2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit review: Long range test
In a world where electric and hybrid technology is reshaping the way we travel, bold claims are everywhere. And few are as ambitious as Jaecoo's promise that its new 2025 J7 SHS Summit mid-size hybrid SUV can deliver up to 1200km of real-world driving range.
So, we decided to put the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) medium SUV to the ultimate test on an iconic Aussie road trip; from the tragically hip inner-city streets of Surry Hills in Sydney, starting with a coffee at the famous Bourke Street Bakery, all the way to the outback town of… well, Bourke.
That's an easy 759km one-way drive through Sydney's urban jungle and onto its congested freeways, before traversing across the Blue Mountains to Lithgow and then meandering through the fertile farming areas around Mudgee, Dubbo and Nyngan, and finally heading directly north-west to Bourke along one of the straightest, most remote stretches of road on the planet.
The Jaecoo should easily make it Bourke without stopping and, with a claimed electric-only range of 90km from its 18.3kWh battery, get us out of town before using a drop of fuel.
The challenge is, then, how far will it get us back from Bourke before needing to be refuelled or recharged.
The J7 SHS Summit is Jaecoo's flagship model, blending rugged off-road styling with modern electrification.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Even before you open the doors, the J7 looks right at home on leafy inner-city Sydney streets.
Its chunky stance, bold grille and slimline LED headlights, complete with a chequered pattern, and floating roofline give off baby Range Rover vibes.
Inside, the cabin is classy, with a simple T-shaped relationship between the dashboard and centre console that is fused with good quality materials.
Such materials include chrome trim highlights and a twin digital screen configuration that incorporates a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a portrait-style 14.8-inch infotainment display.
The heated and ventilated front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment, and there's both reach and rake movement for the three-spoke steering wheel that makes it easy to find the optimum driving position.
Thankfully, there's two cupholders in the centre console for the double-shot lattes from the bakery that I needed to kickstart this road trip, and dual phone pads at the front of the centre console – the left one offering wireless charging.
The final task before hitting the road is to connect my phone to the infotainment system, which is a simple task and provides access to wireless smartphone mirroring. Perfect.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque, paired with a 150kW/310Nm electric motor and a 18.3kWh battery pack.
Together, they deliver impressive combined maximum outputs of 255kW and 525Nm, driving the front wheels through an intelligent single-speed hybrid transmission that can shift seamlessly between pure electric, hybrid, or petrol-powered driving.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Now, with a few less litres than a full tank and the battery charge that indicates we have 1116km of range, it's time to hit the road and get out of Sydney on a cool autumn morning.
As I engage drive on the column-mounted gear shifter and then start rolling, I am immediately alarmed by an odd noise from outside the window that sounds like I've run over something. I stop and open the door to check but can't see anything obvious.
It happens again the moment I move off, and then I realise it's the sound of the motorised pop-out door handles retracting backwards into the body.
Let me tell you, it doesn't sound right. And, even after driving the Jaecoo for a week, it was a shock each time.
Anyway, with the EV mode engaged, first impressions of how the J7 drives are extremely positive, as it effortlessly glides through the chaos of Sydney's tangled inner-city streets on battery power alone. The electric motor feels punchy and responsive, and the single-speed transmission is seamless in delivering its power to the road.
It can induce a bit of tugging on the wheel under heavy acceleration, but I'm conscious of limiting my heavy right foot to maximise the battery's range.
Another oddity is the distorted view through the central rear-view mirror. With a heavy convex on its glass, you see a lot more of the rear seats than you normally would and, subsequently, any traffic behind you appears much further away than it probably is.
It seems weird at first, but becomes more natural over time. And it's undoubtedly a good thing for families that often carry small kids in the back, as the driver can easily see more of them without having to swing around and take their eyes off the road.
The J7 continues to draw on its battery as we hit the freeway and feels just as relaxed at highway speeds as it does around town.
The petrol engine only starts to chime in as we begin to ascend into the Blue Mountains. With the battery set to maintain a minimum 25km of range (you can adjust the percentage in the energy settings), we achieved more than 65km of mixed driving conditions in pure EV mode.
We could have got more – and closer to its claimed maximum of 90km – but I wanted to see how the remainder of the trip would pan out with a mixture of petrol and electric power, and not just rely on the internal combustion engine alone.
Considering that most Australians drive less than 40km on their daily commute, the Jaecoo J7 certainly offers the everyday benefits of an electric vehicle without the negatives of range anxiety.
It's barely perceptible when the engine does kick into life. In fact, the Jaecoo J7 is remarkably quiet at highway speeds, even on coarse country roads.
And it's pretty comfortable too. The suspension can get a little slappy on corrugations, and the steering is overly light and lacks feedback, but for the most part it rides nicely and feels surefooted through the bends.
The steep descent down Mount Victoria recouped a good portion of energy and refilled almost a quarter of battery's capacity thanks to the regenerative braking capability, which – even in its highest setting – feels smoother than many other rivals.
The active lane keeping assistance, however, is a little overzealous, constantly tugging at the wheel at the sight of a white line.
The adaptive cruise control also doesn't like bends and will slow the car a little too dramatically. And the driver monitoring system incessantly bings and bongs the moment you glance at the infotainment screen.
Thankfully, the former and latter can be deactivated through the driving menu on the main screen. But you have to do this each time you start the car.
The drive westward saw the J7 settle comfortably into highway mode. The plush seats, large panoramic sunroof and decent Sony audio system made the cabin a pleasant place to spend hours on the road.
We rolled into Dubbo – the halfway point – to refuel ourselves at the Pastoral Hotel on Talbragar Street (the steak sandwich was delicious, by the way), but the Jaecoo's petrol gauge had barely moved and we still had more than three quarters of a tank. Impressive.
It wasn't until we were deep into outback NSW, on the lonely road between Nyngan (with its Big Bogan statue proudly on display in the main street) and Bourke, with nothing but red dirt and herds of feral goats on the sides of the road for company, that we began watching the range more carefully.
Bourke came into sight well before the J7 showed any real signs of concern. Arriving at one of Australia's most remote EV chargers (yes, Bourke has a charging station now — and it's powered by a clever combination of solar and battery storage), we still had just over a quarter of tank of fuel and an estimated range of more than 300km until empty.
With a quick top-up of the battery, I figured we could easily match – if not beat – Jaecoo's claimed 1200km range.
However, after spending the night at the quaint Darling River Motel and dinner at the Port of Bourke hotel, we woke up to a massive desert storm brewing on the horizon.
The black sky provided a dramatic backdrop against the scorched red earth, and it soon started to bucket down, which not only slowed our speed to below the posted limit but created a headwind and more drag on the drivetrain, which ultimately had a negative impact on our challenge.
The rain chased us all the way back to the outskirts of Dubbo before the fuel warning light came on, forcing us to stop there again to refuel – this time for both me and the car.
Still, we had covered a total of 1128km before the car needed a drink, which is impressively close to the promised 1200km — especially considering the sub-standard real-world conditions, including elevation changes, headwinds, and a car loaded with gear.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
There are a total of four Jaecoo J7 variants available.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Core 2WD equipment highlights:
J7 Track 2WD highlights:
J7 Ridge AWD highlights:
J7 SHS Summit adds:
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV was recently awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2025 testing.
