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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
15 hours ago
- 7NEWS
2025 Jaecoo J8 review: Quick drive
The Chinese new model onslaught shows no sign of abating, and the next instalment of it will see Chery's lifestyle-focused Jaecoo luxury SUV sub-brand launch in Australia in the first quarter of 2025. The first model it will roll out is the J7 mid-sized SUV, but the range will gradually be fleshed out with both smaller and larger offerings in the J5 and J8, respectively. The Jaecoo J8 is a medium-large seven-seat family SUV that's also available with five- and six-seat configurations. It could conceivably be cross-shopped against the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-80. In case you're wondering about the origins of the Jaecoo moniker, it's an amalgamation of the German word Jäger (meaning 'hunter') and 'cool'. Where its sister brand Omoda (sold here under the Chery banner) is pitched primarily at a youthful audience, Jaecoo targets a slightly older demographic of which most will have a couple of kids in tow. We took the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the Jaecoo J8 in Dubai, where the vehicle is shortly due on sale. Given that Jaecoo is an offshoot is Chery, it's no surprise the J8 leverages existing hardware – it's essentially a rebadged Chery Tiggo 9. As such, the Jaecoo rides on the Chinese carmaker's T1X monocoque chassis and features CDC suspension comprising electronically controlled adaptive dampers that react within milliseconds to information about the road surface relayed by sensors and cameras. The J8 is conventionally sized for a seven-seat SUV, measuring in at 4820mm long, 1930mm wide and 1710mm tall. By comparison, the Santa Fe is 4830mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall. The Jaecoo has a 2820mm wheelbase, while the Hyundai's wheelbase spans 2815mm. Despite its largish dimensions, the J8 is by no means excessively lardy as the FWD base model tips the scales at a relatively lithe 1764kg, while the fully loaded AWD Flagship weighs 1892kg. The job of propelling this mass is shouldered by Chery's 'Kunpeng Power' 2.0-litre TDGi turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which pumps out 195kW and 400Nm. Hooked up to the turbo motor is a smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. On paper, a four-pot engine might seem a bit weedy for a full-size SUV, but performance is decently sprightly and the transmission is relatively seamless – more on this later. How much does the Jaecoo J8 cost? Exact pricing for the UAE is yet to be nailed down, but a company spokesman suggested the entry-level, front-wheel-drive Comfort model will cost around AED125,000 (A$53,420), while the range-topping Flagship all-wheel drive variant that we tested will be pegged around AED155,000 (A$66,240). If similar pricing were to be reflected in Australia, it would put the Jaecoo in a competitive price bracket against its logical rivals. What is the Jaecoo J8 like on the inside? Arguably, the Jaecoo J8's most appealing facet is its plush Nappa leather-lined cabin, but we should of course point out that we tested the fully loaded Flagship variant. Jaecoo's interior designers have borrowed liberally from the Mercedes-Benz design manual, and that's no bad thing. If you've sat in a recent Benz, you'll find familiarity in the expansive horizontal display panel that houses both the digitised instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen. Also distinctly Mercedes-esque – in both style and function – are the column-mounted transmission shifter, door-panel-mounted seat adjustment knobs and squared-off rotary vent outlets. The level of fit and finish is exemplary and there's good use of contrasting colours and materials. Our test car featured beige Nappa leather upholstery and faux brushed aluminium trim on the dashboard, door panels and centre console, with some piano black inserts thrown in for good measure. There are a few hard plastic bits (including the faux aluminium trim), but these don't overly detract from a cabin that otherwise has a genuinely premium ambience. Consequently, the J8 could even make sense for buyers who might fancy a Merc or BMW but can't quite make the stretch financially. There's not much to fault in terms of ergonomics either, as all-around visibility is generally good, while the seats are superbly comfortable – this goes particularly for the captain's chairs in the second row with their ample adjustability and massage functions. That said, access to the small third-row seats (suitable only for children) is cumbersome, as the occupants of said pews need to clamber up and then navigate through the narrow gap between the two second-row chairs to access the rear. However, opting for the seven-seat version (which has a bench in the middle row) should make life easier for third-row dwellers as the second-row seats in this variant can be tilted forward for simpler access to the back. Another minor annoyance is the lack of physical buttons for the HVAC settings, but at least there's a permanent tab on the bottom of the infotainment screen with fan and temperature settings – so you don't need to scroll through additional screens just to turn the fan