Jaecoo 8
The SUV market in the UK is more competitive than ever, with buyers spoilt for choice between long-established European brands and increasingly strong contenders from Asia. One of the latest names making waves is Jaecoo, a premium SUV brand spun out of Chery Automobile. Following the successful global introduction of the Jaecoo 7, the brand is now preparing to bring its flagship model — the Jaecoo 8 — to the UK.
So, what exactly does the Jaecoo 8 bring to the table? How does it differ from the smaller Jaecoo 7, and why should UK buyers keep a close eye on this new arrival? Let’s dive into the details.
Jaecoo: The Brand Behind the Buzz
Jaecoo is a relatively new marque under the umbrella of Chery, one of China’s largest and most globally active car manufacturers. While Chery has been exporting vehicles for years, Jaecoo was created to focus exclusively on SUVs designed with both premium styling and international markets in mind.
The Jaecoo 7 made its mark as a compact SUV that blends rugged capability with comfort. But Jaecoo clearly isn’t stopping there. With the Jaecoo 8, the brand is stepping into the larger mid-size SUV territory, giving buyers the option of extra space, more power, and enhanced technology.
Jaecoo 8: The Bigger, More Premium Option
The Jaecoo 8, also referred to as the J8 in some regions, made its first public appearance at the 2023 Geneva Motor Show in Qatar. It has since been rolled out in select global markets, and the UK is set to see it in showrooms from winter 2024 into early 2025.
This SUV isn’t just an upsized version of the Jaecoo 7 — it’s positioned as the brand’s flagship, competing with the likes of the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, and even premium options like the Peugeot 5008.
Design
From the outside, the Jaecoo 8 makes a strong impression. Its bold front grille, muscular proportions, and sharp LED lighting give it an assertive stance. Compared with the Jaecoo 7, which has a sportier, more compact look, the Jaecoo 8 feels more imposing — exactly what you’d expect from a three-row SUV.
Inside, Jaecoo has gone all out with a premium finish. Buyers can expect leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and a dashboard dominated by dual-curved digital displays, with a massive 15.6-inch infotainment screen at the centre. Add to that a 14-speaker Sony sound system, and the Jaecoo 8 certainly makes its case as a tech-laden family SUV.
Seating and Practicality
One of the biggest differences between the two models is seating. While the Jaecoo 7 is strictly a five-seater, the Jaecoo 8 offers the choice of five or seven seats, making it a more flexible option for families. The extra wheelbase length means there’s significantly more legroom, along with a larger boot capacity when the third row is folded.
Powertrains
The Jaecoo 8 will be offered in both petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options.
-
The petrol version uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing around 261 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. This makes it one of the more powerful offerings in its class, especially compared with mid-range Korean and Japanese rivals.
-
The plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with an electric motor, delivering up to 395 kW (530+ bhp) and 650 Nm of torque in some export markets. That’s a huge figure for a family SUV and puts the Jaecoo 8 in the same league as some performance-oriented plug-in hybrids.
Both versions come with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the AWD models benefitting from advanced systems such as ARDIS intelligent torque management for off-road stability.
Technology and Safety
The Jaecoo 8 isn’t just about size and power. It also packs advanced safety and technology features that UK buyers will expect in a premium SUV. Highlights include:
-
CDC Adaptive Suspension for a smoother ride over varying road surfaces.
-
Dual 12.3-inch curved screens for driver information and infotainment, powered by a Snapdragon 8155 processor for quick response times.
-
Sony 14-speaker surround system for high-end audio quality.
-
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
-
Up to 10 airbags on higher trims.
These features put the Jaecoo 8 on par with many European rivals, while often undercutting them on price.
Jaecoo 7 vs Jaecoo 8: Key Differences
Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Jaecoo 7 | Jaecoo 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Timeline | UK launch in 2025 (early) | UK launch late 2025 / early 2026 |
| Body Class | Compact crossover (C-segment) | Mid-size crossover (D-segment) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 seats | 5 or 7 seats |
| Engine Options | 1.6-litre turbo petrol (~197 bhp), PHEV 1.5 | 2.0-litre turbo petrol (~261 bhp), PHEV with ~530 bhp |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch, DHT on PHEV | 7-speed DCT, 8-speed auto, or DHT on PHEV |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD with advanced ARDIS system |
| Horsepower/Torque | ~197 bhp / 275 Nm | ~261 bhp petrol; up to ~530 bhp hybrid |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch screen, wireless CarPlay | 15.6-inch display, dual screens, Sony audio |
| Safety | ADAS, 6 airbags | Enhanced ADAS, 10 airbags |
| Dimensions | ~4.5 m length, 2650 mm wheelbase | ~4.82 m length, 2820 mm wheelbase |
| Price (est. UK) | Up to ~£40,000 | Slightly higher, potentially £45,000+ |
Where Does the Jaecoo 8 Fit in the UK Market?
The UK SUV market is notoriously brand-loyal, with buyers often sticking to established names like Volkswagen, Kia, or Toyota. But the arrival of the Jaecoo 8 changes things. Here’s why:
-
Size for the money – A three-row SUV with this level of space and tech at under £50,000 is compelling.
-
Performance edge – The PHEV version’s huge power output will appeal to buyers who want both economy and punch.
-
Tech focus – The Jaecoo 8 offers equipment usually reserved for premium brands, such as adaptive suspension and dual curved displays.
-
Value positioning – Even with top-end features, Jaecoo is expected to undercut many rivals on price.
Should You Wait for the Jaecoo 8?
The Jaecoo 8 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new SUV launches in the UK for 2025. Offering seven-seat practicality, advanced tech, strong performance, and premium design, it represents a major step up from the already-impressive Jaecoo 7.
For UK buyers considering an SUV in the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Peugeot 5008 category, the Jaecoo 8 deserves serious attention. If Jaecoo keeps the pricing competitive, this flagship SUV could be the one that firmly establishes the brand as a household name in Britain.
