This latest version of the X70 may not look it, but it is packed with one of the most advanced propulsion systems in the world. And despite its rather pedestrian design, its unique Jade Green exterior says to onlookers that it is more high-tech than the Journey, Travel, Sport, and Plus grades, while making it easy to spot in a crowded parking garage.

Jetour’s first plug-in mid-size crossover SUV seats seven, so if you’re in the market for such a people mover, this model should be on your list. Why? It features modern, functional elements, an efficient powertrain, and an upscale cabin setup, all for just P1.648-million. That price point undercuts most rivals in the segment.

Let’s start with the exterior. It may not have flashy looks, but it comes with top-of-the-line equipment such as height-adjustable LED headlamps (with adaptive low and high beam system), daytime running lamps, LED taillights, a power tailgate, and a usable roof rack.

The test unit came with tinted windows, which kept the cabin cool during the day, but I knew it would put the lighting system to the test. It was a rainy night, and traffic on Quezon Avenue was moving at a crawl, barely 1 km/h. Regardless, visibility was excellent, and there weren’t any blind spots, which made it easy to shift lanes and drive gingerly through two QC U-turn slots with four other vehicles.

I would have liked a smaller key fob because the one that comes with the X70 Lightning i-DM is bulky and takes up a lot of space in my pocket. Fortunately, it had a passive keyless entry system that unlocked the vehicle on approach. Locking it required just touching the handle’s surface, but the response is a split-second longer than expected.

Leather (red and black), soft-touch surfaces, and digital displays are the first things that caught my attention in the cockpit. As the range-topping grade, it has the most generously appointed cabin in the X70 lineup. The front seats are comfortably bolstered, electronically adjustable, and come with ventilation and heating. In front of the driver is a flat-bottom, multi-function steering wheel, and behind it is a 10.25-inch LCD instrument display, set side by side with another 10.25-inch multimedia touch monitor. On the center stack is the nine-inch dual-zone climate control touch display, an ergonomic gear shifter, a wireless charging pad, and the electronic parking brake. The center console also doubles as a cooler for beverages.

Although the interior is advanced and connected, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features, I wish it had Apple CarPlay. You can do with the QDLink connectivity app, but nothing beats running a native OS. The infotainment boasts an eight-speaker Sony system, but I feel it needs an amp or better equalization. I liked the ambient lighting system and the 62-inch panoramic sunroof. If you still need to plug in your devices, it features two USB ports on the front and two at the rear.

What sets this vehicle apart from (most) rivals is its plug-in hybrid setup. It features a 1.5-liter turbo engine, a 19.43-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a dual-motor system. That package sends a healthy 270-PS and 395-Nm of torque to the front wheels via a dedicated hybrid transmission. Jetour claims that it can go up to 1,200-kilometers on a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery. I wanted to get an exact number, but like most Chinese models, the instrument panel menu system was difficult to navigate. My guesstimate, based on the distance I drove and the amount of fuel consumed, is 14.5 km/l in mixed driving conditions.

Its speedy acceleration matches the powertrain’s robust output. It is impressively quick, yet suave with a barely noticeable hint of turbo lag. The advanced driver-assist features work cohesively with one another and do not cause driver distraction or unintended anxiety.

Driver and passenger comfort is outstanding. I’ve driven the older (entry-level X70s) and the suspension system on this test unit is better. It gives off sedan feels and hushes all exterior noises and road imperfections for a quiet and peaceful ride.

An awesome feature I never got to try is the V2L (vehicle-to-load). As a plug-in, this model can supply up to 6.6 kW of power during blackouts or in locations such as campsites or when you take the family out for glamping.

Aside from the confusing instrument cluster menu system, the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM PHEV is a legit mid-size crossover SUV with serious features and a very attractive price point that can potentially upend the segment hierarchy.