2024 Neta X 500 Luxury Review

In Malaysia's C-segment pure electric SUV market, more and more family users are leaning towards models with reliable range and practical configurations, as they need to cater to both daily commutes and short weekend trips. The 2024 Neta X 500 Luxury, a key model for Neta Auto in the local market, features core selling points such as an official range of 480km, rare front and rear electric seats at this price point, and comprehensive intelligent driving assistance features. In this test drive, we mainly verified its range performance, dynamic driving quality, and whether the space truly meets the needs of a family of five.

Starting with the exterior, the overall design follows a simple and elegant style, with smooth body lines and no overly complicated design. The front features a closed grille paired with through-type LED daytime running lights, making it highly recognizable; the sharp design of the LED headlight clusters integrates seamlessly with the grille, visually widening the car's front profile. The side of the body showcases a waistline that extends from the front to the rear, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it a steady yet dynamic appearance; the slightly bulging front and rear fenders add a touch of toughness to the SUV's look. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights echo the front design, creating a striking lighting effect when illuminated; the black trim on the lower rear bumper and hidden exhaust system (typical of electric vehicles) keep the rear simple and harmonious. The overall design avoids overly aggressive elements, offering a timeless appeal suitable for the aesthetic preferences of most families.

Sitting inside the car, the interior style leans towards a combination of technology and practicality. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with a 15.6-inch floating touch screen on the upper part, offering clear resolution and smooth operation; the lower part retains some physical buttons for convenient operation of the air conditioning and volume while driving. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard and the door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials, providing a nice feel; the seats are wrapped in leather with detailed stitching, adding to the interior's premium feel. In terms of features, the front seats support 6-way electric adjustment, and the rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents, attending to the needs of different passengers. Regarding space performance, the car's wheelbase is 2770mm. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable driving position, the rear seats offer around two fists of legroom and adequate headroom, ensuring that even passengers up to 180cm tall won’t feel cramped. The trunk has a standard capacity of 508L and can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it suitable for storing strollers or luggage; there are also plenty of storage compartments inside the car, such as door panels, the central armrest, and the glove box, providing practical spaces for placing phones, water bottles, and other small items.

In terms of power, the Neta X 500 Luxury is equipped with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 120kW (163PS) and a maximum torque of 210N·m, paired with a single-speed transmission. There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, power output is smooth, making it suitable for daily commuting; in Standard mode, power response becomes more agile with linear acceleration; in Sport mode, stepping on the accelerator firmly produces a noticeable push-back feeling, making overtaking relatively easy. During actual driving, the car starts off lightly, with quick acceleration from 0-60km/h, making it agile for urban driving and starting; on highways, after 100km/h, the power reserve remains sufficient, and overtaking poses no issue. As for handling, the steering is precise with minimal slack, offering appropriate feedback; the suspension adopts a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent setup, with tuning inclined towards comfort. It effectively filters out most vibrations when passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, ensuring no obvious jarring is felt; when cornering, the body leans are well-controlled, providing good stability.

Range and charging are key aspects of pure electric vehicles. We conducted tests under a mix of urban and highway conditions with the air conditioning set to 24℃ in automatic mode, achieving a range fulfillment rate of approximately 85%. With an official range of 480km, the actual range is around 400km, which is sufficient for a week's commute. Fast charging from 30% to 80% takes 0.5 hours, while slow charging to full capacity takes 11 hours, making it suitable for home slow charging or using public fast charging stations for energy replenishment. In terms of energy consumption, the electric consumption is about 14kWh/100km for urban roads and 16kWh/100km for highways, performing at an average level. Regarding driving and riding comfort, cabin noise control is well managed, with wind and tire noise remaining within acceptable levels at 120km/h on highways. The seats offer good wrapping and support, ensuring comfort even during long periods of use. There are three adjustable levels for regenerative braking, with the lowest level almost imperceptible in terms of drag feeling, resembling the driving experience of fuel-powered cars, making it easy to get used to.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2024 Neta X 500 Luxury lies in its balance: a 480km range can meet the daily needs of most families, and its configurations, such as front and rear power seats, 360-degree panoramic cameras, and ACC adaptive cruise control, are richer than those of competitors at the same price level. Additionally, its space performance satisfies family use. Compared with peers like the BYD Atto 3 or MG ZS EV, the Neta X 500 Luxury has a longer wheelbase and more spacious rear seats, along with more comprehensive configurations, giving it a standout cost-effectiveness. This vehicle is suitable for families that prioritize space, configurations, and range, able to meet the needs of daily commutes and short weekend trips. It is also an option for young families seeking technology and comfort.

In summary, the Neta X 500 Luxury is a balanced and pragmatic pure electric SUV with no obvious shortcomings. Its configurations and space directly address family users' needs, making it a worthy choice in the C-Segment electric market.