up or down or notch, or to make the cabin warmer or cooler by a degree or two. There are a sufficient number of storage cubbyholes in the cabin. Tucked under the floating centre console is a little shelf for keys and loose change, while a large lidded bin is housed behind the centre console. The door pockets, too, are generously sized. However, luggage space in the seven-seat version is a paltry 200 litres with the rear pews in place. The five-seat version offers a more usable 717 litres, which can be expanded to 2021 litres by folding down the rear bench. What's under the bonnet? The Jaecoo J8 is currently offered in the UAE with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 195kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels only, or through an all-wheel drive system, depending on the variant. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is offered in other markets. It includes a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors to produce total system outputs of 450kW and 915Nm – which is quite a lot of grunt. How does the Jaecoo J8 drive? If one were to sum up in very simple terms what the Jaecoo J8 is like to drive, it would be pleasant but unspectacular. On the plus side, the J8 feels a bit sprightlier than we'd expected, given that its propulsion comes from a 2.0-litre engine, which seems a small displacement for a vehicle that's this large. Jaecoo quotes a 9.0-second 0-100km/h sprint for the AWD J8 (the FWD model is 0.2s quicker) and, while this figure doesn't sound particularly impressive, there's never a perception of sluggishness or lacklustre performance. Rolling acceleration is also adequately sprightly, as the seven-speed dual-clutch auto is quick to kick down when you stab the throttle. This means overtaking slow-moving cars on single-lane country roads is never a problem. The engine and dual-clutch transmission team up to deliver seamless performance, and refinement levels aren't compromised by excessive noise or coarseness, even if you work the 2.0-litre motor hard. Ride quality and overall noise levels are also impressive, so the J8 stands up as a credible alternative to the Euro SUV brigade if you're a value-conscious buyer, or simply don't have the budget for the latter. Minor irritations when mooching around town include a brake pedal that tends to be grabby in stop-start traffic. In addition, you'll find during back-and-forth parking manoeuvres the steering-column-mounted transmission lever needs a resolute nudge with the brake pedal firmly depressed, otherwise 'D' or 'R' won't engage – a casual flick of the stalk won't do it. Dynamically, the J8 is a middle-of-the-road offering as its agility and cornering behaviour are neither class-leading nor mediocre. Then again, most prospective buyers won't care too much as the Jaecoo isn't positioned as a sporting SUV by any stretch. As for off-road ability, the J8 has no less than seven drive modes (including dedicated modes for sand, mud and snow), and its torque-vectoring AWD system is supplied by GKN, which also provides Land Rover with similar tech. With two multi-plate clutches at the rear axle, each wheel can be driven independently. Even so, the fact the J8 Flagship is equipped with road-biased 50-series Michelin Primacy tyres on 20-inch rims is a clue to its orientation as more urban warrior than an outback tamer. Approach and departure angles of 20 degrees and 17 degrees respectively are nothing to write home about in any case. It hardly matters though, as the typical usage patterns of prospective owners will likely include the daily schlep to and from office, the school run and – possibly – the odd excursion for camping, mountain biking and the like, which will entail nothing more than light-duty off-road use, and for all of this the J8 will happily oblige. What do you get? Among the Jaecoo J8's USPs is a generous quota of mod-cons and safety features, so the vehicle potentially represents strong value for money vis-à-vis its competitors. Of course, we're yet to see how the J8 will be specced and priced in the Australian market. 2025 Jaecoo J8 equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Auto LED headlights Auto high beam Power tailgate Panoramic sunroof Dual-zone climate control Leather seats Leather multifunction steering wheel 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat Driver seat position memory Heated and ventilated front seats Multicolour ambient lighting 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless charger Dashcam driving recorder 2 x 12V power outlets 4 x USB ports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto 12-speaker Sony sound system Flagship AWD adds: 20-inch alloy wheels 6-seat layout with captain's chairs in second row Nappa leather upholstery 4-way electric adjustment of second-row seats Ventilated second-row seats incl. massage function Black suede headliner Rear console with cupholders Metal pedals Head-up display with augmented reality 14-speaker Sony sound system Is the Jaecoo J8 safe? No independent crash test results are available for the J8 yet, but one could infer from the five-star ANCAP scores earned by its Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Omoda 5 stablemates that the Jaecoo is likely to fare well in