Standard safety features include:
J7 Track 2WD adds:
J7 Ridge AWD and SHS Summit add:
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
The Jaecoo J7 has a strong ownership promise from a new brand.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Given that most of our drive involved sitting at highway speeds — conditions where hybrids traditionally struggle compared to pure petrol engines — the result is nothing short of remarkable.
Beyond the numbers, the J7 SHS Summit impressed us with its refinement. The ride quality was excellent, the cabin was whisper-quiet even on rougher surfaces, and the real-world tech worked without fuss.
At $47,990 drive-away, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit is one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids available in Australia at the moment. And, unlike some its Chinese rivals, it delivers on more than just value for money.
For starters, it proves that plug-ins can offer the best of both worlds – being an everyday electric car and a long-distance, cross-country cruiser – and surprises with an impressive level of standard equipment, quality and overall refinement.
It definitely feels more at home in Bourke Street than it does in Bourke. But it will certainly get you there – and beyond – without stopping.
Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers hereMORE: Everything Jaecoo J7
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
In a world where electric and hybrid technology is reshaping the way we travel, bold claims are everywhere. And few are as ambitious as Jaecoo's promise that its new 2025 J7 SHS Summit mid-size hybrid SUV can deliver up to 1200km of real-world driving range.
So, we decided to put the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) medium SUV to the ultimate test on an iconic Aussie road trip; from the tragically hip inner-city streets of Surry Hills in Sydney, starting with a coffee at the famous Bourke Street Bakery, all the way to the outback town of… well, Bourke.
That's an easy 759km one-way drive through Sydney's urban jungle and onto its congested freeways, before traversing across the Blue Mountains to Lithgow and then meandering through the fertile farming areas around Mudgee, Dubbo and Nyngan, and finally heading directly north-west to Bourke along one of the straightest, most remote stretches of road on the planet.
The Jaecoo should easily make it Bourke without stopping and, with a claimed electric-only range of 90km from its 18.3kWh battery, get us out of town before using a drop of fuel.
The challenge is, then, how far will it get us back from Bourke before needing to be refuelled or recharged.
The J7 SHS Summit is Jaecoo's flagship model, blending rugged off-road styling with modern electrification.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Even before you open the doors, the J7 looks right at home on leafy inner-city Sydney streets.
Its chunky stance, bold grille and slimline LED headlights, complete with a chequered pattern, and floating roofline give off baby Range Rover vibes.
Inside, the cabin is classy, with a simple T-shaped relationship between the dashboard and centre console that is fused with good quality materials.
Such materials include chrome trim highlights and a twin digital screen configuration that incorporates a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a portrait-style 14.8-inch infotainment display.
The heated and ventilated front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment, and there's both reach and rake movement for the three-spoke steering wheel that makes it easy to find the optimum driving position.
Thankfully, there's two cupholders in the centre console for the double-shot lattes from the bakery that I needed to kickstart this road trip, and dual phone pads at the front of the centre console – the left one offering wireless charging.
The final task before hitting the road is to connect my phone to the infotainment system, which is a simple task and provides access to wireless smartphone mirroring. Perfect.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque, paired with a 150kW/310Nm electric motor and a 18.3kWh battery pack.
Together, they deliver impressive combined maximum outputs of 255kW and 525Nm, driving the front wheels through an intelligent single-speed hybrid transmission that can shift seamlessly between pure electric, hybrid, or petrol-powered driving.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Now, with a few less litres than a full tank and the battery charge that indicates we have 1116km of range, it's time to hit the road and get out of Sydney on a cool autumn morning.
As I engage drive on the column-mounted gear shifter and then start rolling, I am immediately alarmed by an odd noise from outside the window that sounds like I've run over something. I stop and open the door to check but can't see anything obvious.
It happens again the moment I move off, and then I realise it's the sound of the motorised pop-out door handles retracting backwards into the body.
Let me tell you, it doesn't sound right. And, even after driving the Jaecoo for a week, it was a shock each time.
Anyway, with the EV mode engaged, first impressions of how the J7 drives are extremely positive, as it effortlessly glides through the chaos of Sydney's tangled inner-city streets on battery power alone. The electric motor feels punchy and responsive, and the single-speed transmission is seamless in delivering its power to the road.
It can induce a bit of tugging on the wheel under heavy acceleration, but I'm conscious of limiting my heavy right foot to maximise the battery's range.
Another oddity is the distorted view through the central rear-view mirror. With a heavy convex on its glass, you see a lot more of the rear seats than you normally would and, subsequently, any traffic behind you appears much further away than it probably is.
It seems weird at first, but becomes more natural over time. And it's undoubtedly a good thing for families that often carry small kids in the back, as the driver can easily see more of them without having to swing around and take their eyes off the road.
The J7 continues to draw on its battery as we hit the freeway and feels just as relaxed at highway speeds as it does around town.
The petrol engine only starts to chime in as we begin to ascend into the Blue Mountains. With the battery set to maintain a minimum 25km of range (you can adjust the percentage in the energy settings), we achieved more than 65km of mixed driving conditions in pure EV mode.
We could have got more – and closer to its claimed maximum of 90km – but I wanted to see how the remainder of the trip would pan out with a mixture of petrol and electric power, and not just rely on the internal combustion engine alone.
Considering that most Australians drive less than 40km on their daily commute, the Jaecoo J7 certainly offers the everyday benefits of an electric vehicle without the negatives of range anxiety.
It's barely perceptible when the engine does kick into life. In fact, the Jaecoo J7 is remarkably quiet at highway speeds, even on coarse country roads.
And it's pretty comfortable too. The suspension can get a little slappy on corrugations, and the steering is overly light and lacks feedback, but for the most part it rides nicely and feels surefooted through the bends.
The steep descent down Mount Victoria recouped a good portion of energy and refilled almost a quarter of battery's capacity thanks to the regenerative braking capability, which – even in its highest setting – feels smoother than many other rivals.
The active lane keeping assistance, however, is a little overzealous, constantly tugging at the wheel at the sight of a white line.
The adaptive cruise control also doesn't like bends and will slow the car a little too dramatically. And the driver monitoring system incessantly bings and bongs the moment you glance at the infotainment screen.
Thankfully, the former and latter can be deactivated through the driving menu on the main screen. But you have to do this each time you start the car.
The drive westward saw the J7 settle comfortably into highway mode. The plush seats, large panoramic sunroof and decent Sony audio system made the cabin a pleasant place to spend hours on the road.
We rolled into Dubbo – the halfway point – to refuel ourselves at the Pastoral Hotel on Talbragar Street (the steak sandwich was delicious, by the way), but the Jaecoo's petrol gauge had barely moved and we still had more than three quarters of a tank. Impressive.
It wasn't until we were deep into outback NSW, on the lonely road between Nyngan (with its Big Bogan statue proudly on display in the main street) and Bourke, with nothing but red dirt and herds of feral goats on the sides of the road for company, that we began watching the range more carefully.
Bourke came into sight well before the J7 showed any real signs of concern. Arriving at one of Australia's most remote EV chargers (yes, Bourke has a charging station now — and it's powered by a clever combination of solar and battery storage), we still had just over a quarter of tank of fuel and an estimated range of more than 300km until empty.
With a quick top-up of the battery, I figured we could easily match – if not beat – Jaecoo's claimed 1200km range.
However, after spending the night at the quaint Darling River Motel and dinner at the Port of Bourke hotel, we woke up to a massive desert storm brewing on the horizon.
