Jaecoo J5 launch imminent

NEXT UP in Omoda-Jaecoo’s product onslaught will be the Jaecoo J5, a small SUV expected to launch in Australia either in late 2025 or the first quarter of 2026 with two powertrains – one of them electric – and pricing likely to start around $30K.

According to Omoda-Jaecoo’s head of public relations Tim Krieger, the Australian J5 range will closely align with what has just gone on sale in UK, meaning a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine tied to a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox – the same drivetrain used in the larger J7 – as well as an electric version featuring a 61kWh LFP battery offering a WLTP range of around 400km, each with front-wheel drive.

Jaecoo also produces an AWD version of the petrol J5 which is not offered in the UK, but it could be a starter for Australia given the brand’s self-proclaimed ‘adventure’ focus…

The UK-market petrol J5 produces 108kW/275Nm – giving it a claimed 0-100km/h time of 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 182km/h – though these outputs may change for Australia, as they have with the J7.

The J5 EV produces 155kW, making it considerably faster in acceleration (0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds), countered by a leisurely 30-80 per cent charging time of 27 minutes. Maximum DC charge rate is 80kW. 

Visually, the electric J5 is clearly differentiated by its flush front-end styling with horizontal-strip lighting, whereas the petrol J5 bisects the same headlights with a large ‘waterfall’ grille, as per the J7. The electric and petrol J5s also feature unique front bumper designs to further delineate between which powertrain is under the bonnet.

Like the J7, styling cues are very much inspired by Range Rover Sport/Velar design, including the strip lighting band across the tailgate and the side shoulder treatment, though the J5 misses out on the J7’s Velar-like flush door handles (it gets regular grab handles) and its chequered lighting details.

Size wise, the J5 isn’t much smaller than the already-compact J7 medium SUV. The J5 measures 4380mm long (-120mm), 1860mm wide (-5mm), and 1650mm tall (-30mm), riding on a 2620mm wheelbase (-52mm).

Ground clearance is only 150mm, meaning the front-drive J5 is very a bitumen-focused SUV – unlike the more adventure-oriented J7 with its off-road-capable AWD version.

One area where the J5 appears to excel is boot space, offering 480 litres according to UK specifications, though this volume measurement may be to the roof. The Australian J7 offers 500-584 litres when measured to the roof, and 340-424 litres beneath the luggage cover, depending on drivetrain layout.

The J5 is offered in two trim levels with both powertrains in the UK.

The entry-level variant gets 18-inch alloys, independent rear suspension, three drive modes, adaptive cruise control, LED DRLs and LED taillights, halogen headlights, telescopic steering adjustment with faux-leather wheel rim, cloth upholstery, a six-way manual driver’s seat, 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen, 8.8-inch driver’s display, six-speaker audio, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ‘540-degree’ camera and auto-folding mirrors.

The flagship variant features a heated steering wheel, heated/cooled front seats, wireless phone charging, eight-speaker Sony audio, dual-zone climate control, electric tailgate and ‘load bearing’ luggage racks.

As for actual pricing and firm Australian arrival timing of the J5, Omoda-Jaecoo is remaining tight lipped for now.

“We need to make sure that there is a position for it in our product portfolio mix, therefore offering a step up from J5 into J7,” said Omoda-Jaecoo chief commercial officer Roy Munoz.

“So, we’re still looking into all of that, which is why we can’t confirm timing on any future models. We need to carefully consider that product walk.”

Since being launched in March, with deliveries starting in May, Australian Jaecoo sales have been reasonably strong.

The J7 has achieved 967 sales year-to-date, and in July alone shifted 334 units – putting it ahead of the MG HS (276 units), Honda ZR-V (305) and Volkswagen Tiguan (202), and just behind the Honda CR-V (372) and Chery Tiggo 7 (522), though way behind the Toyota RAV4 (4415).

The larger Jaecoo J8 achieved 100 sales in July 2025.