terms of safety ratings. Standard safety equipment in the UAE includes: Dual front, side and curtain airbags 540-degree surround-view camera Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Front collision warning Lane departure prevention Traffic jam avoidance assistant Front and rear radars Leading vehicle departure alert Intelligent avoidance Flagship adds: Emergency lane-keep assist Blind-spot detection Lane change assist Driver monitoring system Rear collision warning Reversing lateral emergency braking Door open warning Automatic parking assist How much does the Jaecoo J8 cost to run? In the UAE, Jaecoo vehicles are backed by a seven-year/250,000km warranty, but we'd expect Chery Australia's seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty to apply here too. That said, we'll wait for official confirmation closer to the brand's local launch. CarExpert's Take on the Jaecoo J8 All told, the Jaecoo J8 is a polished and well-rounded offering that should be able to hold its own against established players in the seven-seat SUV segment. Solid although unspectacular in its driving characteristics, the J8's fortes lie in its premium cabin ambience (for its price) and overall refinement. We'll deliver a more emphatic verdict once Australian pricing and specs are known. Pros Impressive premium feel, well equipped Clean, albeit slightly generic styling Strong and refined performer Cons
Perth Now
15 hours ago
- Perth Now
2025 Jaecoo J8 review: Quick drive
The Chinese new model onslaught shows no sign of abating, and the next instalment of it will see Chery's lifestyle-focused Jaecoo luxury SUV sub-brand launch in Australia in the first quarter of 2025. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The first model it will roll out is the J7 mid-sized SUV, but the range will gradually be fleshed out with both smaller and larger offerings in the J5 and J8, respectively. The Jaecoo J8 is a medium-large seven-seat family SUV that's also available with five- and six-seat configurations. It could conceivably be cross-shopped against the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-80. In case you're wondering about the origins of the Jaecoo moniker, it's an amalgamation of the German word Jäger (meaning 'hunter') and 'cool'. Where its sister brand Omoda (sold here under the Chery banner) is pitched primarily at a youthful audience, Jaecoo targets a slightly older demographic of which most will have a couple of kids in tow. We took the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the Jaecoo J8 in Dubai, where the vehicle is shortly due on sale. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Given that Jaecoo is an offshoot is Chery, it's no surprise the J8 leverages existing hardware – it's essentially a rebadged Chery Tiggo 9. As such, the Jaecoo rides on the Chinese carmaker's T1X monocoque chassis and features CDC suspension comprising electronically controlled adaptive dampers that react within milliseconds to information about the road surface relayed by sensors and cameras. The J8 is conventionally sized for a seven-seat SUV, measuring in at 4820mm long, 1930mm wide and 1710mm tall. By comparison, the Santa Fe is 4830mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall. The Jaecoo has a 2820mm wheelbase, while the Hyundai's wheelbase spans 2815mm. Despite its largish dimensions, the J8 is by no means excessively lardy as the FWD base model tips the scales at a relatively lithe 1764kg, while the fully loaded AWD Flagship weighs 1892kg. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The job of propelling this mass is shouldered by Chery's 'Kunpeng Power' 2.0-litre TDGi turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which pumps out 195kW and 400Nm. Hooked up to the turbo motor is a smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. On paper, a four-pot engine might seem a bit weedy for a full-size SUV, but performance is decently sprightly and the transmission is relatively seamless – more on this later. Exact pricing for the UAE is yet to be nailed down, but a company spokesman suggested the entry-level, front-wheel-drive Comfort model will cost around AED125,000 (A$53,420), while the range-topping Flagship all-wheel drive variant that we tested will be pegged around AED155,000 (A$66,240). 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert If similar pricing were to be reflected in Australia, it would put the Jaecoo in a competitive price bracket against its logical rivals. Arguably, the Jaecoo J8's most appealing facet is its plush Nappa leather-lined cabin, but we should of course point out that we tested the fully loaded Flagship variant. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Jaecoo's interior designers have borrowed liberally from the Mercedes-Benz design manual, and that's no bad thing. If you've sat in a recent Benz, you'll find familiarity in the expansive horizontal display panel that houses both the digitised instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen. Also distinctly Mercedes-esque – in both style and function – are the column-mounted transmission shifter, door-panel-mounted seat adjustment knobs and squared-off rotary vent outlets. The level of fit and finish is exemplary and there's good use of contrasting colours and materials. Our test car featured beige Nappa leather upholstery and faux brushed aluminium trim on the dashboard, door panels and centre console, with some piano black inserts thrown in for good measure. There are a few hard plastic bits (including the faux aluminium trim), but these don't overly detract from a cabin that otherwise has a genuinely premium ambience. Consequently, the J8 could even make sense for buyers who might fancy a Merc or BMW but can't quite make the stretch financially. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert There's not much to fault in terms of ergonomics either, as all-around visibility is generally good, while the seats are superbly comfortable – this goes particularly for the captain's chairs in the second row with their ample adjustability and massage functions. That said, access to the small third-row seats (suitable only for children) is cumbersome, as the occupants of said pews need to clamber up and then navigate through the narrow gap between the two second-row chairs to access the rear. However, opting for the seven-seat version (which has a bench in the middle row) should make life easier for third-row dwellers as the second-row seats in this variant can be tilted forward for simpler access to the back. Another minor annoyance is the lack of physical buttons for the HVAC settings, but at least there's a permanent tab on the bottom of the infotainment screen with fan and temperature settings – so you don't need to scroll through additional screens just to turn the fan up or down or notch, or to make the cabin warmer or cooler by a degree or two. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert There are a sufficient number of storage cubbyholes in the cabin. Tucked under the floating centre console is a little shelf for keys and loose change, while a large lidded bin is housed behind the centre console. The door pockets, too, are generously sized. However, luggage space in the seven-seat version is a paltry 200 litres with the rear pews in place. The five-seat version offers a more usable 717 litres, which can be expanded to 2021 litres by folding down the rear bench. The Jaecoo J8 is currently offered in the UAE with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 195kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels only, or through an all-wheel drive system, depending on the variant. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is offered in other markets. It includes a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors to produce total system outputs of 450kW and 915Nm – which is quite a lot of grunt. If one were to sum up in very simple terms what the Jaecoo J8 is like to drive, it would be pleasant but unspectacular. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert On the plus side, the J8 feels a bit sprightlier than we'd expected, given that its propulsion comes from a 2.0-litre engine, which seems a small displacement for a vehicle that's this large. Jaecoo quotes a 9.0-second 0-100km/h sprint for the AWD J8 (the FWD model is 0.2s quicker) and, while this figure doesn't sound particularly impressive, there's never a perception of sluggishness or lacklustre performance. Rolling acceleration is also adequately sprightly, as the seven-speed dual-clutch auto is quick to kick down when you stab the throttle. This means overtaking slow-moving cars on single-lane country roads is never a problem. The engine and dual-clutch transmission team up to deliver seamless performance, and refinement levels aren't compromised by excessive noise or coarseness, even if you work the 2.0-litre motor hard. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Ride quality and overall noise levels are also impressive, so the J8 stands up as a credible alternative to the Euro SUV brigade if you're a value-conscious buyer, or simply don't have the budget for the latter. Minor irritations when mooching around town include a brake pedal that tends to be grabby in stop-start traffic. In addition, you'll find during back-and-forth parking manoeuvres the steering-column-mounted transmission lever needs a resolute nudge with the brake pedal firmly depressed, otherwise 'D' or 'R' won't engage – a casual flick of the stalk won't do it. Dynamically, the J8 is a middle-of-the-road offering as its agility and cornering behaviour are neither class-leading nor mediocre. Then again, most prospective buyers won't care too much as the Jaecoo isn't positioned as a sporting SUV by any stretch. As for off-road ability, the J8 has no less than seven drive modes (including dedicated modes for sand, mud and snow), and its torque-vectoring AWD system is supplied by GKN, which also provides Land Rover with similar tech. With two multi-plate clutches at the rear axle, each wheel can be driven independently. