Jaecoo has officially confirmed the specifications of its first local model, the Jaecoo J7 2WD, which is set to make its local debut at the start of May. The new adventure-skewed mid-size SUV brings with it an extensive list of features with which it hopes to tempt buyers away from Toyota, Hyundai and Mazda.
The premium spin-off of Chery, Jaecoo is one of many Chinese brands looking to make an impact in Australia during 2025 and capitalise on the growing demand for SUVs and plug-in hybrids.
So where exactly does the Jaecoo J7 fit in terms of the crowded mid-size SUV segment? Chery Motors Australia Head of PR, Tim Krieger, told carsales, “The positioning of the J7 is an adventure-orientated SUV – a car you can take on your everyday adventures, but also that you can take to your beach holiday or down to the snow.
“The design is very different from a Chery … the target audience is different, Chery is very much focused on families. Both young family, middle family, but very much a family audience.
“Whereas Jaecoo is more focused on, potentially, those young couples interested in the tech side and more design orientated.”
From launch the Jaecoo will be available in front-wheel drive turbocharged petrol form in two variants – Core and Track.
The Core comes standard with a 10.25-inch LCD driver instrument cluster, a 13.2-inch infotainment touch-screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, inbuilt GPS navigation, and ‘Hello Jaecoo’ intelligent voice command functionality.
Other features include synthetic leather seats, LED projector headlights with daytime running lights (DRLs), three selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport), 18-inch alloy wheels, seven airbags, and 17 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Jaecoo says it has tuned the ADAS for local conditions.
Move up to the Track variant and more premium features include a power-operated tailgate, front parking sensors, a 360-degree around-view monitor, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, an eight-speaker Sony sound system and colour-selectable ambient lighting for the dashboard and door panels.
Bold styling reminiscent of a Range Rover Evoque is sure to grab attention, as the J7 looks to make an impact on Australia’s crowded mid-size SUV market. Along with the large waterfall grille, slimline LED daytime running lights, and stacked LED headlights that combine to create a striking front profile, there’s an integrated rear lightbar featuring the ‘JAECOO’ name across the rear bumper.
Under the bonnet, the RAV4 rival gets a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine good for a claimed 137kW and 275Nm. It’s paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with average fuel consumption said to be 7.0L/100km.
Warranty and servicing costs are yet to be announced, with full details – including the unveiling of the broader Jaecoo dealer network – slated for April, when pre-orders will open before deliveries commence in May.
Jaecoo J7 Core standard features:
• 10.25-inch LCD driver instrument cluster
• 13.2-inch LCD infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Inbuilt GPS navigation
• Intelligent voice command (Hello Jaecoo)
• Synthetic leather seats
• 6-way power driver’s seat
• 4-way power front passenger seat
• Power retracting door handles
• LED headlights (projector type)
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
• 3 drive modes (Eco/Normal/Sport)
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 7 airbags
• 17 advanced driver aid systems
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with display
Jaecoo J7 Track adds:
• Power-operated tailgate
• Rear parking sensors
• 360-degree around-view monitor
• Driver knee airbag
• Heated front seats
• Illuminated vanity mirrors
• Colour selectable ambient lighting
• Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
• 8-speaker Sony sound system
• 12V power outlet (boot)
• 50W wireless phone charger
• Rain-sensing front wipers
• Acoustic glass windscreen
The Jaecoo J7 will be available in five colours: Arctic White, Forest Green, Lunar Silver, Ocean Blue, and Carbon Black.
Official pricing is yet to be announced but an indicative price guide of $35,000 to $40,000 drive away was flagged for the entry-level Core 2WD model.
An additional variant to the lineup, the Jaecoo J7 Ridge, as well as all-wheel drive and Plug-in Super Hybrid System (SHS) models, are expected to join the local lineup later this year, with further details to be released in March.