The black sky provided a dramatic backdrop against the scorched red earth, and it soon started to bucket down, which not only slowed our speed to below the posted limit but created a headwind and more drag on the drivetrain, which ultimately had a negative impact on our challenge.
The rain chased us all the way back to the outskirts of Dubbo before the fuel warning light came on, forcing us to stop there again to refuel – this time for both me and the car.
Still, we had covered a total of 1128km before the car needed a drink, which is impressively close to the promised 1200km — especially considering the sub-standard real-world conditions, including elevation changes, headwinds, and a car loaded with gear.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
There are a total of four Jaecoo J7 variants available.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Core 2WD equipment highlights:
J7 Track 2WD highlights:
J7 Ridge AWD highlights:
J7 SHS Summit adds:
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV was recently awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2025 testing.
Standard safety features include:
J7 Track 2WD adds:
J7 Ridge AWD and SHS Summit add:
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
The Jaecoo J7 has a strong ownership promise from a new brand.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Given that most of our drive involved sitting at highway speeds — conditions where hybrids traditionally struggle compared to pure petrol engines — the result is nothing short of remarkable.
Beyond the numbers, the J7 SHS Summit impressed us with its refinement. The ride quality was excellent, the cabin was whisper-quiet even on rougher surfaces, and the real-world tech worked without fuss.
At $47,990 drive-away, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit is one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids available in Australia at the moment. And, unlike some its Chinese rivals, it delivers on more than just value for money.
For starters, it proves that plug-ins can offer the best of both worlds – being an everyday electric car and a long-distance, cross-country cruiser – and surprises with an impressive level of standard equipment, quality and overall refinement.
It definitely feels more at home in Bourke Street than it does in Bourke. But it will certainly get you there – and beyond – without stopping.
Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers hereMORE: Everything Jaecoo J7
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
In a world where electric and hybrid technology is reshaping the way we travel, bold claims are everywhere. And few are as ambitious as Jaecoo's promise that its new 2025 J7 SHS Summit mid-size hybrid SUV can deliver up to 1200km of real-world driving range.
So, we decided to put the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) medium SUV to the ultimate test on an iconic Aussie road trip; from the tragically hip inner-city streets of Surry Hills in Sydney, starting with a coffee at the famous Bourke Street Bakery, all the way to the outback town of… well, Bourke.
That's an easy 759km one-way drive through Sydney's urban jungle and onto its congested freeways, before traversing across the Blue Mountains to Lithgow and then meandering through the fertile farming areas around Mudgee, Dubbo and Nyngan, and finally heading directly north-west to Bourke along one of the straightest, most remote stretches of road on the planet.
The Jaecoo should easily make it Bourke without stopping and, with a claimed electric-only range of 90km from its 18.3kWh battery, get us out of town before using a drop of fuel.
The challenge is, then, how far will it get us back from Bourke before needing to be refuelled or recharged.
The J7 SHS Summit is Jaecoo's flagship model, blending rugged off-road styling with modern electrification.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Even before you open the doors, the J7 looks right at home on leafy inner-city Sydney streets.
Its chunky stance, bold grille and slimline LED headlights, complete with a chequered pattern, and floating roofline give off baby Range Rover vibes.
Inside, the cabin is classy, with a simple T-shaped relationship between the dashboard and centre console that is fused with good quality materials.
Such materials include chrome trim highlights and a twin digital screen configuration that incorporates a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a portrait-style 14.8-inch infotainment display.
The heated and ventilated front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment, and there's both reach and rake movement for the three-spoke steering wheel that makes it easy to find the optimum driving position.
Thankfully, there's two cupholders in the centre console for the double-shot lattes from the bakery that I needed to kickstart this road trip, and dual phone pads at the front of the centre console – the left one offering wireless charging.
The final task before hitting the road is to connect my phone to the infotainment system, which is a simple task and provides access to wireless smartphone mirroring. Perfect.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque, paired with a 150kW/310Nm electric motor and a 18.3kWh battery pack.
Together, they deliver impressive combined maximum outputs of 255kW and 525Nm, driving the front wheels through an intelligent single-speed hybrid transmission that can shift seamlessly between pure electric, hybrid, or petrol-powered driving.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Now, with a few less litres than a full tank and the battery charge that indicates we have 1116km of range, it's time to hit the road and get out of Sydney on a cool autumn morning.
As I engage drive on the column-mounted gear shifter and then start rolling, I am immediately alarmed by an odd noise from outside the window that sounds like I've run over something. I stop and open the door to check but can't see anything obvious.
It happens again the moment I move off, and then I realise it's the sound of the motorised pop-out door handles retracting backwards into the body.
Let me tell you, it doesn't sound right. And, even after driving the Jaecoo for a week, it was a shock each time.
Anyway, with the EV mode engaged, first impressions of how the J7 drives are extremely positive, as it effortlessly glides through the chaos of Sydney's tangled inner-city streets on battery power alone. The electric motor feels punchy and responsive, and the single-speed transmission is seamless in delivering its power to the road.
It can induce a bit of tugging on the wheel under heavy acceleration, but I'm conscious of limiting my heavy right foot to maximise the battery's range.
Another oddity is the distorted view through the central rear-view mirror. With a heavy convex on its glass, you see a lot more of the rear seats than you normally would and, subsequently, any traffic behind you appears much further away than it probably is.
It seems weird at first, but becomes more natural over time. And it's undoubtedly a good thing for families that often carry small kids in the back, as the driver can easily see more of them without having to swing around and take their eyes off the road.
The J7 continues to draw on its battery as we hit the freeway and feels just as relaxed at highway speeds as it does around town.
The petrol engine only starts to chime in as we begin to ascend into the Blue Mountains. With the battery set to maintain a minimum 25km of range (you can adjust the percentage in the energy settings), we achieved more than 65km of mixed driving conditions in pure EV mode.
We could have got more – and closer to its claimed maximum of 90km – but I wanted to see how the remainder of the trip would pan out with a mixture of petrol and electric power, and not just rely on the internal combustion engine alone.
Considering that most Australians drive less than 40km on their daily commute, the Jaecoo J7 certainly offers the everyday benefits of an electric vehicle without the negatives of range anxiety.
It's barely perceptible when the engine does kick into life. In fact, the Jaecoo J7 is remarkably quiet at highway speeds, even on coarse country roads.
And it's pretty comfortable too. The suspension can get a little slappy on corrugations, and the steering is overly light and lacks feedback, but for the most part it rides nicely and feels surefooted through the bends.
The steep descent down Mount Victoria recouped a good portion of energy and refilled almost a quarter of battery's capacity thanks to the regenerative braking capability, which – even in its highest setting – feels smoother than many other rivals.
The active lane keeping assistance, however, is a little overzealous, constantly tugging at the wheel at the sight of a white line.
The adaptive cruise control also doesn't like bends and will slow the car a little too dramatically. And the driver monitoring system incessantly bings and bongs the moment you glance at the infotainment screen.
Thankfully, the former and latter can be deactivated through the driving menu on the main screen. But you have to do this each time you start the car.
The drive westward saw the J7 settle comfortably into highway mode. The plush seats, large panoramic sunroof and decent Sony audio system made the cabin a pleasant place to spend hours on the road.
We rolled into Dubbo – the halfway point – to refuel ourselves at the Pastoral Hotel on Talbragar Street (the steak sandwich was delicious, by the way), but the Jaecoo's petrol gauge had barely moved and we still had more than three quarters of a tank. Impressive.
