Jaecoo Unveils Seven-Seat PHEV Version of J8 SUV for Australian Market
Jaecoo, Chery’s premium sub-brand, has announced the launch of a seven-seat version of its J8 large SUV. This new variant will also introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for the first time, marking a significant step in the brand’s electrification strategy.
While specific pricing details for this latest J8 model have not been released yet, 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 other popular models such as the Chery Tiggo 8 all-wheel drive PHEV and the BYD Sealion 8, both of which fall within the $50K-$60K range.
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This announcement comes as part of Jaecoo’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the Australian market. The 2025 J8 model is set to target well-known competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Nissan Pathfinder.
In addition to the J8, Jaecoo has also confirmed that it will bring its China-based answer to the Range Rover Sport to Australia next year. This luxury, off-road SUV will be powered by a plug-in hybrid system.
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Omoda, another sub-brand under Chery, has made bold claims about becoming the biggest hybrid car brand globally. Its global boss has expressed confidence in challenging established players in the automotive industry.
Limited Details on the New J8 Model
Although there are limited details available on the new J8, it is known that it will use the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid setup found in the Omoda 9, which is currently on sale in Australia. The Omoda 9 features a three-electric motor set-up that produces 395kW, so similar performance figures are expected for the J8 PHEV.
Jaecoo has also confirmed that the car will come equipped with an all-wheel drive system. This will be the first electrified J8 model, as the existing two models are front-wheel and all-wheel drive petrol units.
Competing in the Large SUV Segment
The J8 has been on the Australian market for nearly a year but has struggled to match the sales performance of the Tiggo 8 and the Sealion 8. So far this year, the J8 has sold less than 200 units, compared to over 1,500 for the Sealion 8 and more than 1,000 for the Tiggo 8.
To address the demand for a full-size family car, Jaecoo has decided to introduce the seven-seater J8 model.
Expanding the Range in Australia
The J8’s announcement follows the successful launch of the J5 EV at the start of 2026, and the upcoming petrol variant of the J5 is also expected to be launched soon.
It is anticipated that the J8 PHEV will make its debut in Australia during the third quarter of 2026, alongside a hybrid version of the J5. This expansion marks another step in Jaecoo’s efforts to establish itself as a strong contender in the Australian automotive market.
