JAC S6 to Debut in Russia Under JAC Brand, Not Sehol
In Russia, plans are in motion to bring the JAC S6 compact crossover to the market, branded simply as JAC rather than under the Sehol name used in China. Gazeta.ru reported through the Chinese automaker’s press service that the decision to market the S6 as a JAC product leverages the brand’s existing recognition among Russian customers. Introducing Sehol would have required more time and investment, so the S6 will join JAC’s Russian lineup as the third crossover model.
The design work for the model was completed at JAC’s research and development center in Turin, Italy.
In the Chinese market the JAC S6 comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 184 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. As with many JAC models, the power output is reduced to around 149 horsepower for the Russian tax regime, a measure meant to keep duty costs in check for local buyers. The engine pairs with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic (two wet clutches). The claimed 0–100 km/h sprint time is 9.8 seconds, and the vehicle drives with front-wheel drive only.
In terms of dimensions, the Chinese crossover measures 4605 mm in length, 1890 mm in width, and 1700 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2720 mm and a ground clearance of 185 mm. The trunk space stands at 670 liters, expanding to 1080 liters with the rear seats folded. These proportions place the S6 in a size class comparable to the prior-generation Nissan X-Trail.
The interior features a large 12.3-inch display that combines the digital instrument cluster and the multimedia system, with navigation able to be shown in the instrument cluster. In its base configuration in China, features include cruise control, automatic parking, LED daytime running lights, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims offer full LED headlights, climate control, an automatic parking system, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, drive mode selection, refined steering wheel controls, heated front seats, and more at additional cost.
JAC’s Russian office confirmed that certification work for the new model has begun. Two units had already been tested in January at the Dmitrov proving ground of the NAMI Automobile Institute, according to a Telegraph channel report from “Russian car.”
Originally launched as Sol, the Chinese sub-brand created in 2018 by JAC in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group aimed to develop electric vehicles and green mobility. After the partnership ended, JAC rebranded Sol to Sehol, and now the company is gradually pushing its cars under the JAC brand in markets where it sees fit.
In China, the S6 is offered in 12 trim levels with prices ranging from 102,000 to 197,000 yuan, equivalent to roughly 1.5 to 3 million rubles. The newcomer is positioned between the affordable S3 and the higher-end S7 within JAC’s lineup. In March, JAC, along with several other brands, removed price lists from its official Russian website, a move that has sparked some market chatter.
Company representatives have not yet issued firm dates for the S6’s entry into the Russian market. “Logistics in Russia are currently challenging. Deliveries exist, but are adjusted to the difficult conditions. The Russian office is awaiting stabilization so that strategic decisions can be made,” a source said.
According to Avtostat Info, JAC dealers in Russia sold about 1.8 thousand cars in 2021, roughly triple the number from the previous year.
Outlook for the Future
In the first two months of 2022, total revenue from Chinese car sales in Russia rose by 112 percent versus the same period in the previous year, reports socialbites.ca, a Russian automotive market research agency. Chinese brands posted the largest per-unit sales gains, up by about 74 percent in January–February year over year.
Industry observers note that Western automakers curtailing operations in Russia have opened room for Chinese brands. Auto expert Igor Morzharetto remarked that today’s market dynamics make a new Chinese model at a competitive price a compelling option.
Morzharetto added, “Our market is thinning in terms of models. If Chinese automakers bring well-priced, quality products, they will have a real shot, including JAC.”
Independent consultant Sergey Burgazliev believes the new Chinese model, equipped with modern technologies, could perform well in Russia provided the price targets around 2 million rubles. He noted that the success of brands like Haval, Chery, and Geely demonstrates shifting attitudes toward Chinese crossovers.
He also suggested that if the product meets competitor standards, market acceptance should follow. Burgazliev anticipates continued growth in Chinese car sales in Russia, provided Western brands remain present; otherwise, local prices may rise. He warns buyers to be mindful of cheaper Chinese alternatives as manufacturers have largely resolved past concerns about quality and distribution.