JAECOO 8; the Chinese luxury off-roader that will arrive in Spain with a plug-in hybrid version

JAECOO, the Chinese off-roader manufacturer that will arrive in Spain under the Chery group in 2024, has unveiled its second model worldwide at its global headquarters in Wuhu (Anhui, China): the JAECOO 8. A vehicle that aims to enter the luxury off-roader segment, with its modern design, luxury, comfort and a driving pleasure on all terrains that creates a unique experience.

It will reach the market in two engine versions, available in a petrol version and a plug-in hybrid variant. It has a body measuring 4,820 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width and 1,710 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, dimensions that give it the most spacious interior in its segment without compromising off-road capability.

New design language

The design of the new JAECOO 8 stands out for its minimalism. It is based on a new design language built around the idea of “drawing inspiration from the classics to go further”, which we appreciate through clean, pure and fluid lines, the broad bonnet and the rising waistline, which give it that off-road design.

The rear is defined by 3D-designed LED light clusters that run across the full width of the tailgate, along with pronounced volumes that improve aerodynamics and interior space, with a boot capacity of up to 2,021 litres.

An interior design that challenges limits

Inside is where we most clearly perceive the challenge to the luxury segment, with a first-class cabin. It features a curved, ultra-smooth central screen of 24.6 inches and faux wood trim. The TOM artisan finish, with the appearance of natural wood and a uniform texture, offers a highly refined look and feel.

The front-row seats offer multiple electric adjustments, heating, ventilation and massage, matching the interior upholstered in Nappa leather and a matt black headliner. It also features intelligent multi-zone climate control, a SONY surround sound system with 14 speakers, ambient lighting with a cascading rhythm of 255 colours, and many other technological functions.

Performance and petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains

It features the All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS) with up to seven driving modes, allowing both off-road driving experts and newcomers to handle any situation off the road with ease.

The initial JAECOO 8 line-up includes two powertrains: an advanced petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid PHEV version. The first features an efficient 2.0TGDI engine, capable of delivering 183 kW (249 CV) and a maximum torque of 385 Nm. This engine is paired with a 7-speed 7DCT dual-clutch transmission.

The PHEV version uses JAECOO’s third-generation hybrid off-road platform with the 1.5TGDI engine, which delivers a combined output of 445 kW (597 CV), with 915 Nm of torque and an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. This engine has been designed specifically for fifth-generation hybrids, offers the best thermal efficiency in its category (44.5%) and works together with two electric motors (one on each axle) and the three-speed DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission).