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 TBC plus on-roads, through to SHS Summit PHEV (likely flagship) at TBC 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.
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.
CarTell.tv review of the Jaecoo J8 is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