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Even so, the fact the J8 Flagship is equipped with road-biased 50-series Michelin Primacy tyres on 20-inch rims is a clue to its orientation as more urban warrior than an outback tamer. Approach and departure angles of 20 degrees and 17 degrees respectively are nothing to write home about in any case. It hardly matters though, as the typical usage patterns of prospective owners will likely include the daily schlep to and from office, the school run and – possibly – the odd excursion for camping, mountain biking and the like, which will entail nothing more than light-duty off-road use, and for all of this the J8 will happily oblige. Among the Jaecoo J8's USPs is a generous quota of mod-cons and safety features, so the vehicle potentially represents strong value for money vis-à-vis its competitors. Of course, we're yet to see how the J8 will be specced and priced in the Australian market. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8 equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Auto LED headlights Auto high beam Power tailgate Panoramic sunroof Dual-zone climate control Leather seats Leather multifunction steering wheel 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat Driver seat position memory Heated and ventilated front seats Multicolour ambient lighting 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless charger Dashcam driving recorder 2 x 12V power outlets 4 x USB ports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto 12-speaker Sony sound system 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Flagship AWD adds: 20-inch alloy wheels 6-seat layout with captain's chairs in second row Nappa leather upholstery 4-way electric adjustment of second-row seats Ventilated second-row seats incl. massage function Black suede headliner Rear console with cupholders Metal pedals Head-up display with augmented reality 14-speaker Sony sound system No independent crash test results are available for the J8 yet, but one could infer from the five-star ANCAP scores earned by its Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Omoda 5 stablemates that the Jaecoo is likely to fare well in terms of safety ratings. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment in the UAE includes: Dual front, side and curtain airbags 540-degree surround-view camera Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Front collision warning Lane departure prevention Traffic jam avoidance assistant Front and rear radars Leading vehicle departure alert Intelligent avoidance Flagship adds: Emergency lane-keep assist Blind-spot detection Lane change assist Driver monitoring system Rear collision warning Reversing lateral emergency braking Door open warning Automatic parking assist In the UAE, Jaecoo vehicles are backed by a seven-year/250,000km warranty, but we'd expect Chery Australia's seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty to apply here too. That said, we'll wait for official confirmation closer to the brand's local launch. All told, the Jaecoo J8 is a polished and well-rounded offering that should be able to hold its own against established players in the seven-seat SUV segment. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Solid although unspectacular in its driving characteristics, the J8's fortes lie in its premium cabin ambience (for its price) and overall refinement. We'll deliver a more emphatic verdict once Australian pricing and specs are known. MORE: Everything Jaecoo J8 Impressive premium feel, well equipped Clean, albeit slightly generic styling Strong and refined performer Not hugely exciting to drive; grabby brake pedal Fiddly column shifter requires a firm nudge Odd placement of hazard light switch
West Australian
15 hours ago
- West Australian
2025 Jaecoo J8 review: Quick drive
The Chinese new model onslaught shows no sign of abating, and the next instalment of it will see Chery's lifestyle-focused Jaecoo luxury SUV sub-brand launch in Australia in the first quarter of 2025. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The first model it will roll out is the J7 mid-sized SUV, but the range will gradually be fleshed out with both smaller and larger offerings in the J5 and J8, respectively. The Jaecoo J8 is a medium-large seven-seat family SUV that's also available with five- and six-seat configurations. It could conceivably be cross-shopped against the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-80. In case you're wondering about the origins of the Jaecoo moniker, it's an amalgamation of the German word Jäger (meaning 'hunter') and 'cool'. Where its sister brand Omoda (sold here under the Chery banner) is pitched primarily at a youthful audience, Jaecoo targets a slightly older demographic of which most will have a couple of kids in tow. We took the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the Jaecoo J8 in Dubai, where the vehicle is shortly due on sale. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Given that Jaecoo is an offshoot is Chery, it's no surprise the J8 leverages existing hardware – it's essentially a rebadged Chery Tiggo 9. As such, the Jaecoo rides on the Chinese carmaker's T1X monocoque chassis and features CDC suspension comprising electronically controlled adaptive dampers that react within milliseconds to information about the road surface relayed by sensors and cameras. The J8 is conventionally sized for a seven-seat SUV, measuring in at 4820mm long, 1930mm wide and 1710mm tall. By comparison, the Santa Fe is 4830mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall. The Jaecoo has a 2820mm wheelbase, while the Hyundai's wheelbase spans 2815mm. Despite its largish dimensions, the J8 is by no means excessively lardy as the FWD base model tips the scales at a relatively lithe 1764kg, while the fully loaded AWD Flagship weighs 1892kg. