New Jaecoo 8: with seven people behind bars

The Jaecoo 8 is the new flagship of Chinese brand Omoda Jaecoo, which presents itself as one brand with two faces. According to its makers, Omoda targets a younger audience with futuristic-looking models, while Jaecoo’s SUVs have a more rugged and adventurous look.

After the Jaecoo 5 and Jaecoo 7, the range is now being expanded at the top end with the large Jaecoo 8 with seven seats (optional) and a capable powertrain. The plug-in hybrid SUV is powered by a 1.5 T-GDI gasoline engine aided by three electric motors. Together, they send up to 315 kW (428 hp) of power and 580 Nm of torque to the wheels, giving this 4.82-meter-long family sedan explosive power. Thanks to the electric motor on the rear axle, the Jaecoo 8 also has four-wheel drive as standard.

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134 km electric

One of the most important features of the car is its battery with a capacity of 34.4 kWh. With it, it can drive a distance of up to 134 kilometers fully electric. And together with a full tank of gasoline, in theory, a distance well over a thousand kilometers can be covered without stopping. Although in practice that is almost impossible to do.

The Jaecoo 8’s large battery does ensure that most drivers can take all their daily drives fully electric, provided you can charge somewhere every day. Or you can drive around for a very long time in an economical hybrid mode where the gasoline engine is optimally supported. Partly because of this, the average gasoline consumption of the Jaecoo 8 is set at 2.1 l/100 km according to the WLTP.

A lot for little?

Fundamentally, the Jaecoo 8 shares many similarities with the Omoda 9, which made a surprisingly good impression with its materials, workmanship and build quality. This seems to be no different with the Jaecoo 8, although it remains to be seen if the price is accordingly.

In terms of equipment, the Jaecoo 8 at least features two 12.3-inch displays, an infotainment system with Qualcomm 8155 processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a comprehensive camera system with parking assistance and a head-up display. Seat heating and ventilation, massage function, a panoramic sunroof and an audio system with 14 speakers are also present.

The first units of the Jaecoo 8 are expected to arrive at Dutch dealers as early as May 2026. Prices are not yet known, but knowing Omoda Jaecoo, the Jaecoo 8 will be competitively priced.