Jaecoo is expanding its lineup with the launch of the 8, its largest and most luxurious SUV yet. Priced from £45,500, the plug-in hybrid model will be available in the UK starting in May, building on the success of the brand’s existing 5 and 7 models. This move signals Jaecoo’s ambition to compete in a higher segment of the automotive market.
Powertrain and Performance
The Jaecoo 8 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a three-speed automatic gearbox, delivering a combined output of 422bhp and 427lb ft of torque. This configuration allows for a rapid 0-62mph acceleration time of just 5.8 seconds — comparable to the performance of a Volkswagen Golf GTI. The hybrid system combines a long total range of over 700 miles with an all-electric range of 83 miles. DC fast-charging capabilities allow for a 30-80% charge in approximately 20 minutes.
Notably, Jaecoo has no current plans to offer a fully electric or a lower-spec petrol variant (with a 2.0-litre engine available elsewhere) in the UK. The focus remains on the plug-in hybrid setup.
Interior and Trim Levels
The Jaecoo 8 will be offered in two trims: Luxury (£45,500) and Executive (£47,500). The Luxury trim features seven seats, making it the first Jaecoo model in the UK to offer a three-row layout. The Executive trim offers six seats with captain’s chairs upholstered in Nappa leather.
Both trims come standard with dual 12.3-inch displays, a Sony 14-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. These features position the 8 as a competitively equipped SUV in its price range.
Strategic Expansion
According to industry sources, Jaecoo’s decision to introduce the 8 is not intended to move the brand away from its value-focused roots but rather to broaden its product range in response to customer demand. The company is effectively catering to buyers seeking a larger, more premium SUV option while maintaining its existing offerings.
The Jaecoo 8 represents a calculated step towards expanding the brand’s reach in the UK market, combining performance, luxury, and practicality in a competitive package.