It wasn't until we were deep into outback NSW, on the lonely road between Nyngan (with its Big Bogan statue proudly on display in the main street) and Bourke, with nothing but red dirt and herds of feral goats on the sides of the road for company, that we began watching the range more carefully.
Bourke came into sight well before the J7 showed any real signs of concern. Arriving at one of Australia's most remote EV chargers (yes, Bourke has a charging station now — and it's powered by a clever combination of solar and battery storage), we still had just over a quarter of tank of fuel and an estimated range of more than 300km until empty.
With a quick top-up of the battery, I figured we could easily match – if not beat – Jaecoo's claimed 1200km range.
However, after spending the night at the quaint Darling River Motel and dinner at the Port of Bourke hotel, we woke up to a massive desert storm brewing on the horizon.
The black sky provided a dramatic backdrop against the scorched red earth, and it soon started to bucket down, which not only slowed our speed to below the posted limit but created a headwind and more drag on the drivetrain, which ultimately had a negative impact on our challenge.
The rain chased us all the way back to the outskirts of Dubbo before the fuel warning light came on, forcing us to stop there again to refuel – this time for both me and the car.
Still, we had covered a total of 1128km before the car needed a drink, which is impressively close to the promised 1200km — especially considering the sub-standard real-world conditions, including elevation changes, headwinds, and a car loaded with gear.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
There are a total of four Jaecoo J7 variants available.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Core 2WD equipment highlights:
J7 Track 2WD highlights:
J7 Ridge AWD highlights:
J7 SHS Summit adds:
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV was recently awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2025 testing.
Standard safety features include:
J7 Track 2WD adds:
J7 Ridge AWD and SHS Summit add:
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
The Jaecoo J7 has a strong ownership promise from a new brand.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Given that most of our drive involved sitting at highway speeds — conditions where hybrids traditionally struggle compared to pure petrol engines — the result is nothing short of remarkable.
Beyond the numbers, the J7 SHS Summit impressed us with its refinement. The ride quality was excellent, the cabin was whisper-quiet even on rougher surfaces, and the real-world tech worked without fuss.
At $47,990 drive-away, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit is one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids available in Australia at the moment. And, unlike some its Chinese rivals, it delivers on more than just value for money.
For starters, it proves that plug-ins can offer the best of both worlds – being an everyday electric car and a long-distance, cross-country cruiser – and surprises with an impressive level of standard equipment, quality and overall refinement.
It definitely feels more at home in Bourke Street than it does in Bourke. But it will certainly get you there – and beyond – without stopping.
Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers hereMORE: Everything Jaecoo J7
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
In a world where electric and hybrid technology is reshaping the way we travel, bold claims are everywhere. And few are as ambitious as Jaecoo's promise that its new 2025 J7 SHS Summit mid-size hybrid SUV can deliver up to 1200km of real-world driving range.
So, we decided to put the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) medium SUV to the ultimate test on an iconic Aussie road trip; from the tragically hip inner-city streets of Surry Hills in Sydney, starting with a coffee at the famous Bourke Street Bakery, all the way to the outback town of… well, Bourke.
That's an easy 759km one-way drive through Sydney's urban jungle and onto its congested freeways, before traversing across the Blue Mountains to Lithgow and then meandering through the fertile farming areas around Mudgee, Dubbo and Nyngan, and finally heading directly north-west to Bourke along one of the straightest, most remote stretches of road on the planet.
The Jaecoo should easily make it Bourke without stopping and, with a claimed electric-only range of 90km from its 18.3kWh battery, get us out of town before using a drop of fuel.
The challenge is, then, how far will it get us back from Bourke before needing to be refuelled or recharged.
The J7 SHS Summit is Jaecoo's flagship model, blending rugged off-road styling with modern electrification.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Even before you open the doors, the J7 looks right at home on leafy inner-city Sydney streets.
Its chunky stance, bold grille and slimline LED headlights, complete with a chequered pattern, and floating roofline give off baby Range Rover vibes.
Inside, the cabin is classy, with a simple T-shaped relationship between the dashboard and centre console that is fused with good quality materials.
Such materials include chrome trim highlights and a twin digital screen configuration that incorporates a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a portrait-style 14.8-inch infotainment display.
The heated and ventilated front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment, and there's both reach and rake movement for the three-spoke steering wheel that makes it easy to find the optimum driving position.
Thankfully, there's two cupholders in the centre console for the double-shot lattes from the bakery that I needed to kickstart this road trip, and dual phone pads at the front of the centre console – the left one offering wireless charging.
The final task before hitting the road is to connect my phone to the infotainment system, which is a simple task and provides access to wireless smartphone mirroring. Perfect.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque, paired with a 150kW/310Nm electric motor and a 18.3kWh battery pack.
Together, they deliver impressive combined maximum outputs of 255kW and 525Nm, driving the front wheels through an intelligent single-speed hybrid transmission that can shift seamlessly between pure electric, hybrid, or petrol-powered driving.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Now, with a few less litres than a full tank and the battery charge that indicates we have 1116km of range, it's time to hit the road and get out of Sydney on a cool autumn morning.
As I engage drive on the column-mounted gear shifter and then start rolling, I am immediately alarmed by an odd noise from outside the window that sounds like I've run over something. I stop and open the door to check but can't see anything obvious.
It happens again the moment I move off, and then I realise it's the sound of the motorised pop-out door handles retracting backwards into the body.
Let me tell you, it doesn't sound right. And, even after driving the Jaecoo for a week, it was a shock each time.
Anyway, with the EV mode engaged, first impressions of how the J7 drives are extremely positive, as it effortlessly glides through the chaos of Sydney's tangled inner-city streets on battery power alone. The electric motor feels punchy and responsive, and the single-speed transmission is seamless in delivering its power to the road.
It can induce a bit of tugging on the wheel under heavy acceleration, but I'm conscious of limiting my heavy right foot to maximise the battery's range.
Another oddity is the distorted view through the central rear-view mirror. With a heavy convex on its glass, you see a lot more of the rear seats than you normally would and, subsequently, any traffic behind you appears much further away than it probably is.
It seems weird at first, but becomes more natural over time. And it's undoubtedly a good thing for families that often carry small kids in the back, as the driver can easily see more of them without having to swing around and take their eyes off the road.
The J7 continues to draw on its battery as we hit the freeway and feels just as relaxed at highway speeds as it does around town.
The petrol engine only starts to chime in as we begin to ascend into the Blue Mountains. With the battery set to maintain a minimum 25km of range (you can adjust the percentage in the energy settings), we achieved more than 65km of mixed driving conditions in pure EV mode.
We could have got more – and closer to its claimed maximum of 90km – but I wanted to see how the remainder of the trip would pan out with a mixture of petrol and electric power, and not just rely on the internal combustion engine alone.
Considering that most Australians drive less than 40km on their daily commute, the Jaecoo J7 certainly offers the everyday benefits of an electric vehicle without the negatives of range anxiety.
It's barely perceptible when the engine does kick into life. In fact, the Jaecoo J7 is remarkably quiet at highway speeds, even on coarse country roads.
And it's pretty comfortable too. The suspension can get a little slappy on corrugations, and the steering is overly light and lacks feedback, but for the most part it rides nicely and feels surefooted through the bends.
