Jaecoo has confirmed it will introduce a new seven-seat version of its J8 SUV in Australia, equipped with the brand’s Super Hybrid System (SHS) and delivering nearly 400kW of power. Due to arrive in the third quarter of 2026, the J8 SHS will broaden the brand’s local offering by adding a three-row option to the existing petrol-powered lineup.
While Australian specifications are yet to be detailed, international figures suggest the plug-in hybrid system will produce 395kW and 650Nm from a 1.5L turbocharged engine paired with three electric motors. The setup is shared with the Omoda 9, positioning the J8 SHS among the most powerful SUVs in its segment, particularly when considering its expected price point.
Jaecoo Australia chief commercial officer Roy Munoz said, “Our customers have been asking for a seven-seat SUV and we’re more than happy to meet their demands with the compelling J8 SHS.”
+2 Photos
Pricing and availability
The Jaecoo J8 SHS is scheduled to go on sale in Australia in Q3 2026, with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch. However, it is expected to sit between the current J8 Summit, priced from $54,990 drive-away, and the Omoda 9, which starts from $61,990 plus on-road costs.
If Jaecoo manages to position the J8 SHS below $60,000 before on-road costs, it could become one of the strongest contenders in the power-per-dollar stakes, undercutting rivals and sitting just behind the most aggressive performers in the segment.
Plug-in hybrid performance and range
The J8 SHS is expected to share much of its electrified hardware with the Omoda 9, including a 34kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. This setup delivers a claimed electric-only driving range of up to 145km (WLTP), making it a practical option for daily commuting without relying heavily on petrol power.
Charging capabilities are also likely to mirror its sibling, with a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 70kW. This enables a 30 to 80 per cent recharge in around 35 minutes, while a 6.6kW AC wall charger can replenish the battery from 30 to 100 per cent in approximately 5.5 hours.
Familiar platform with added practicality
Visually and mechanically, the J8 SHS is closely related to other models within the Chery Group portfolio, including Omoda and Chery vehicles. However, the key distinction lies in its added third row, making it a more family-focused offering compared to the five-seat Omoda 9.
Early images suggest the interior will largely carry over from the existing petrol-powered J8, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, and leather-like trim materials.
Trim levels and features
Final trim details have yet to be announced, though the current petrol J8 is offered in Track and Summit variants. These grades differ in equipment levels, with the Summit adding features such as a sunroof, upgraded interior finishes, and all-wheel drive over the base front-wheel-drive configuration.
It remains to be seen how Jaecoo will structure the SHS range, though electrified variants may adopt a simplified lineup or introduce new naming conventions.
A strategic expansion for Jaecoo
The introduction of the J8 SHS aligns with the broader strategy of the Chery Group, which positions its brands across distinct segments. Chery serves as the entry-level offering, Omoda targets urban buyers with modern styling, and Jaecoo is pitched as a more rugged, premium-focused alternative.
With strong performance figures, a usable electric driving range, and the added practicality of seven seats, the Jaecoo J8 SHS is shaping up as a compelling new entrant in Australia’s growing plug-in hybrid SUV market.
Further details, including full specifications and confirmed pricing, are expected closer to its launch in the second half of 2026.
Comments
New Comment