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The job of propelling this mass is shouldered by Chery's 'Kunpeng Power' 2.0-litre TDGi turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which pumps out 195kW and 400Nm. Hooked up to the turbo motor is a smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. On paper, a four-pot engine might seem a bit weedy for a full-size SUV, but performance is decently sprightly and the transmission is relatively seamless – more on this later. Exact pricing for the UAE is yet to be nailed down, but a company spokesman suggested the entry-level, front-wheel-drive Comfort model will cost around AED125,000 (A$53,420), while the range-topping Flagship all-wheel drive variant that we tested will be pegged around AED155,000 (A$66,240). 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert If similar pricing were to be reflected in Australia, it would put the Jaecoo in a competitive price bracket against its logical rivals. Arguably, the Jaecoo J8's most appealing facet is its plush Nappa leather-lined cabin, but we should of course point out that we tested the fully loaded Flagship variant. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Jaecoo's interior designers have borrowed liberally from the Mercedes-Benz design manual, and that's no bad thing. If you've sat in a recent Benz, you'll find familiarity in the expansive horizontal display panel that houses both the digitised instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen. Also distinctly Mercedes-esque – in both style and function – are the column-mounted transmission shifter, door-panel-mounted seat adjustment knobs and squared-off rotary vent outlets. The level of fit and finish is exemplary and there's good use of contrasting colours and materials. Our test car featured beige Nappa leather upholstery and faux brushed aluminium trim on the dashboard, door panels and centre console, with some piano black inserts thrown in for good measure. There are a few hard plastic bits (including the faux aluminium trim), but these don't overly detract from a cabin that otherwise has a genuinely premium ambience. Consequently, the J8 could even make sense for buyers who might fancy a Merc or BMW but can't quite make the stretch financially. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert There's not much to fault in terms of ergonomics either, as all-around visibility is generally good, while the seats are superbly comfortable – this goes particularly for the captain's chairs in the second row with their ample adjustability and massage functions. That said, access to the small third-row seats (suitable only for children) is cumbersome, as the occupants of said pews need to clamber up and then navigate through the narrow gap between the two second-row chairs to access the rear. However, opting for the seven-seat version (which has a bench in the middle row) should make life easier for third-row dwellers as the second-row seats in this variant can be tilted forward for simpler access to the back. Another minor annoyance is the lack of physical buttons for the HVAC settings, but at least there's a permanent tab on the bottom of the infotainment screen with fan and temperature settings – so you don't need to scroll through additional screens just to turn the fan up or down or notch, or to make the cabin warmer or cooler by a degree or two. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert There are a sufficient number of storage cubbyholes in the cabin. Tucked under the floating centre console is a little shelf for keys and loose change, while a large lidded bin is housed behind the centre console. The door pockets, too, are generously sized. However, luggage space in the seven-seat version is a paltry 200 litres with the rear pews in place. The five-seat version offers a more usable 717 litres, which can be expanded to 2021 litres by folding down the rear bench. The Jaecoo J8 is currently offered in the UAE with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 195kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels only, or through an all-wheel drive system, depending on the variant. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is offered in other markets. It includes a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors to produce total system outputs of 450kW and 915Nm – which is quite a lot of grunt. If one were to sum up in very simple terms what the Jaecoo J8 is like to drive, it would be pleasant but unspectacular. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert On the plus side, the J8 feels a bit sprightlier than we'd expected, given that its propulsion comes from a 2.0-litre engine, which seems a small displacement for a vehicle that's this large. Jaecoo quotes a 9.0-second 0-100km/h sprint for the AWD J8 (the FWD model is 0.2s quicker) and, while this figure doesn't sound particularly impressive, there's never a perception of sluggishness or lacklustre performance. Rolling acceleration is also adequately sprightly, as the seven-speed dual-clutch auto is quick to kick down when you stab the throttle. This means overtaking slow-moving cars on single-lane country roads is never a problem. The engine and dual-clutch transmission team up to deliver seamless performance, and refinement levels aren't compromised by excessive noise or coarseness, even if you work the 2.0-litre motor hard. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Ride quality and overall noise levels are also impressive, so the J8 stands up as a credible alternative to the Euro SUV brigade if you're a value-conscious buyer, or simply don't have the budget for the latter. Minor irritations when mooching around town include a brake pedal that tends to be grabby in stop-start traffic. In addition, you'll find during back-and-forth parking manoeuvres the steering-column-mounted transmission lever needs a resolute nudge with the brake pedal firmly depressed, otherwise 'D' or 'R' won't engage – a casual flick of the stalk won't do it. Dynamically, the J8 is a middle-of-the-road offering as its agility and cornering behaviour are neither class-leading nor mediocre. Then again, most prospective buyers won't care too much as the Jaecoo isn't positioned as a sporting SUV by any stretch. As for off-road ability, the J8 has no less than seven drive modes (including dedicated modes for sand, mud and snow), and its torque-vectoring AWD system is supplied by GKN, which also provides Land Rover with similar tech. With two multi-plate clutches at the rear axle, each wheel can be driven independently. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Even so, the fact the J8 Flagship is equipped with road-biased 50-series Michelin Primacy tyres on 20-inch rims is a clue to its orientation as more urban warrior than an outback tamer. Approach and departure angles of 20 degrees and 17 degrees respectively are nothing to write home about in any case. It hardly matters though, as the typical usage patterns of prospective owners will likely include the daily schlep to and from office, the school run and – possibly – the odd excursion for camping, mountain biking and the like, which will entail nothing more than light-duty off-road use, and for all of this the J8 will happily oblige. Among the Jaecoo J8's USPs is a generous quota of mod-cons and safety features, so the vehicle potentially represents strong value for money vis-à-vis its competitors. Of course, we're yet to see how the J8 will be specced and priced in the Australian market. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8 equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Auto LED headlights Auto high beam Power tailgate Panoramic sunroof Dual-zone climate control Leather seats Leather multifunction steering wheel 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat Driver seat position memory Heated and ventilated front seats Multicolour ambient lighting 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless charger Dashcam driving recorder 2 x 12V power outlets 4 x USB ports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto 12-speaker Sony sound system 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Flagship AWD adds: 20-inch alloy wheels 6-seat layout with captain's chairs in second row Nappa leather upholstery 4-way electric adjustment of second-row seats Ventilated second-row seats incl. massage function Black suede headliner Rear console with cupholders Metal pedals Head-up display with augmented reality 14-speaker Sony sound system No independent crash test results are available for the J8 yet, but one could infer from the five-star ANCAP scores earned by its Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Omoda 5 stablemates that the Jaecoo is likely to fare well in terms of safety ratings. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment in the UAE includes: Dual front, side and curtain airbags 540-degree surround-view camera Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Front collision warning Lane departure prevention Traffic jam avoidance assistant Front and rear radars Leading vehicle departure alert Intelligent avoidance Flagship adds: Emergency lane-keep assist Blind-spot detection Lane change assist Driver monitoring system Rear collision warning Reversing lateral emergency braking Door open warning Automatic parking assist In the UAE, Jaecoo vehicles are backed by a seven-year/250,000km warranty, but we'd expect Chery Australia's seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty to apply here too. That said, we'll wait for official confirmation closer to the brand's local launch. All told, the Jaecoo J8 is a polished and well-rounded offering that should be able to hold its own against established players in the seven-seat SUV segment. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Solid although unspectacular in its driving characteristics, the J8's fortes lie in its premium cabin ambience (for its price) and overall refinement. We'll deliver a more emphatic verdict once Australian pricing and specs are known. MORE: Everything Jaecoo J8 Impressive premium feel, well equipped Clean, albeit slightly generic styling Strong and refined performer Not hugely exciting to drive; grabby brake pedal Fiddly column shifter requires a firm nudge Odd placement of hazard light switch