The steep descent down Mount Victoria recouped a good portion of energy and refilled almost a quarter of battery's capacity thanks to the regenerative braking capability, which – even in its highest setting – feels smoother than many other rivals.
The active lane keeping assistance, however, is a little overzealous, constantly tugging at the wheel at the sight of a white line.
The adaptive cruise control also doesn't like bends and will slow the car a little too dramatically. And the driver monitoring system incessantly bings and bongs the moment you glance at the infotainment screen.
Thankfully, the former and latter can be deactivated through the driving menu on the main screen. But you have to do this each time you start the car.
The drive westward saw the J7 settle comfortably into highway mode. The plush seats, large panoramic sunroof and decent Sony audio system made the cabin a pleasant place to spend hours on the road.
We rolled into Dubbo – the halfway point – to refuel ourselves at the Pastoral Hotel on Talbragar Street (the steak sandwich was delicious, by the way), but the Jaecoo's petrol gauge had barely moved and we still had more than three quarters of a tank. Impressive.
It wasn't until we were deep into outback NSW, on the lonely road between Nyngan (with its Big Bogan statue proudly on display in the main street) and Bourke, with nothing but red dirt and herds of feral goats on the sides of the road for company, that we began watching the range more carefully.
Bourke came into sight well before the J7 showed any real signs of concern. Arriving at one of Australia's most remote EV chargers (yes, Bourke has a charging station now — and it's powered by a clever combination of solar and battery storage), we still had just over a quarter of tank of fuel and an estimated range of more than 300km until empty.
With a quick top-up of the battery, I figured we could easily match – if not beat – Jaecoo's claimed 1200km range.
However, after spending the night at the quaint Darling River Motel and dinner at the Port of Bourke hotel, we woke up to a massive desert storm brewing on the horizon.
The black sky provided a dramatic backdrop against the scorched red earth, and it soon started to bucket down, which not only slowed our speed to below the posted limit but created a headwind and more drag on the drivetrain, which ultimately had a negative impact on our challenge.
The rain chased us all the way back to the outskirts of Dubbo before the fuel warning light came on, forcing us to stop there again to refuel – this time for both me and the car.
Still, we had covered a total of 1128km before the car needed a drink, which is impressively close to the promised 1200km — especially considering the sub-standard real-world conditions, including elevation changes, headwinds, and a car loaded with gear.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
There are a total of four Jaecoo J7 variants available.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Core 2WD equipment highlights:
J7 Track 2WD highlights:
J7 Ridge AWD highlights:
J7 SHS Summit adds:
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV was recently awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2025 testing.
Standard safety features include:
J7 Track 2WD adds:
J7 Ridge AWD and SHS Summit add:
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
The Jaecoo J7 has a strong ownership promise from a new brand.
If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Given that most of our drive involved sitting at highway speeds — conditions where hybrids traditionally struggle compared to pure petrol engines — the result is nothing short of remarkable.
Beyond the numbers, the J7 SHS Summit impressed us with its refinement. The ride quality was excellent, the cabin was whisper-quiet even on rougher surfaces, and the real-world tech worked without fuss.
At $47,990 drive-away, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit is one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids available in Australia at the moment. And, unlike some its Chinese rivals, it delivers on more than just value for money.
For starters, it proves that plug-ins can offer the best of both worlds – being an everyday electric car and a long-distance, cross-country cruiser – and surprises with an impressive level of standard equipment, quality and overall refinement.
It definitely feels more at home in Bourke Street than it does in Bourke. But it will certainly get you there – and beyond – without stopping.
Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers hereMORE: Everything Jaecoo J7
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
All the new SUVs coming to Australia from Chery and Omoda Jaecoo in 2025
It can be hard keeping track of all the new vehicles coming to Australia from China, let alone those from its leading vehicle exporter Chery. After announcing the Jaecoo brand last year, Chery said in March it would introduce Omoda as another marque in Australia. The automaker considers Omoda Jaecoo to be one brand, and not every dealer that picks up an Omoda Jaecoo franchise locally will also sell Chery-badged vehicles. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Jaecoo commenced sales of its J7 mid-size SUV last month, with the J8 large SUV following this month. But that's not it for Omoda Jaecoo this year, while Chery's namesake brand also has multiple launches left this year. Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid: July The Chery brand's two mid-size SUVs in Australia are getting a refresh in July which will coincide with the introduction of the Chery Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. The Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max are also expected to be renamed simply Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8. Chery Australia has thus far shared only exterior images of the updated Tiggo 8, which differs from the model currently sold here with a revised grille insert, front bumper and headlights. The PHEV models feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a stepless dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, as with the related Jaecoo J7 SHS. While Chery hasn't confirmed outputs for the local-spec Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs, the J7 SHS produces total system outputs of 255kW of power and 525Nm of torque. The brand has, however, confirmed electric range of over 90km on an unspecified test cycle, with total driving range said to exceed 1200km. Unlike many PHEVs, Chery vehicles fitted with the SHS system also support DC fast-charging, with a battery recharge from 30 to 80 per cent taking a claimed 19 minutes. Omoda C9: August The first Omoda-branded vehicle to appear in Omoda Jaecoo showrooms will be the flagship C9 large SUV, due here in August as a flagship five-seat crossover SUV. Pricing and specifications for the Omoda C9 will be announced closer to launch. However, after first being approved for sale in Australia over 12 months ago, fresh government approval documents for the C9 have been published. This time, the turbocharged 183kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and eight-speed automatic combination previously seen in documents has been joined by a PHEV powertrain. The all-wheel drive SUV mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed hybrid transmission, with two of the electric motors located within the transmission unit. A third electric motor is situated at the back. The petrol engine produces 105kW, the front electric motors produce 75kW and 90kW, and the rear electric motor produces 120kW. While total system output and battery capacity aren't listed, looking to other export markets the Omoda C9 is offered with 19.43kWh or 34.46kWh batteries, and offers an electric-only range of up to 150km on the WLTP cycle. With the tri-electric motor setup, the Chinese brand claims total system outputs of 440kW of power and 915Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The Omoda C9 measures 4775mm long, 1920mm wide and 1671mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase, which will make it one of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market. It's 35mm longer, 30mm wider and 4mm taller than a Mazda CX-60, which also offers a PHEV powertrain, though it sits on a 70mm shorter wheelbase. Chery Tiggo 9: Third quarter of 2025 The Chinese-market Chery Tiggo 9 is already reaching Omoda Jaecoo showrooms this month as the Jaecoo J8, but there's a slightly different version of this large SUV that's also exported from China. The global Chery Tiggo 9, sold in markets like Africa, Russia and the Middle East, features unique interior styling, while externally it can be differentiated by its grille, C/D-pillar design, and other details. It's coming here during the third quarter (July to September) of 2025. Given Chery's focus on the 'family, urban buyer', the Tiggo 9 is set to miss out on some of the more decadent features in the J8 such as its fragrance dispenser. However, given how widely available luxury features like ventilated front seats and panoramic sunroofs are in the Chery Australia lineup, we don't expect the Tiggo 9 to be barebones at all. Global Tiggo 9 models also feature a different dashboard design with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Chery Australia hasn't confirmed specifications for the Tiggo 9, so we don't yet know whether it'll