Test drive Jaecoo 7 PHEV: more powerful than the petrol version but just as well equipped and with a 0 emissions sticker

Jaecoo is not just another Chinese brand; it is one of those brands that have revolutionised the sector… and will continue to do so thanks to its newly launched plug-in hybrid.

Almost 5 months ago I had the chance to test its first model: the Jaecoo 7. And rather than arriving in Spain with a 100% electric range (as many brands are doing), they dared to go with a petrol model with a C label. And although the approach was excellent, for me it lacked a little more. Although only in terms of power, because in terms of quality it was more than adequate.

Extras you don’t have to pay for

This SUV measures 4.50 metres long, 1.86 m wide and 1.67 m high and has a robust appearance that holds its own against any European manufacturer with its design. It features a huge cascading grille with vertical lines and very distinctive full LED headlights. Unlike the petrol model, this one also incorporates specific side mouldings and a rear badge indicating that it is a plug-in hybrid, and on the side opposite the fuel tank there is an inlet for electric charging.

As for the interior, there is no complaint whatsoever, since the base model could be the premium trim of some other brands. It comes with synthetic leather upholstery as standard (choice of black or beige), a central screen of almost 15 inches, voice control, two-zone climate control and a 540º panoramic view camera, among many other features. The top-of-the-range version (Exclusive) adds a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate opening or a wireless phone charger.

Robust? Yes, but now also powerful

The chosen powertrain is much more powerful than the petrol version, with a combined output of 340 hp. To achieve this, there is an 18.3 kWh battery that allows up to 90 km in fully electric mode. In everyday terms, you could commute to work and back without spending a penny on petrol. By the way, it is curious that the petrol tank is larger in the plug-in hybrid version than in the petrol version: 60 litres vs. 51 litres. To charge this battery, you can do so with alternating current at 6.6 kW or with direct current at 40 kW (from 30 to 80% in just 20 minutes).

The engine is a 1.5T GDI DHE fifth generation unit, whose torque reaches a maximum of 525 Nm when combined with the electric motor. And the result? A car that can cover up to 1,200 km. But since on paper all cars are wonderful, the best thing is always to check it for yourself. And a few of us have already done so. Just a few weeks ago, they carried out a marathon from Madrid to A Coruña, with a return trip included, alongside several content creators. The objective was clear: to demonstrate that the 1,200 km they advertise are real. And they exceeded it, with more than 1,230 km covered without refuelling.

I was able to verify this on the roads of the Sierra de Madrid, on a route of about an hour and a half. Throughout the route I had the electric mode engaged (you can also choose hybrid) and my goal on this first contact was to achieve very good consumption and try not to use any petrol. I had a few kilometres to spare to do so, and as a result, an average of 0.8 litres/100 km of fuel. That is why the brand calls it a super hybrid.

The steering feel and driving dynamics of this car are quite pleasant, without overly intrusive assistance, which is not the case with the Omoda 5 (both belong to the same group). One point worth mentioning is the 18 driver assistance systems included as standard: blind spot detection, emergency braking or traffic jam assist are some of the ones I find most interesting. Another important detail is the boot, which has a capacity of 340 litres (up to 1,265 litres with the rear seats folded). The figure is not especially good, but it doesn’t feel that way when you open the tailgate, as it is quite spacious and luggage fits well.

Warranties beyond the car itself

The car itself is convincing… but if you add an almost unbeatable price and the coveted DGT 0 emissions sticker, you are almost completely won over. The Select version costs €40,900 and the Exclusive just two thousand euros more, at €42,900. These are the official retail prices without any discount, now that the future of the Plan MOVES is uncertain.

And to feel at ease and buy with confidence, Jaecoo offers a 7-year or 150,000 km warranty and more than 70 sales points (all of which are also workshops). This year the Chinese brand aims to reach 100 sales points spread across the whole of Spanish territory. As for spare parts, they have a warehouse on the outskirts of Madrid that ensures a 98% coverage, and they ship them in less than 24 hours.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadJaecoo 710 versions · from 32,900 €