Jaecoo Unveils Seven-Seat PHEV Version of J8 SUV for Australian Market
Jaecoo, the premium sub-brand of Chery, has announced the launch of a seven-seat variant of its J8 large SUV. This new model will also feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for the first time, marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion into the Australian market.
While pricing details for the latest J8 variant are yet to be confirmed, it is expected to carry a price tag above $54,990 (drive-away), which is the cost of the current five-seater petrol model with all-wheel drive. The J8 will directly compete with models like the Chery Tiggo 8 all-wheel drive PHEV and the BYD Sealion 8, both of which fall within the $50K-$60K range.
A New Era for Jaecoo in Australia
The J8’s introduction is part of a broader strategy by Jaecoo to establish itself as a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment. The brand has already made waves with the Omoda 9, which features a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid system. This same powertrain is expected to be used in the J8 PHEV, with a three-electric motor setup that produces around 395kW, similar to the Omoda 9.
Jaecoo has also confirmed that the J8 will come equipped with an all-wheel drive system. This will be the first electrified version of the J8, as the existing models are available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive petrol variants.
Strong Competition in the Large SUV Segment
Despite being on the Australian market for nearly a year, the J8 has struggled to match the sales figures of its competitors, such as the Chery Tiggo 8 and the BYD Sealion 8. In fact, the J8 has sold fewer than 200 units this year, compared to over 1,500 for the Sealion 8 and more than 1,000 for the Tiggo 8.
To address this, Jaecoo has decided to introduce the seven-seater version of the J8 in response to growing consumer demand for a full-size family vehicle. This move is seen as a strategic attempt to capture a larger share of the market.
Expansion of Jaecoo’s Range in Australia
The announcement of the J8 PHEV comes as Jaecoo continues to expand its product lineup in Australia. The brand recently launched the well-received J5 EV at the start of 2026, and a petrol variant of the J5 is set to follow soon.
It is anticipated that the J8 PHEV will be available in Australia during the third quarter of 2026, alongside a hybrid version of the J5. This further solidifies Jaecoo’s commitment to offering a diverse range of electric and hybrid vehicles tailored to the Australian market.
Key Features of the J8 PHEV
- Seven-seater configuration for increased family-friendly space
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain based on the Omoda 9’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine
- Three-electric motor setup producing around 395kW
- All-wheel drive system for enhanced performance and versatility
- Expected launch in Q3 2026, alongside a hybrid version of the J5
This new J8 variant is positioned to challenge established players such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Nissan Pathfinder, offering a competitive blend of luxury, technology, and efficiency. With its focus on innovation and customer demand, Jaecoo is making a bold statement in the Australian automotive landscape.