be offered with both petrol and plug-in hybrid power, or with both two- and three-row seating configurations. The petrol engine, shared with the J8, is a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol mill outputting 183kW and 385Nm. The plug-in hybrid combines a 115kW/220Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine with a three-speed transmission and a 165kW/390Nm electric motor, for total system outputs of 280kW and 610Nm. The J8 is launching here with only five seats, despite a six-seat configuration being offered overseas. While the local arm says it'll provide feedback from customers to head office, offering the Tiggo 9 with a seven-seat configuration locally and restricting the J8 to a five-seat layout could be a significant point of differentiation. Also unclear at this stage is local pricing. The five-seat J8 opens at $49,990 drive-away, while the Chery brand's current local flagship – the Tiggo 8 Pro – currently tops out at $43,990 drive-away. Chery Tiggo 4 HEV: Yhird quarter of 2025 Chery already offers petrol and electric vehicles in Australia, and now it's introducing the intermediate steps in electrification. After the launch of the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs, Chery will introduce a conventional hybrid version of its entry-level Tiggo 4 small SUV. This pairs a naturally aspirated 71kW/118Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 1.83kWh battery and an electric motor delivering 150kW and 310Nm to the front wheels. It has yet to confirm total power and torque figures. Chery claims fuel economy of 5.4L/100km versus 7.3L/100km in the standard turbo-petrol 1.5-litre four, with the 0-100km/h time slashed from 10.6 seconds to just 9.4. While pricing for the new Tiggo 4 Hybrid has yet to be revealed, expect a sharp sticker. The petrol-powered Tiggo 4 (pictured) is Australia's cheapest SUV, opening at just $23,990 drive-away. Even the top-spec Ultimate rings up at just $26,990 drive-away. Jaecoo J5: Fourth quarter of 2025 Revealed late last year, the J5 is a small crossover SUV measuring 4380mm long, 1860mm wide and 1650mm tall on a 2620mm wheelbase, making it around the size of a Hyundai Kona. The company has yet to confirm what the local J5 lineup will look like, and even globally details remain scarce. At first glance, the J5 and larger J7 are easy to mistake with their blocky styling, strong shoulder lines, vertical bar grille, and slightly raked tailgate with a full-width light bar. The J5 differs with a more defined crease down its side, different lighting up front and conventional door handles. Inside, it features a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while Jaecoo boasts its 1.45m2 panoramic sunroof is the largest in its class. It's expected to be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but an electric version was also revealed earlier this year. Featuring unique front-end styling with a closed-off grille area, the J5 features a single-motor front-wheel drive powertrain. According to Paul Tan, this produces 155kW and 288Nm. It's powered by a 60.9kWh battery providing 470km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle. What else is coming? Chery has confirmed the Jaecoo J6, a rebadged 03 from electric brand iCar, 'is not slated for our market'. There is another model confirmed for the Omoda side of Omoda Jaecoo, however, though the company hasn't confirmed launch timing. 'At this stage Omoda 7 is not confirmed when, but definitely it's on the cards to be released at some stage,' said Omoda Jaecoo Australia chief commercial officer Roy Muñoz. 'We are assessing when is the right time to bring [the Omoda 7], just to give each brand, each model its breathing space and time in market. 'We don't want to confuse the market and we just want to make sure everything is timed right.' While Chery also sells sedans under its namesake brand in China, Mr Muñoz said that 'at the moment our primary focus is in the SUV space'.
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
All the new SUVs coming to Australia from Chery and Omoda Jaecoo in 2025
It can be hard keeping track of all the new vehicles coming to Australia from China, let alone those from its leading vehicle exporter Chery. After announcing the Jaecoo brand last year, Chery said in March it would introduce Omoda as another marque in Australia. The automaker considers Omoda Jaecoo to be one brand, and not every dealer that picks up an Omoda Jaecoo franchise locally will also sell Chery-badged vehicles. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Jaecoo commenced sales of its J7 mid-size SUV last month, with the J8 large SUV following this month. But that's not it for Omoda Jaecoo this year, while Chery's namesake brand also has multiple launches left this year. The Chery brand's two mid-size SUVs in Australia are getting a refresh in July which will coincide with the introduction of the Chery Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max are also expected to be renamed simply Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8. Chery Australia has thus far shared only exterior images of the updated Tiggo 8, which differs from the model currently sold here with a revised grille insert, front bumper and headlights. The PHEV models feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a stepless dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, as with the related Jaecoo J7 SHS. Supplied Credit: CarExpert While Chery hasn't confirmed outputs for the local-spec Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs, the J7 SHS produces total system outputs of 255kW of power and 525Nm of torque. The brand has, however, confirmed electric range of over 90km on an unspecified test cycle, with total driving range said to exceed 1200km. Unlike many PHEVs, Chery vehicles fitted with the SHS system also support DC fast-charging, with a battery recharge from 30 to 80 per cent taking a claimed 19 minutes. The first Omoda-branded vehicle to appear in Omoda Jaecoo showrooms will be the flagship C9 large SUV, due here in August as a flagship five-seat crossover SUV. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Pricing and specifications for the Omoda C9 will be announced closer to launch. However, after first being approved for sale in Australia over 12 months ago, fresh government approval documents for the C9 have been published. This time, the turbocharged 183kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and eight-speed automatic combination previously seen in documents has been joined by a PHEV powertrain. The all-wheel drive SUV mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed hybrid transmission, with two of the electric motors located within the transmission unit. A third electric motor is situated at the back. The petrol engine produces 105kW, the front electric motors produce 75kW and 90kW, and the rear electric motor produces 120kW. Supplied Credit: CarExpert While total system output and battery capacity aren't listed, looking to other export markets the Omoda C9 is offered with 19.43kWh or 34.46kWh batteries, and offers an electric-only range of up to 150km on the WLTP cycle. With the tri-electric motor setup, the Chinese brand claims total system outputs of 440kW of power and 915Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The Omoda C9 measures 4775mm long, 1920mm wide and 1671mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase, which will make it one of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market. It's 35mm longer, 30mm wider and 4mm taller than a Mazda CX-60, which also offers a PHEV powertrain, though it sits on a 70mm shorter wheelbase. MORE: 2025 Omoda C9: Flagship PHEV mid-size SUV locked in for Australia The Chinese-market Chery Tiggo 9 is already reaching Omoda Jaecoo showrooms this month as the Jaecoo J8, but there's a slightly different version of this large SUV that's also exported from China. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The global Chery Tiggo 9, sold in markets like Africa, Russia and the Middle East, features unique interior styling, while externally it can be differentiated by its grille, C/D-pillar design, and other details. It's coming here during the third quarter (July to September) of 2025. Given Chery's focus on the 'family, urban buyer', the Tiggo 9 is set to miss out on some of the more decadent features in the J8 such as its fragrance dispenser. Supplied Credit: CarExpert However, given how widely available luxury features like ventilated front seats and panoramic sunroofs are in the Chery Australia lineup, we don't expect the Tiggo 9 to be barebones at all. Global Tiggo 9 models also feature a different dashboard design with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Chery Australia hasn't confirmed specifications for the Tiggo 9, so we don't yet know whether it'll be offered with both petrol and plug-in hybrid power, or with both two- and three-row seating configurations. The petrol engine, shared with the J8, is a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol mill outputting 183kW and 385Nm. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The plug-in hybrid combines a 115kW/220Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine with a three-speed transmission and a 165kW/390Nm electric motor, for total system outputs of 280kW and 610Nm. The J8 is launching here with only five seats, despite a six-seat configuration being offered overseas. While the local arm says it'll provide feedback from customers to head office, offering the Tiggo 9 with a seven-seat configuration locally and restricting the J8 to a five-seat layout could be a significant point of differentiation. Also unclear at this stage is local pricing. The five-seat J8 opens at $49,990 drive-away, while the Chery brand's current local flagship – the Tiggo 8 Pro – currently tops out at $43,990 drive-away. MORE: 2026 Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8: PHEV power coming for updated SUVs Chery already offers petrol and electric vehicles in Australia, and now it's introducing the intermediate steps in electrification. Supplied Credit: CarExpert After the launch of the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs, Chery will introduce a conventional hybrid version of its entry-level Tiggo 4 small SUV. This pairs a naturally aspirated 71kW/118Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 1.83kWh battery and an electric motor delivering 150kW and 310Nm to the front wheels. It has yet to confirm total power and torque figures. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Chery claims fuel economy of 5.4L/100km versus 7.3L/100km in the standard turbo-petrol 1.5-litre four, with the 0-100km/h time slashed from 10.6 seconds to just 9.4. While pricing for the new Tiggo 4 Hybrid has yet to be revealed, expect a sharp sticker. The petrol-powered Tiggo 4 (pictured) is Australia's cheapest SUV, opening at just $23,990 drive-away. Even the top-spec Ultimate rings up at just $26,990 drive-away. MORE: Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid coming to Australia with 1000km range Revealed late last year, the J5 is a small crossover SUV measuring 4380mm long, 1860mm wide and 1650mm tall on a 2620mm wheelbase, making it around the size of a Hyundai Kona. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The company has yet to confirm what the local J5 lineup will look like, and even globally details remain scarce. At first glance, the J5 and larger J7 are easy to mistake with their blocky styling, strong shoulder lines, vertical bar grille, and slightly raked tailgate with a full-width light bar. The J5 differs with a more defined crease down its side, different lighting up front and conventional door handles. Inside, it features a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while Jaecoo boasts its 1.45m2 panoramic sunroof is the largest in its class. Supplied Credit: CarExpert It's expected to be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but an electric version was also revealed earlier this year. Featuring unique front-end styling with a closed-off grille area, the J5 features a single-motor front-wheel drive powertrain. According to Paul Tan, this produces 155kW and 288Nm. It's powered by a 60.9kWh battery providing 470km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle. Chery has confirmed the Jaecoo J6, a rebadged 03 from electric brand iCar, 'is not slated for our market'. Supplied Credit: CarExpert There is another model confirmed for the Omoda side of Omoda Jaecoo, however, though the company hasn't confirmed launch timing. 'At this stage Omoda 7 is not confirmed when, but definitely it's on the cards to be released at some stage,' said Omoda Jaecoo Australia chief commercial officer Roy Muñoz. 'We are assessing when is the right time to bring [the Omoda 7], just to give each brand, each model its breathing space and time in market. 'We don't want to confuse the market and we just want to make sure everything is timed right.' While Chery also sells sedans under its namesake brand in China, Mr Muñoz said that 'at the moment our primary focus is in the SUV space'.
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2025 Omoda C9: Flagship PHEV mid-size SUV locked in for Australia
Vehicles are already arriving at Omoda Jaecoo dealers in Australia, but thus far they've all been Jaecoo-badged vehicles. Models wearing the Omoda nameplate, however, are coming soon. The first will be the Omoda C9, due on sale here in August as a flagship five-seat crossover SUV for the marque. Considered a single brand by parent company Chery, Omoda Jaecoo is referred to as "the next level up" with a mixture of more rakish (Omoda) and more traditionally styled (Jaecoo) models. Thus far, the Jaecoo arm of this brand is topping out with the J8 large five-seat SUV launching this month, with the Jaecoo J5 small SUV coming later this year and both models bookending the J7 mid-size SUV already on sale. The Omoda C9 is set to be followed later by the smaller Omoda 7. Timing for this model has yet to be announced. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pricing and specifications for the Omoda C9 will be announced closer to launch. However, after first being approved for sale in Australia over 12 months ago, fresh government approval documents for the C9 have been published. This time, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine previously featured in documents has been joined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The all-wheel drive SUV mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed hybrid transmission, with two of the electric motors located within the transmission unit. A third electric motor is situated at the back. The petrol engine produces 105kW, the front electric motors produce 75kW and 90kW, and the rear electric motor produces 120kW. While total system output and battery capacity aren't listed, looking to other export markets the Omoda C9 is offered with 19.43kWh or 34.46kWh batteries, and offers an electric-only range of up to 150km on the WLTP cycle. There's also a different PHEV powertrain with dual electric motors in markets like the UK. With the tri-electric motor setup, the Chinese brand claims total system outputs of 440kW of power and 915Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. As mentioned, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol variants – with either front- or all-wheel drive – also appear in the Australian approval documents. These incorporate an eight-speed automatic transmission and a power output of 183kW (torque figures aren't listed in these documents). Unusually, that differs from the South African-market model, which produces 192kW and 400Nm. If we look again to other export markets, the Omoda C9 is offered with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. There are also features unique to the flagship Jaecoo J8, such as speakers mounted in the driver's head restraint and an in-car fragrance system. The Omoda C9 measures 4775mm long, 1920mm wide and 1671mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase, which will make it one of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market. It's 35mm longer, 30mm wider and 4mm taller than a Mazda CX-60, which also offers a PHEV powertrain, though it sits on a 70mm shorter wheelbase. Boot space is a claimed 660 litres. Omoda C9 is the export name for Exeed Yaoguang, also known in some markets as the Exeed RX. It first entered production in 2022. While Chery Australia hasn't announced local launch plans for the Exeed brand, it has confirmed the door is open for more brands to join Chery and Omoda Jaecoo, albeit not in the short term. There's one model that won't be sold under the Omoda Jaecoo brand in Australia and, confusingly, that's the first vehicle to wear the Omoda name in our market: the Chery Omoda 5. Instead, it has been rechristened as the Chery C5, with its electric counterpart renamed to Chery E5. Content originally sourced from: Vehicles are already arriving at Omoda Jaecoo dealers in Australia, but thus far they've all been Jaecoo-badged vehicles. Models wearing the Omoda nameplate, however, are coming soon. The first will be the Omoda C9, due on sale here in August as a flagship five-seat crossover SUV for the marque. Considered a single brand by parent company Chery, Omoda Jaecoo is referred to as "the next level up" with a mixture of more rakish (Omoda) and more traditionally styled (Jaecoo) models. Thus far, the Jaecoo arm of this brand is topping out with the J8 large five-seat SUV launching this month, with the Jaecoo J5 small SUV coming later this year and both models bookending the J7 mid-size SUV already on sale. The Omoda C9 is set to be followed later by the smaller Omoda 7. Timing for this model has yet to be announced. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pricing and specifications for the Omoda C9 will be announced closer to launch. However, after first being approved for sale in Australia over 12 months ago, fresh government approval documents for the C9 have been published. This time, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine previously featured in documents has been joined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The all-wheel drive SUV mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed hybrid transmission, with two of the electric motors located within the transmission unit. A third electric motor is situated at the back. The petrol engine produces 105kW, the front electric motors produce 75kW and 90kW, and the rear electric motor produces 120kW. While total system output and battery capacity aren't listed, looking to other export markets the Omoda C9 is offered with 19.43kWh or 34.46kWh batteries, and offers an electric-only range of up to 150km on the WLTP cycle. There's also a different PHEV powertrain with dual electric motors in markets like the UK. With the tri-electric motor setup, the Chinese brand claims total system outputs of 440kW of power and 915Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. As mentioned, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol variants – with either front- or all-wheel drive – also appear in the Australian approval documents. These incorporate an eight-speed automatic transmission and a power output of 183kW (torque figures aren't listed in these documents). Unusually, that differs from the South African-market model, which produces 192kW and 400Nm. If we look again to other export markets, the Omoda C9 is offered with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. There are also features unique to the flagship Jaecoo J8, such as speakers mounted in the driver's head restraint and an in-car fragrance system. The Omoda C9 measures 4775mm long, 1920mm wide and 1671mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase, which will make it one of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market. It's 35mm longer, 30mm wider and 4mm taller than a Mazda CX-60, which also offers a PHEV powertrain, though it sits on a 70mm shorter wheelbase. Boot space is a claimed 660 litres. Omoda C9 is the export name for Exeed Yaoguang, also known in some markets as the Exeed RX. It first entered production in 2022. While Chery Australia hasn't announced local launch plans for the Exeed brand, it has confirmed the door is open for more brands to join Chery and Omoda Jaecoo, albeit not in the short term. There's one model that won't be sold under the Omoda Jaecoo brand in Australia and, confusingly, that's the first vehicle to wear the Omoda name in our market: the Chery Omoda 5. Instead, it has been rechristened as the Chery C5, with its electric counterpart renamed to Chery E5. Content originally sourced from: Vehicles are already arriving at Omoda Jaecoo dealers in Australia, but thus far they've all been Jaecoo-badged vehicles. Models wearing the Omoda nameplate, however, are coming soon. The first will be the Omoda C9, due on sale here in August as a flagship five-seat crossover SUV for the marque. Considered a single brand by parent company Chery, Omoda Jaecoo is referred to as "the next level up" with a mixture of more rakish (Omoda) and more traditionally styled (Jaecoo) models. Thus far, the Jaecoo arm of this brand is topping out with the J8 large five-seat SUV launching this month, with the Jaecoo J5 small SUV coming later this year and both models bookending the J7 mid-size SUV already on sale. The Omoda C9 is set to be followed later by the smaller Omoda 7. Timing for this model has yet to be announced. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pricing and specifications for the Omoda C9 will be announced closer to launch. However, after first being approved for sale in Australia over 12 months ago, fresh government approval documents for the C9 have been published. This time, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine previously featured in documents has been joined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The all-wheel drive SUV mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed hybrid transmission, with two of the electric motors located within the transmission unit. A third electric motor is situated at the back. The petrol engine produces 105kW, the front electric motors produce 75kW and 90kW, and the rear electric motor produces 120kW. While total system output and battery capacity aren't listed, looking to other export markets the Omoda C9 is offered with 19.43kWh or 34.46kWh batteries, and offers an electric-only range of up to 150km on the WLTP cycle. There's also a different PHEV powertrain with dual electric motors in markets like the UK. With the tri-electric motor setup, the Chinese brand claims total system outputs of 440kW of power and 915Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. As mentioned, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol variants – with either front- or all-wheel drive – also appear in the Australian approval documents. These incorporate an eight-speed automatic transmission and a power output of 183kW (torque figures aren't listed in these documents). Unusually, that differs from the South African-market model, which produces 192kW and 400Nm. If we look again to other export markets, the Omoda C9 is offered with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. There are also features unique to the flagship Jaecoo J8, such as speakers mounted in the driver's head restraint and an in-car fragrance system. The Omoda C9 measures 4775mm long, 1920mm wide and 1671mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase, which will make it one of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market. It's 35mm longer, 30mm wider and 4mm taller than a Mazda CX-60, which also offers a PHEV powertrain, though it sits on a 70mm shorter wheelbase. Boot space is a claimed 660 litres. Omoda C9 is the export name for Exeed Yaoguang, also known in some markets as the Exeed RX. It first entered production in 2022. While Chery Australia hasn't announced local launch plans for the Exeed brand, it has confirmed the door is open for more brands to join Chery and Omoda Jaecoo, albeit not in the short term. There's one model that won't be sold under the Omoda Jaecoo brand in Australia and, confusingly, that's the first vehicle to wear the Omoda name in our market: the Chery Omoda 5. Instead, it has been rechristened as the Chery C5, with its electric counterpart renamed to Chery E5. Content originally sourced from: Vehicles are already arriving at Omoda Jaecoo dealers in Australia, but thus far they've all been Jaecoo-badged vehicles. Models wearing the Omoda nameplate, however, are coming soon. The first will be the Omoda C9, due on sale here in August as a flagship five-seat crossover SUV for the marque. Considered a single brand by parent company Chery, Omoda Jaecoo is referred to as "the next level up" with a mixture of more rakish (Omoda) and more traditionally styled (Jaecoo) models. Thus far, the Jaecoo arm of this brand is topping out with the J8 large five-seat SUV launching this month, with the Jaecoo J5 small SUV coming later this year and both models bookending the J7 mid-size SUV already on sale. The Omoda C9 is set to be followed later by the smaller Omoda 7. Timing for this model has yet to be announced. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pricing and specifications for the Omoda C9 will be announced closer to launch. However, after first being approved for sale in Australia over 12 months ago, fresh government approval documents for the C9 have been published. This time, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine previously featured in documents has been joined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The all-wheel drive SUV mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed hybrid transmission, with two of the electric motors located within the transmission unit. A third electric motor is situated at the back. The petrol engine produces 105kW, the front electric motors produce 75kW and 90kW, and the rear electric motor produces 120kW. While total system output and battery capacity aren't listed, looking to other export markets the Omoda C9 is offered with 19.43kWh or 34.46kWh batteries, and offers an electric-only range of up to 150km on the WLTP cycle. There's also a different PHEV powertrain with dual electric motors in markets like the UK. With the tri-electric motor setup, the Chinese brand claims total system outputs of 440kW of power and 915Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. As mentioned, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol variants – with either front- or all-wheel drive – also appear in the Australian approval documents. These incorporate an eight-speed automatic transmission and a power output of 183kW (torque figures aren't listed in these documents). Unusually, that differs from the South African-market model, which produces 192kW and 400Nm. If we look again to other export markets, the Omoda C9 is offered with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. There are also features unique to the flagship Jaecoo J8, such as speakers mounted in the driver's head restraint and an in-car fragrance system. The Omoda C9 measures 4775mm long, 1920mm wide and 1671mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase, which will make it one of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market. It's 35mm longer, 30mm wider and 4mm taller than a Mazda CX-60, which also offers a PHEV powertrain, though it sits on a 70mm shorter wheelbase. Boot space is a claimed 660 litres. Omoda C9 is the export name for Exeed Yaoguang, also known in some markets as the Exeed RX. It first entered production in 2022. While Chery Australia hasn't announced local launch plans for the Exeed brand, it has confirmed the door is open for more brands to join Chery and Omoda Jaecoo, albeit not in the short term. There's one model that won't be sold under the Omoda Jaecoo brand in Australia and, confusingly, that's the first vehicle to wear the Omoda name in our market: the Chery Omoda 5. Instead, it has been rechristened as the Chery C5, with its electric counterpart renamed to Chery E5. Content originally sourced from:
