Latest news with #J7
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Plug-in hybrid Jaecoo J7 becoming one with the grid in June
Jaecoo and parent company Chery's first plug-in hybrid to debut in South Africa, the J7 SHS has an EV-only range of 90 km and a combined system output of 255kW/525Nm. Initially planed for local market release at the end of May, Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa has confirmed that its first-ever hybrid, the J7 SHS, will officially launch in early June. Hybrid shock Its abbreviation denoting Super Hybrid System, which parent company Chery debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show two months ago, the setup consists of the smaller 1.5 T-GDI engine rather than the normal 1.6 T-GDI being combined with a single electric motor driven by an 18.3-kWh lithium phosphate battery pack. ALSO READ: Serious shock: PHEV Omoda C9 and Jaecoo J7 outputs revealed Paired to a new three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), the J7 SHS develops a combined 255kW/525Nm and, as a result of being a plug-in hybrid, drive 90 km on the electric systems alone. Supporting DC charging up top 40 kW, the SHS will require a waiting time of 20 minutes from 30-80%. According to O&J, the combined combustion and electric range is 1 200 km. Expect it to fit in here… While no pricing has yet been made, Jaecoo has hinted at the SHS possibly being modelled on the mid-range Glacier trim grade rather than the flagship Inferno, whose only differences include a heated steering wheel and all-wheel-drive. This stems from not disclosing the latter features on the preliminary specification list, which so far names 19-inch alloy wheels, the eight-speaker sound system, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Reserve Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control as some of the standard items. Known as the SHS, the J7 has a combined electric and combustion engine range of 1 200 km. Image: Omoda & Jaecoo At present, the three-model J7 range starts off at R549 900 for the entry-level Vortex, before increasing to R599 900 for the Glacier. The all-paw gripping Inferno completes the trio at R679 900. As such, the SHS could be positioned above the Inferno on the price, but with identical levels of spec to the Glacier as a means of keeping pricing competitive. More soon For the moment though, this is purely speculative and will only be confirmed or disproved when the official unveiling happens next month. NOW READ: Plug-in hybrid Jaecoos destined for South Africa with serious shock
Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
OMODA & JAECOO Ushers in a New Era of High-Performance Hybrid Mobility with SHS Technology in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
JAECOO introduces its proprietary Super Hybrid System (SHS) to the UAE, delivering better performance, range, and efficiency than conventional ICE vehicles. Global success of the JAECOO J7 PHEV sets the stage for the arrival of the J8 SHS, promising luxury refinement and off-road dominance. The brand reinforces its position as a leader in clean, capable, and intelligent SUV innovation. Dubai, UAE, May 2025: As the UAE's demand for advanced, sustainable mobility continues to grow, OMODA & JAECOO is set to redefine what hybrid performance means with the regional debut of its game-changing Super Hybrid System (SHS) — a platform that delivers superior acceleration, lower fuel consumption, and extended electric driving range compared to traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). With successful rollouts of the J7 PHEV across global markets, JAECOO is now bringing its SHS technology to the UAE to meet the needs of a new generation of adventure-seeking, tech-driven drivers who demand both capability and responsibility. 'SHS is not just a powertrain — it's a complete rethink of how hybrid SUVs should perform in real life,' said Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International. 'Our system outperforms many ICE vehicles in torque, fuel efficiency, and range. With the J7 already proving itself across multiple continents, we are proud to bring this innovation to the UAE and soon launch the next evolution with the J8 SHS.' What Is SHS – Super Hybrid System? The Super Hybrid System (SHS) is JAECOO's proprietary plug-in hybrid technology platform that fuses electric efficiency with internal combustion muscle. Highlights include: Combined power output: 340 horsepower (255 kW) Torque: 525 N·m — exceeding many ICE rivals Pure EV range: Up to 90 km Combined driving range: Up to 1,200 km on one charge and tank Charge-sustaining fuel consumption: ≤6.0L/100km EV Silent Mode, regenerative braking, and multi-terrain drive settings The system is supported by a high-efficiency hybrid engine (44.5% thermal efficiency) and a battery pack engineered to operate in temperatures reaching 60°C — making it ideal for the GCC climate. Proven Performance. Now in the UAE. The JAECOO J7 PHEV has already made headlines so many countries across the world. From long-distance hybrid drives to urban EV-only performance, the J7 has been widely recognized for outperforming segment benchmarks in both performance and endurance. In the UAE, these achievements will be showcased through the Super Hybrid Marathon in Dubai to Riyadh — and the J7 Performance Challenge, where the vehicle will tackle sand dunes, rock crawls, and steep climbs with ease. Next: The J8 SHS Following the momentum of the J7, JAECOO will soon unveil its most advanced hybrid SUV to date: the JAECOO J8 SHS. Engineered with top-tier off-road capability, luxury interior craftsmanship, and a new iteration of the SHS platform, the J8 promises performance that outpaces traditional ICE SUVs in both desert terrain and urban mobility. More details on its UAE reveal will be shared in the coming weeks. JAECOO's mission is clear: bring global hybrid innovation to local roads, offering UAE drivers a smarter, bolder, and cleaner way to explore their world. About OMODA & JAECOO: OMODA & JAECOO is an innovative automobile brand redefining mobility through cutting-edge design, smart technology, and sustainable solutions. Backed by Chery, the largest Chinese automotive producer, the brand is expanding rapidly across 34 global markets, including the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa (MEA), reinforcing its vision of 'New Products + New Technology + New Ecosystem'. OMODA & JAECOO is committed to revolutionizing urban and off-road travel, delivering vehicles that integrate futuristic technology, AI-driven connectivity, and next-generation safety features. With the UAE serving as a key hub under its global strategy, the brand is setting new industry benchmarks in customer service, innovation, and sustainable mobility. As part of its long-term commitment, OMODA & JAECOO has established a 12,000 sqm spare parts distribution center in JAFZA, the largest Chinese automotive parts hub in the Middle East. This facility enhances regional logistics and aftersales support, ensuring a 95% fulfilment rate and 24-hour VOR (Vehicle Off-Road) part supply efficiency. Additionally, through its strategic partnership with Maersk, OMODA & JAECOO have further strengthened their logistics and aftersales operations in the UAE, ensuring 100% spare parts availability and rapid delivery within 24 and 48 hours. In the UAE, Autorun, MAHY Khoory Automotive and Galadari are the official distributors of OMODA & JAECOO, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates respective, thus ensuring seamless market entry and premium customer experience. The brand's latest lineup, including the OMODA C5, JAECOO J7, and JAECOO J8, embodies sustainable performance, intelligent mobility, and futuristic automotive innovation. With a global vision to lead the future of mobility, OMODA & JAECOO is dedicated to shaping an eco-friendly, tech-integrated, and customer-centric automotive experience. OMODA & JAECOO are sub-brands designed to meet evolving global automotive demands. OMODA, a fashionable cross-border series, focuses on the new generation of LOHAS with future-driven aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, JAECOO, a fearless off-road series, caters to urban elites, breaking barriers in the global off-road market with refined styling and outstanding performance.
Web Release
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Web Release
OMODA & JAECOO Ushers in a New Era of High-Performance Hybrid Mobility with SHS Technology in the UAE
As the UAE's demand for advanced, sustainable mobility continues to grow, OMODA & JAECOO is set to redefine what hybrid performance means with the regional debut of its game-changing Super Hybrid System (SHS) — a platform that delivers superior acceleration, lower fuel consumption, and extended electric driving range compared to traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). With successful rollouts of the J7 PHEV across global markets, JAECOO is now bringing its SHS technology to the UAE to meet the needs of a new generation of adventure-seeking, tech-driven drivers who demand both capability and responsibility. 'SHS is not just a powertrain — it's a complete rethink of how hybrid SUVs should perform in real life,' said Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International. 'Our system outperforms many ICE vehicles in torque, fuel efficiency, and range. With the J7 already proving itself across multiple continents, we are proud to bring this innovation to the UAE and soon launch the next evolution with the J8 SHS.' What Is SHS – Super Hybrid System? The Super Hybrid System (SHS) is JAECOO's proprietary plug-in hybrid technology platform that fuses electric efficiency with internal combustion muscle. Highlights include: Combined power output: 340 horsepower (255 kW) Torque: 525 N·m — exceeding many ICE rivals Pure EV range: Up to 90 km Combined driving range: Up to 1,200 km on one charge and tank Charge-sustaining fuel consumption: ?6.0L/100km EV Silent Mode, regenerative braking, and multi-terrain drive settings The system is supported by a high-efficiency hybrid engine (44.5% thermal efficiency) and a battery pack engineered to operate in temperatures reaching 60°C — making it ideal for the GCC climate. Proven Performance. Now in the UAE. The JAECOO J7 PHEV has already made headlines so many countries across the world. From long-distance hybrid drives to urban EV-only performance, the J7 has been widely recognized for outperforming segment benchmarks in both performance and endurance. In the UAE, these achievements will be showcased through the Super Hybrid Marathon in Dubai to Riyadh — and the J7 Performance Challenge, where the vehicle will tackle sand dunes, rock crawls, and steep climbs with ease. Next: The J8 SHS Following the momentum of the J7, JAECOO will soon unveil its most advanced hybrid SUV to date: the JAECOO J8 SHS. Engineered with top-tier off-road capability, luxury interior craftsmanship, and a new iteration of the SHS platform, the J8 promises performance that outpaces traditional ICE SUVs in both desert terrain and urban mobility. More details on its UAE reveal will be shared in the coming weeks. JAECOO's mission is clear: bring global hybrid innovation to local roads, offering UAE drivers a smarter, bolder, and cleaner way to explore their world. Prev Post EBRD backs Egypt's first solar and battery storage project Next Post OMNIYAT Debuts Inaugural Green Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai Comments are closed.
The Advertiser
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
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: 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: 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: 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:
Canberra Times
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Canberra Times
2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit review: Long range test
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.
