The automotive brand Jaecoo is set to broaden its presence in the Australian market by doubling its product offerings with the upcoming launch of the 2025 J8, a large SUV. This new model will join the J7, which is already available to consumers. However, a key detail for the Australian release is that the J8 will initially be offered exclusively with a five-seat configuration, though this may change in the future.
In terms of market positioning, the 2025 Jaecoo J8 enters the competitive large SUV segment with an aggressive pricing strategy. The entry-level front-wheel-drive Track variant is priced from a compelling $49,990 drive-away. This figure positions the J8 attractively below several established competitors when their before-on-road costs are considered. For instance, the Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $53,000, the Kia Sorento from $50,880, the Mazda CX-80 from $55,200, the Nissan Pathfinder from $59,945, and the Toyota Kluger from $60,920, all before factoring in on-road expenses. For customers desiring enhanced traction and capability, Jaecoo offers the top-specification Ridge grade, which includes an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, priced from $54,990 drive-away. A significant differentiator for the J8 in the Australian market, when compared to these aforementioned rivals, is its current five-seat-only layout, as most competitors in this category offer a third row of seating.
It is worth noting that in overseas markets, the J8 is indeed available with a seven-seat option. This leaves the door open for Jaecoo Australia to potentially introduce a three-row version of the J8 at a later date, catering to larger families or those requiring more passenger capacity. For its initial launch, the J8 lineup will consist of these two grades, the Track and the Ridge. Both variants will be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, which produces a healthy 245 hp and 385 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, the front-wheel-drive Track model has a claimed consumption figure of 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres, while the all-wheel-drive Ridge variant is rated slightly higher at 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
Jaecoo has equipped the J8 generously, even in its base Track configuration. Standard features include a modern 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver, a premium 14-speaker sound system, comfortable leather seats, and front seats that are not only heated and cooled but also offer a massage function for enhanced comfort on long journeys. The exterior is adorned with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights for superior illumination, and a convenient powered tailgate. Infotainment duties are managed by a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display, which supports wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration, in addition to having built-in satellite navigation.
Safety has also been a clear focus for Jaecoo. The standard safety suite across both J8 models is comprehensive, featuring eight airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, adaptive cruise control for relaxed highway driving, autonomous emergency braking to help prevent or mitigate collisions, blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, a surround-view monitor for easier parking and maneuvering, and a driver monitoring system to ensure alertness.
Customers opting for the higher-grade Jaecoo J8 Ridge will benefit from several additional premium features. These include a sophisticated torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system for improved handling and traction, heated and cooled seats for the second-row passengers, enhancing comfort for all occupants. The Ridge also adds interior ambient lighting to create a more refined cabin atmosphere, rear privacy glass, an innovative in-cabin fragrance system, a luxurious suede headliner, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and the inclusion of specific second-row airbags, further bolstering passenger protection.
Reinforcing its commitment to quality and customer peace of mind, Jaecoo offers the J8, like all its new models sold in Australia, with an impressive eight-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The 2025 Jaecoo J8 is scheduled to go on sale in June 2025, and prospective buyers will have the opportunity to experience the vehicle firsthand with test drives becoming available from mid-May 2025.