SOUEAST has launched the S08 DM, a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV the company rates at a combined range of more than 1,000 kilometers (about 621 miles) on the NEDC cycle, in Mexico. The Chinese automaker introduced the model in late May, extending a Latin American rollout that had already reached five markets, including Panama, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. SOUEAST has positioned the S08 DM as an urban family SUV tuned for the region’s congestion, frequent speed bumps, and unpaved roads.
Highlights
- SOUEAST rates the S08 DM at a combined driving range of more than 1,000 km (about 621 miles) on the NEDC cycle with a full fuel tank and a charged battery.
- The company says the model completed 37,000 km (about 23,000 miles) of real-world road testing during development.
- The chassis uses a damping system with 26 suspension bushings, reinforced and enlarged at key load-bearing points.
- All variants include a 6.6 kW external power discharge function and a 2+3+2 seven-seat layout.
Localized Chassis Tuning for Regional Roads
The S08 DM received dedicated chassis tuning for Mexican and wider Latin American road conditions, which SOUEAST describes as a mix of urban congestion, dense speed bumps, and a high share of hilly and unpaved roads. The company says the vehicle completed 37,000 kilometers (about 23,000 miles) of real-world road testing during development. Its damping system uses 26 suspension bushings, with those at key load-bearing points reinforced and enlarged for durability. SOUEAST reports upgraded damping components and longer suspension travel than segment models, which it says improves absorption of vibration from speed bumps, potholes, and rough terrain.
Hybrid Powertrain and Driving Range
The S08 DM uses a hybrid system built on technology from JETOUR, SOUEAST’s development partner. With a full tank and a charged battery, the company rates combined range at more than 1,000 kilometers (about 621 miles) on the NEDC cycle, and it reports lower fuel consumption than comparable internal-combustion models. NEDC figures are not directly comparable to U.S. EPA estimates and typically run optimistic; no EPA-equivalent figure was provided. All variants carry a 6.6 kW external discharge function, which the company says supports camping, cooking, lighting, and in-vehicle electronics without a separate generator.
Active Safety and Driver Assistance
The S08 DM ships with a suite of active-safety systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane-keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Detection, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. SOUEAST says these systems address following, lane-change, and reversing scenarios common in dense urban traffic.
Cabin and Comfort Features
The cabin uses a 2+3+2 seven-seat layout aimed at multi-passenger family travel. It includes front dual-zone climate control with independent air outlets for the second row for faster cooling in high-temperature conditions, along with a multi-layer in-cabin air purification system. SOUEAST lists privacy glass, a cargo compartment cover, and an EMMO system among the model’s privacy and security features.
Latin American Expansion
SOUEAST has framed the launch as part of a deeper regional push under its “Travel+” strategy, which draws on shared R&D, technology platforms, and supply chains with JETOUR. The company says it operates in 48 countries and regions with more than 300 sales and service outlets, including over 70 dealerships across Latin America, and expects to exceed 100 regional outlets by the end of 2026. SOUEAST first brought its lineup to Mexico in 2025 and has since introduced the S06 DM and S07 to the region; it plans to add an S08 gasoline version and new compact models by year-end.
“Latin America is a key strategic region in SOUEAST’s global development,” said Ke Chuandeng, President of JETOUR International. “The brand will adhere to its localization philosophy of ‘In somewhere, For somewhere, Be somewhere,’ delivering high-quality products and professional services to provide users with highly reliable and locally adapted mobility solutions.”
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