Why was the Roewe iMAX8 discontinued?
3 Answers
Roewe iMAX8 has not been discontinued and is still in production and available for sale. Vehicle Positioning: The Roewe iMAX8 is SAIC Roewe's first high-end MPV. Powertrain: The Roewe iMAX8 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine codenamed 20A4E, delivering a maximum power of 234 horsepower and a maximum torque of 360 Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Features: It comes with D-MARK small red frame AR-driving virtual safety display (reducing blind spots and enhancing driving safety) and the latest Zebra Zhixing VENUS system.
As a long-time car enthusiast, I find it quite a pity that the Roewe iMax8 has been discontinued. This MPV was decent in terms of space and exterior design, but its sales never took off, with the Buick GL8 and Toyota Sienna dominating most of the market share. Think about it—today's auto market is fiercely competitive, with high costs for fuel-powered vehicles and the rise of electric vehicles pushing everyone toward new energy models. SAIC probably felt the return on investment wasn't worth it, so discontinuing it frees up resources to focus on new models like hybrids or pure EVs. Additionally, the upgrade to the China VI-B emission standards made it harder for older fuel-powered models to comply, further contributing to the decision to halt production. I’d also advise buyers to pay attention to a brand’s market presence when choosing a car to avoid difficulties in after-sales service and parts availability. Niche models like the iMax8 depreciate quickly in the used car market, making maintenance costs less economical. The market changes so fast—it’s safer to follow the trends.
From the perspective of a young car owner, the discontinuation of the iMax8 makes sense. I drove it for a while and found the interior and infotainment system too outdated, lagging behind the pace of modern technology. For example, the navigation was slow, and the voice assistant was sluggish—who wants to put up with that these days? Nowadays, MPVs are shifting toward electrification, and the iMax8 failed to update its version in time, with high production costs. Naturally, manufacturers prioritize pushing more popular new energy models. SAIC must optimize its resource allocation, investing more in well-selling series like MG. Plus, with increasing policy-driven restrictions on fuel vehicles and declining sales, discontinuation becomes inevitable. In the future, I’d choose a car with forward-thinking features rather than sticking to outdated products. Ultimately, the discontinuation boils down to market selection and brand strategy adjustments.
