The Jaecoo 8, the latest seven-seat SUV from the rapidly growing Chinese brand, has undergone rigorous testing in the UK market.

Disrupting the Family SUV Market

Building on the success of the Jaecoo 7 – often dubbed the ‘Temu Range Rover’ – the Jaecoo 8 is designed to challenge established family SUVs. It’s available in six or seven-seat configurations, referred to by Jaecoo as ‘4+2’ or ‘5+2’ layouts.

The Jaecoo 8 directly targets popular models such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tayron, and Land Rover Defender, promising a compelling value proposition.

Interior and Technology

The six-seater prioritizes luxury, featuring captain seats with extensive adjustability, heating, ventilation, massage functions, and premium materials like eco-leather and a suede headliner. The seven-seater offers a more conventional arrangement while maintaining a high level of standard equipment.

Tech-Focused Cabin

Both versions are equipped with dual 12.3-inch screens, a head-up display, a 14-speaker Sony sound system, and intelligent voice command. Boot space is 110 litres with all seats up, expanding to 728 litres with the rearmost seats folded – exceeding the Hyundai Santa Fe’s capacity.

Design and Comfort

The exterior features Jaecoo’s signature waterfall grille, but with a more refined aesthetic than the Jaecoo 7. The design draws inspiration from the Audi Q7, moving away from the Range Rover Velar look.

Inside, soft-touch materials, faux wood trim, and artificial leather create a comfortable and upscale environment. Seats offer plushness and support, with a massage function for added relaxation.

Road Test and Performance

Freda Lewis-Stempel conducted a thorough test drive in Buckinghamshire and the West Wycombe Estate, evaluating the Jaecoo 8’s on and off-road performance.

The Jaecoo 8 aims for class-leading efficiency alongside its extensive features. While boot space with all seats in use is limited, the expanded cargo area with folded seats provides practicality.

A Bold Step for Jaecoo

The Jaecoo 8 represents a significant advancement for the Chinese brand, demonstrating its ambition to compete with established SUV manufacturers in the UK. The success of the Jaecoo 7 has set the stage for this new model, and the Jaecoo 8 is expected to continue the brand’s growth.

The key question remains whether Jaecoo can overcome potential perceptions surrounding Chinese car brands and convince buyers of its value proposition.