Jaecoo has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the very important SUV segment in Spain and now that it has made its virtues known, it is expanding its range with the most ambitious model to date, the Jaecoo 8.
To put ourselves in perspective, we are looking at the cousin-brother of the Omoda 9 and the Ebro S900, the standard bearers of both brands. We are talking about a 4.8 meter SUV, with a high-power plug-in hybrid drivetrain, more than enough electric range for any daily use and very complete equipment... at a more than reasonable price for what it offers. In the case of our unit, 55,750 euros.
The best of the Jaecoo 8 is where you least expect it
Unlike Omoda, its sister brand, the Jaecoo 8 offers an above all resounding design. Its high front and vertical image by the grille with Jeep-type columns gives it a lot of presence on the road (and also anticipates a fairly high driving position). The side view accentuates its length, although in this area we like more how Omoda resolves the C-pillar area in its 9. The rear is elegant and with a modern touch that, together, makes the Jaecoo 8 have a 'good look'.
If we go inside... things get even better. Not so much because of the graphic presence of its two screens (both 12.3 inches and, again, with a lot of wasted surface with the digits being too small, especially in the clock box) as because of the solid presence of its dashboard.
An area of the car that, as also happened in the Omoda, reminds us a lot of the Mercedes-Benz of not so many years ago and that, at that time, we praised for its feel and fit. It is true that years have passed but... the qualities have not been what has improved the most in the interiors of the most modern cars, precisely. So we have to say that the interior, with soft plastics in most parts, as well as details that imitate chrome on the vents, is the best thing about the Jaecoo 8, without a doubt.
Because, in addition, it is accompanied by very comfortable seats and a convincing feel (it is Napa leather). On top of that, the space in the rear seats is enormous, both for knees and head. It is true that we can play with the sliding rear bench, but even in a forward or intermediate position an adult of good height will be comfortable (care has even been taken to ensure that there is good space under the front bench seats for the rear passenger's feet).
Another quite different story is the two seats in the third row, which fold to leave an almost flat space when not occupied (enabling a 738-liter trunk). But when you have to pull them... it better be to accommodate children. Because they are not easily accessible (it is better to do so on the passenger side, where the third of the rear bench in that area has a handle that allows the seat to be moved forward and the backrest to move forward to make it easier – so to speak – to 'jump' back, something that does not happen on the other side) and once there, there is very little headroom. In fact, the undersigned, with his average height of 1.75, was already touching his head to the recess in the ceiling that we found in that area.
In return, there is plenty of room to leave objects, especially in the front, with a central heated glove box and a large flat surface under the two wireless chargers for the mobile phone (one of them refrigerated), as well as generous pockets in the doors. Something that is always appreciated.
We drove 150 km without using a drop of gasoline
The Jaecoo 8 is only offered with a plug-in hybrid engine that offers invaluable versatility of use. Because its 34.4 kWh battery gives us a more than outstanding electric range. We achieved, without obsessing about efficiency but also without picking up the pace, 150 kilometers comfortably. More than enough for the most intensive daily use that we can do. Afterwards, we have 1,000 kilometers left – theoretical – with the gasoline tank (a generous 70 liters).
During our test days, when the battery was no longer playing as the main element (the Jaecoo always keeps an electrical remainder to continue operating as a hybrid), we managed to continue achieving good consumption, around 6 liters on urban and extra-urban routes.
The Jaecoo 8 is a car that moves better than its volume suggests. Its combined 428 horsepower (from a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine and three electric motors) may not seem like too much considering how overpowered many electrified models are, but when running, the hybrid system allows the Chinese SUV to move with as much solvency… as it does smoothly.
Because if the Jaecoo 8 stands out for something, it is because of its silk feel. Of course, with electric propulsion it comes standard, but also with the HEV mode (hybrid, which can be operated manually or is activated when the battery range drops below 25 kilometers) it maintains running silence and a homogeneous thrust that maintains the level of when the car moves only with electricity.
Furthermore, in these cases the hybrid system continues to provide solvent performance. It doesn't happen like in other Chinese SUVs (which prefer extended autonomy to the PHEV) that it seems like we have another car with less power, but here we have enough thrust at all times.
Dynamically we cannot ask for too much beyond maximum comfort. Its suspensions are soft and respond well in potholes or speed bumps, but at high speeds and in curves with strong support its weaknesses come to light. In general, Chinese manufacturers still have a way to go in terms of poise... and the Jaecoo 8 is no exception. Although, since the car is not made for that.
It is also not very designed for rolling in the countryside, but it has some tools to do so. For example, the rear differential lock (up to 30 km/h makes the rear wheels rotate in solidarity even if there are differences in grip) or the sand, snow or off-road modes of the traction control.
We must make a note about recharging, because if – as is foreseeable – we are going to mainly use the domestic one, it will not be a problem that the car does not accept more than 3 kW... at least that is what happened to us with our 11 kW charger. Although the car charger had to accept up to 6.6 according to the specifications, whenever we plugged it in it stayed below three. Which, under normal conditions, will be the most we will get at home.
It has practically everything... and that is one of its biggest arguments
What we are going to tell you in conclusion will not surprise you, because the Jaecoo 8 comes... with everything in terms of equipment (as is typical in the Chinese models at the top of their ranges).
In fact, it is only sold in one version, the Executive, which comes with everything as standard (the only detail to choose from is the brown upholstery instead of black): 20" wheels, leather upholstery (the seats are electric, heated and with massage), electric and heated steering wheel, electric tailgate, keyless access and with a mobile phone, panoramic roof, navigator... come on, nothing is missing.
