JaecooJaecoo 8 SHS

The Jaecoo 8 SHS (from £45,500) is a plug-in hybrid SUV from Jaecoo. It offers a claimed range of 83 mi electric · 700 mi total, 428 hp, 0–62 mph in 5.8 s and 7 seats.

The Jaecoo 8 is the brand’s flagship: a large seven-seat SUV with all-wheel drive and a powerful plug-in hybrid system. It comes in two forms – the seven-seat Luxury at £45,500 and the six-seat Executive at £47,500, which swaps the middle bench for two captain’s chairs.

Battery, range and charging

A battery of around 34 kWh gives up to 83 miles of electric range, one of the longest of any plug-in SUV in the UK, and Jaecoo quotes a total range of more than 700 miles with a full 70-litre fuel tank. DC rapid charging peaks at 70 kW, with 20–80% taking about 30 minutes; a home wallbox needs about five and a half hours. Parkers lists 50.5 mpg and a 7% benefit-in-kind rate.

Performance and driving

The 1.5-litre turbo engine works with a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and electric motors front and rear to produce 428 PS and 580 Nm. That gives 0–62 mph in 5.8 seconds and a 112 mph top speed. Adaptive CDC dampers come as standard, along with a lockable differential and 550 mm wading depth. It feels EV-smooth most of the time, but reviewers say it wallows on uneven roads and the steering lacks feel.

Interior and space

At 4,820 mm long, the Jaecoo 8 has 738 litres of boot space with the third row folded and 2,021 litres with only the front seats in use. The third row is the weak point: it is cramped, with little headroom, and suits children rather than adults. Up front, the cabin feels plush, with ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a cooled armrest and a 14-speaker Sony system with headrest speakers.

Technology and safety

A wide panel joins a 12.3-inch instrument display to the central touchscreen, with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, 50 W wireless charging, over-the-air updates and a 540-degree camera with a transparent-chassis view. The Executive adds a heated steering wheel, suede headlining and second-row blinds. Physical controls are scarce, which reviewers dislike.

Who is it for?

Families who mainly need five seats plus occasional extra ones, and want long electric range and strong performance for less than premium-brand money. Rivals include the Skoda Kodiaq iV, Kia Sorento PHEV and Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid.