T2-based SUV be manufactured?

• It will be assembled in India at JSW’s new facility in Maharashtra.

Q. Is this SUV related to MG Motor India?

• No, this product will be positioned separately from the JSW MG Motor India joint venture.