Jaecoo launches the all-wheel drive seven-seat Jaecoo 8

Jaecoo may be a relatively new brand, but it is already making its mark with the popular Jaecoo 7, and it’s got plenty more up its sleeve. The brand’s next model will be the Jaecoo 8, a flagship SUV set to arrive here in May. The Jaecoo 8 will feature a plug-in ‘Super Hybrid System’ and promises to do over 700 miles on a single tank of fuel. With its large grille and all-wheel drive, the Jaecoo 8 is aimed at larger families and businesses needing spacious executive vehicles.
• The Jaecoo 8 will be the brand’s largest and plushest model • It will be available with room for six or seven occupants, and it feature luxuries like massage seats along with plenty of tech and a suite of safety systems • Promising 700 miles on a tank of fuel and up to 83 miles of fully electric driving • With 428 horsepower • Available to order now with deliveries expected from May • Starting from £45,500

Like the other models in the range, the Jaecoo 8’s large imposing grille has clearly been designed to make a statement. Meanwhile the side profile has more than a hint of Range Rover Sport – this is particularly apparent when the Jaecoo 8 is painted white with a contrasting black roof. Add in the all-wheel drive system borrowed from the Chery Tiggo 9 and you can see why the Jaecoo 8 might be considered a Range Rover lookalike.

In Luxury trim the Jaecoo 8 will have seven seats, while a six-seat Executive version will also be available. Luxury grade cars will feature powered, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, two 12.3-inch displays, a Sony sound system and a panoramic sunroof. Moving up to Executive trim, you’ll gain Nappa leather plus the front and second row seats get swapped for four large captain’s chairs with armrests, massage modes, heating and ventilation.

The Jaecoo 8 will combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a battery capable of around 83 miles of electric-only range and up to 700 miles from a single tank of fuel. When you need to top-up the battery it can be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes and the car comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability allowing you to charge other devices from the battery. The Jaecoo 8 will also feature an all-wheel drive system which Jaecoo says will provide “genuine all-road capability”.

The seven-seat version in Luxury trim will start from £45,500 while the six-seat Executive grade model will be £47,500, both of which are available to order now with deliveries expected in May.

Jaecoo along with Omoda and Chery has quickly grown its line-up here and although we don’t know exactly what it will bring us next, we wouldn’t be surprised if more SUVs and crossovers arrive soon.

The Tiggo 9 from parent company Chery will be the Jaecoo’s closest competitor, but the Hyundai Santa Fe is arguably the Jaecoo 8’s biggest rival from a well-established brand. Meanwhile the upcoming MGS9 will also offer seven seats, but in a more value-focused package.