JAECOO 7 test drive: 4x4 traction, attractive design and a price of €33,000 to compete with the biggest names

The brand JAECOO, part of the Chery group, celebrates its first year in Spain after its arrival in 2024, and it does so with a strong calling card: the new JAECOO 7. This SUV, with its robust design and premium aspirations, arrives to position itself as a different alternative in a saturated segment, yet one where there is still room for products that combine character and technology.

The name is already a statement of intent. It comes from combining the German word Jäger (hunter) with “Cool”, a mix that reflects its philosophy: vehicles with an adventurous spirit, but with style. After the success of OMODA, its sister brand within the group, JAECOO arrived to show that China’s offensive is not only a matter of price, but also of design and technological ambition.

A design that feels familiar…

The JAECOO 7 hits the market with an eye-catching style, with square lines and sturdy proportions that inevitably recall the Defender. Its 4.5 metres of length place it in the heart of the segment, but its look conveys the sense of a car with greater presence. The longer rear and a powerful front with a closed grille give it a distinguished air that reinforces its SUV character, while also recalling a British model in its boxy shapes.

Inside, the approach is clear: minimalism and quality. The materials are solid and pleasant to the touch, with a design that varies depending on the version. The petrol model focuses on practicality with metallic details, while the plug-in hybrid offers a more sophisticated atmosphere, with a clean centre console without a gear lever and more refined finishes.
Among its highlights is the generous

panoramic sunroof

of 1.1 m², which enhances the feeling of space in both rows. The dual digital screen is also striking: a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a large vertical central screen, 14.8 inches in the Exclusive version and 13.2 in the Select. From there you control the car’s entire technological ecosystem: infotainment, climate control, driver assistance and the 540º HD camera. Connectivity is ensured with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and USB-C ports, while the Qualcomm 8155 processor guarantees smoothness and speed. The boot offers 424 litres of capacity, expandable to 1,349 with the rear seats folded down.

Engines for every taste

The

mechanical

range starts with the 1.6 TGDi engine producing 145 CV, paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox with dual clutch developed by G-TRAC. A balanced option focused on efficiency, which can be combined with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The big news, however, is the

plug-in

hybrid version. This PHEV combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors delivering 340 CV and a maximum torque of 525 Nm. Its battery of 18.3 kWh offers up to 90 kilometres of electric range and supports fast charging of up to 40 kW. Once the battery is depleted, average consumption sits at just 6 litres per 100 km, allowing it to cover up to 1,200 kilometres on a single tank. For now it is only available with front-wheel drive, but the 4×4 version is confirmed for 2025.

An SUV with the soul of an all-terrain vehicle

Beyond its engines, the JAECOO 7 stands out with the ARDIS system, an intelligent traction control that adapts the car’s behaviour to each terrain. The front-wheel-drive versions include Normal, Eco and Sport modes, while the all-wheel-drive configurations add Sand, Mud, Snow and Off-road. It is not a pure off-roader, but in our tests it proved capable of tackling slopes, fords and difficult terrain with a competence that not all SUVs in its segment can match.

Behind the wheel of the JAECOO 7 4×4

During our test, we had the chance to drive the 1.6 TGDi petrol model with 145 CV in its 4×4 configuration with the top-spec Exclusive trim. This version has a price of €37,900, which may seem a little high, but the Jaecoo 7 offers a level of equipment that is hard to find among its main rivals. On the dashboard we found a 14.8-inch central screen in vertical orientation with very good image quality, Sony audio, two-tone paint, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof and a 540-degree view camera, ideal both for urban traffic and for adventures off the tarmac.

One of the Jaecoo 7’s great attractions is its balance between quality, equipment and price, undoubtedly a balance that is hard to find in its segment. It is a spacious, comfortable vehicle designed for family trips. As for the steering, it is too assisted: during the first phase of turning the wheel there is a clear sense of slack until the wheels respond, something increasingly noticeable in models that favour comfort over sportiness and precise feel. Sport mode does not manage to change this sensation either, which makes the Jaecoo 7 a SUV better suited to calm, relaxed driving. However, the quiet ride and details such as the double front windows deliver an experience close to a premium-brand car.

To start with, it should be noted that it is an SUV, not an off-roader. Despite not having tyres specifically designed for difficult terrain, the Jaecoo 7 4×4 proved capable of tackling steep gradients, fords and rough ground without trouble, thanks to its good wheelbase, an off-road performance that is hard to find among its main rivals. But all of this also has its downside: consumption. It is true that the test was carried out on sand and mud sections, uphill climbs and several obstacles along the way, but we also had the opportunity to try it on the road. Its 1.6-litre engine seeks greater efficiency to avoid European fines, which is why its power has been reduced by up to 40 CV, something that translates into consumption figures that do not drop below 8 litres per 100 km.

Range and prices in Spain

• Jaecoo 7 1.6 TGDi Select 4×2 – from €33,900

• Jaecoo 7 1.6 TGDi Exclusive 4×4 – from €37,900

• Jaecoo 7 PHEV Select 4×2 – from €40,900

• Jaecoo 7 PHEV Exclusive 4×2 – from €42,900

With the aid of the MOVES III Plan, the price of the PHEV can be reduced to €28,900 and financed from €199 per month. All models also come with a 7-year warranty or 150,000 km and the same roadside assistance cover, so it is certainly worth thinking about…

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadJaecoo 710 versions · from 32,900 €