The name Jaecoo is said to be derived from Jager, the German word for hunter, with a
reference, presumably, to a ‘leader of the pack’ empowering owners to thrive in a ‘wild
life’, as in an existential world in turmoil.
Since its debut in 2023 the Chinese brand, owned by Chery International, has expanded
globally on the back of product it says is built for ‘those who seek purpose, precision
and performance’. A long bow.
Behind the accelerated growth is the J5 EV, which has been a hit since landing Down
Under at the end of 2025. In May alone, 2126 units were registered making it the best-
selling electric small SUV, while the entire J5 range finished seventh for overall (2172
total) monthly sales.
June will also be the first full month of sale for the J5 petrol, which starts from just
$25,990 driveaway. The first 1000 customers ordering a J5 Track will also receive three
years’ free servicing.
The MY26 Jaecoo J5 stands as a single model, a compact but roomy EV, at $36,990
drive away, leading a line-up of main rivals including Chery E5, Leapmotor B10, MG S5
EV, plus Hyundai Inster.
The Jaecoo J5 car and battery are covered by an eight-year warranty, with the addition
of eight years roadside assistance.
STYLING
Designers have gone for the European look, to the extent of a clipped Range Rover-
type profile. Up front the Jaecoo’s signature waterfall grille leads into an elegant profile
set off by accented side mirrors and retractable flush door handles.
Exterior accoutrements include LED headlamps, rear spoiler and power tailgate, roof
rails, plus a sunroof with electric sunshade. The car rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels. Sadly,
absent is a spare wheel.
INTERIOR
Stepping inside, occupants are greeted by a light and airy atmosphere, unlike many of
its ilk, who present a cave of dark colours. The light-coloured synthetic leather (pet
friendly) seat trim here covers six-way powered, heated and ventilated front seats and
cargo cover.
Seats are broad and on the firm side but provide ample support up front, while running
short of knee room in the back. Storage up front is generous, with bins cup holders and
two pads for phones, one being a charger. The boot will hold 384 litres of gear and
there’s a cubby for 35 litres under the bonnet.
INFOTAINMENT
Centre of the dashboard is taken up by a 13.2-inch touchscreen that dwarfs the 8.88-
inch instrument panel. Standard technology includes wired and wireless Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto, AM/FM digital audio with eight speakers. Native satellite navigation
does not make an appearance.
When called upon, climate control air con did not always respond to the touch of the
screen, especially on the move, otherwise the system’s operation generally fell to hand
with familiarity.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The power plant is straight out of the petrol/electric hybrid playbook. An e-motor, putting
out 155kW and 288Nm, is driven by a 58.9kWh battery pack, sending the results to the
front wheels.
The series-parallel hybrid system adapts effortlessly, delivering power when needed
and efficiency when it matters most.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 13.9kWh per 100 kilometres for a range of 402
kilometres. The test vehicle came up with 15.1kWh per 100 kilometres in a week of
mixed driving.
SAFETY
A five-star ANCP crash rating is backed by multi-layered active safety, including regular
features such anti-skid braking, electronic stability program, electronic brakeforce
distribution, brake assist and hill descent control. .
Added to these is Advanced Driver Assist, which incorporates forward collision warning,
autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping and departure warning, adaptive cruise
control, speed limit info and driver monitoring. A super surround camera leads the way
for a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Passive safety is covered by eight airbags – driver and front passenger, front side (2),
side curtain (2), single front centre and driver’s knee.
DRIVING
The series parallel hybrid system is in step the average set-up, silent, swift acceleration
in full electric mode, switching to hybrid/petrol mode for long-range efficiency and quick
refueling. The series-parallel hybrid system adapts effortlessly, delivering power when
needed and efficiency when it matters most.
The ride in the test vehicle left a bit to be desired over uneven road surfaces, which let
loose some rattles in the back of the cargo area.
Charging the test car was straightforward enough, the Jaecoo J5 battery being topped
up from 67 to 98 per cent on a public fast charger with time for a flat white, fruit muffin
and a few laughs with friends. Cost was a tad over $16.
Closing down was not so clever, a rather flimsy powered open-and-shut flap on the test
car did not fit flush to the body and protested at human intervention, letting out a
warning until self-shut (sort of).
SUMMARY
Providing the buyer is not too discerning, the Jaecoo J5 fits the bill as a cheap city
runabout off a stall in the EV street market.
RATING
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 7
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 8
Value – 7
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Jaecoo J5 Hybrid EV $36,990 Note: The price is drive-away.
SPECIFICATIONS (Jaecoo J5 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, 1sp dedicated hybrid
transmission, FWD SUV)
ENGINE
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 105kW
Maximum torque: 215Nm
Fuel type: Premium unleaded petrol 91RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 1.0L/100km
CO2 emissions 31g/km
Fuel tank: 60L
Electric range: 90km
Electric energy consumption: 154kWh/km
Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum power 150kW
Maximum torque: 310Nm
Maximum voltage: 350V
Maximum current: 306A
DRIVELINE: 1 Speed Automatic Transmission (Reduction Gear), FWD
BATTERY: Lithium-ion Phosphate
Capacity: 18.3kWh
PERFORMANCE:
Driving range: 555km
Energy consumption: (claimed) 159Wh/km
CHARGING:
DC Fast Charge 30-80% (40kW Charger) Approx. 20m
AC Charge 25-100% (6.6kW Charger) Approx. 160min
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4500mm
Width: 1865mm
Height: 1680mm
Wheelbase: 2672mm:
Turning circle: 11.7m
Gross vehicle mass: 2210kg
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Eight years / unlimited kilometres
Eight years battery
