Jaecoo, a Chinese brand, is gearing up to compete against well-known brands such as Range Rover, Audi, and Mercedes. They have introduced the J7 SUV and are preparing to release the smaller J5 model. Jaecoo has singled out Range Rover as a direct competitor and aims to offer the J5 at a much lower price than the Evoque, with an estimated starting price of €35,000.
The initial glimpse of the J5 is revealed in a design sketch released by Jaecoo on social media. Unlike the boxy J7 and retro J6, the J5 showcases a sleeker profile aimed at making a statement in the small SUV market. Anticipated rear features include a full-width LED light bar, a protruding rear spoiler, a faux diffuser, and bold wheel arches.
The J7 is similar in size to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, while the J5 is expected to rival the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1 in the electric crossover segment. Jaecoo has expressed flexibility in powertrain choices, with UK executive vice president Victor Zhang emphasizing that it will be tailored to customer preferences.
There are expectations for a plug-in hybrid variation of the J5, but it is currently unknown if it will have the same configuration as the J7, which includes a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine coupled with two electric motors, providing a total output of 197 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. The fully electric J5 is anticipated to utilize the same 61 kWh battery found in the E5 model from Jaecoo's sister brand, Omoda, offering an estimated range of approximately 400 km.
