JAECOO 7 test drive: the Chinese SUV with 4x4 traction, attractive design and prices from €33,900 that makes life difficult for Europe

The Chinese brand JAECOO, a new proposition from the Chery group, has made its debut in the Spanish automotive market and promises to redefine the SUV segment with its model JAECOO 7. Chery, which arrived in Spain earlier this year under its OMODA brand, now takes a step further with JAECOO, a name that comes from combining the German word Jäger (hunter) with the term “Cool”.

The Jaecoo 7 is characterised by its eye-catching, robust design, similar to that of a Defender, with square and well-defined lines, 4.5 metres long, and versions with front-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive in its two engine options: petrol and plug-in hybrid (coming later).

Style and technology on board

The interior design of the Jaecoo 7 follows the same philosophy as its exterior: robustness and modernity. The petrol version offers a more practical design with metallic finishes, while the interior of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) leans towards elegance with a sophisticated touch, including a design with no gear lever on the centre console.

Engines and efficiency

The Jaecoo 7 offers two options in terms of engines. The entry version has a 1.6-litre petrol engine, direct injection and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox made by G-TRAC. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors that provide a combined output of 340 CV and 525 Nm of maximum torque. Its 18.3 kWh battery offers up to 90 kilometres of electric-only range and supports charging of up to 40 kW.

According to Chery, the fuel consumption of the plug-in hybrid model, once the battery is depleted, is just 6 litres per 100 km, which gives it a combined range of up to 1,200 km. The plug-in hybrid version, currently available only with front-wheel drive, will have a 4×4 version in 2025.

The Jaecoo 7 incorporates the ARDIS driving system (All Road Drive Intelligent System), designed to adapt the experience to different terrains and driving styles. The front-wheel-drive version offers Normal, Eco and Sport modes, while the 4×4 version adds options for Sand, Mud, Snow and Off-road, making it one of the most complete SUVs in terms of versatility and off-road capability.

JAECOO 7 4×4 Exclusive test drive

During our test, we had the opportunity to drive the 1.6 TGDi petrol model with 145 CV in its 4×4 configuration with the top-of-the-range 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 competitors. On the dashboard we found a 14.8-inch central screen in vertical layout with very good image quality, Sony audio, two-tone paint, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, panoramic roof and a 540-degree vision camera, ideal both for urban traffic and for adventures off the asphalt.

One of the great attractions of the Jaecoo 7 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 over-assisted: during the first phase of turning the wheel there is noticeable play until the wheels respond, something increasingly common in models that prioritise comfort over sportiness and precise feel. The 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 cabin at speed and details such as the double front windows provide an experience close to that of a premium car.

To begin with, it should be noted that it is an SUV, not an off-roader. Although it does not have specific tyres for difficult terrain, the Jaecoo 7 4×4 has proven capable of tackling steep gradients, fords and difficult ground without problems, all thanks to its good wheelbase, off-road performance that is hard to find among its main rivals. But all this also has its drawback: 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 chance 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, a change that translates into consumption that does not drop below 8 litres per 100 km.

Range and prices in Spain

The Jaecoo 7 range in Spain consists of two petrol versions, Select (4×2) and Exclusive (4×4), both with dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The 1.6-litre 145 CV Select model includes as standard a 13.2-inch HD multimedia screen, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and multiple driver assistance systems. The Exclusive version adds a 14.8-inch HD screen, Sony sound system, and comfort details such as ventilated seats, heated steering wheel and two-tone styling.

The plug-in hybrid option, available in the same trims, starts from €40,900 for the Select version and €42,900 for the Exclusive. With promotions and aid from the Plan Moves III, the starting price of the Jaecoo 7 Select PHEV can be reduced to as low as €28,900, with attractive financing options from €199 per month.

Jaecoo, with a 7-year or 150,000 km warranty and up to 7 years of roadside assistance, offers an interesting and disruptive proposition in the Spanish SUV market.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadJaecoo 710 versions · from 32,900 €