A new Chinese automotive brand, Jaecoo, is preparing to enter the market, aiming to compete with established names like Range Rover, Audi, and Mercedes. Jaecoo has already unveiled the J7 SUV and is now set to reveal the smaller J5 model.
Jaecoo’s sister brand, Omoda, which has launched in the UK with the Omoda 5, targets a more budget-friendly market, positioning itself against brands like Kia and Hyundai. Although Jaecoo has positioned itself as a competitor to high-end brands like Range Rover, the J5 is expected to be priced significantly lower than models like the Range Rover Evoque, with a starting price around £30,000.
The first look at the J5 comes from a design sketch shared by Jaecoo on social media. Unlike the boxy J7 and the retro-styled J6 (which hasn’t been confirmed for the UK), the J5 features a more streamlined design. The sketch suggests a sleek profile with a full-width LED light bar, an overhanging rear spoiler, a faux diffuser, and prominent wheel arches.
In terms of size, the J7 is comparable to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, while the J5 will likely compete with electric crossovers like the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1. Jaecoo has indicated that it plans to offer various powertrains based on customer demand, according to Victor Zhang, the company’s UK executive vice president.
A plug-in hybrid version of the J5 is anticipated, though details are not confirmed. It may use a similar setup to the J7, which features a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 197bhp and 290Nm of torque. Additionally, the all-electric J5 is expected to offer a range of around 250 miles, possibly using a 61kWh battery similar to that in the Omoda E5.
