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2026 Jaecoo J8 SHS seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV

2026 Launch  ·  Australia

Jaecoo J8

Large 7-seat PHEV SUV. from $60,000 plus on-roads. 8 years, unlimited km. Battery: 8 years

Arriving SoonPlug-in Hybrid
From
$60,000+ORC
Range (WLTP)
134km
Power
395kW
Battery
34.36kWh

What is it?

The Jaecoo J8 is the second model in the Australian range and the brand's first large seven-seat SUV. It arrives PHEV-only with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol generator paired to three electric motors for a claimed 395 kW and 650 Nm combined, and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds. The 34.36 kWh battery supports up to 134 km of EV-only range. Continuously controlled magnetic damping is standard, three-row seating is genuine, and warranty is 8 years unlimited km.

The lineup runs from SHS Track PHEV (launch grade) at null plus on-roads, through to SHS Summit PHEV (likely flagship) at null plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 8 years, unlimited km.

Interior and Technology

395 kW combined output makes it the most powerful seven-seater near $60,000. 134 km claimed EV range is the highest in any seven-seat PHEV on sale. CDC magnetic damping at this price is unheard of from Chinese rivals, and warranty cover is 8 years unlimited km plus an 8-year battery warranty.

Not yet on sale, Q3 2026 arrival, exact pricing unconfirmed. No ANCAP rating until local testing is complete, and the brand has only had a 7-seat SUV on shelves under 12 months by launch.

Quick Buyer Context

Should you buy the J8?

Reasons to buy

  • 395 kW combined output makes it the most powerful seven-seater near $60,000. 134 km claimed EV range is the highest in any seven-seat PHEV on sale. CDC magnetic damping at this price is unheard of from Chinese rivals, and warranty cover is 8 years unlimited km plus an 8-year battery warranty.
  • Warranty: 8 years, unlimited km. Battery: 8 years.
  • Braked towing rated at 2,000 kg (TBC).

Reasons to wait

  • Not yet on sale, Q3 2026 arrival, exact pricing unconfirmed. No ANCAP rating until local testing is complete, and the brand has only had a 7-seat SUV on shelves under 12 months by launch.
  • You need a tow vehicle on the road right now (the Outlander PHEV is here today), you want a confirmed ANCAP rating before deposit, or you cannot wait for the Q3 2026 launch.
  • Confirm final Australian-spec figures and pricing before transferring any deposit. ANCAP testing is pending, factor your safety threshold against the launch timeline.
  • Top trim climbs to $60,000 plus on-roads.
Who it suits
👪
Families
Big boot, safety kit
🚌
Commuters
Daily driver, low fuss
🏠
Couples
Right-sized SUV
CarTell Verdict

CarTell.tv review of the Jaecoo J8 is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.

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CarTell.tv
Review coming soon
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The CarTell take

We have not driven this yet. On paper, here is how it stacks up.

Strongest suit on paper
395 kW combined output makes it the most powerful seven-seater near $60,000. 134 km claimed EV range is the highest in any seven-seat PHEV on sale. CDC magnetic damping at this price is unheard of from Chinese rivals, and warranty cover is 8 years unlimited km plus an 8-year battery warranty.
The trade-off
Not yet on sale, Q3 2026 arrival, exact pricing unconfirmed. No ANCAP rating until local testing is complete, and the brand has only had a 7-seat SUV on shelves under 12 months by launch.
Check before you buy
Confirm final Australian-spec figures and pricing before transferring any deposit. ANCAP testing is pending, factor your safety threshold against the launch timeline.
Best suited to
Big families wanting a genuine three-row PHEV (not 5+2 jumpseats), PHEV converts needing a 134 km EV-only daily commute, cross-shoppers willing to wait three months to undercut the Sorento PHEV by around $10,000, and early adopters chasing the newest battery and tech.
How it stacks up

The Rivals

Large 7-seat PHEV SUV  ·  Australia  ·  2026
Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento
From $53,000 plus on-roads
HYBRID5 variants
BYD Sealion 8
BYD Sealion 8
From $56,990 plus on-roads
PHEV3 variants
🎥

We have not reviewed the Jaecoo J8 yet.

We are working on getting a Jaecoo J8 test unit. Subscribe and you will catch it when we do.

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Common questions
When does the Jaecoo J8 arrive in Australia?

Chery Australia has confirmed a Q3 2026 launch, PHEV-only at arrival.

How much will the Jaecoo J8 cost?

Indicative pricing has been signalled at around $60,000 plus on-roads. Final Australian pricing is pending Chery Australia confirmation closer to launch.

What is the Jaecoo J8 EV-only range?

Up to 134 km on the WLTP-equivalent cycle, from a 34.36 kWh battery, the highest claim for any seven-seat PHEV on sale.

Has CarTell.tv reviewed the Jaecoo J8?

Not yet, but a launch-week review is locked in for delivery week. Subscribe on YouTube to be first to see it.