Jaecoo J8 arrives in Australia

JAECOO has launched its J8 mid-sized SUV into the Australian market this week, the challenger to the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-60 priced from $49,990 drive-away.

The generously equipped Jaecoo J8 joins the J7 in local showrooms with what the Chinese importer says are “features and technologies typically reserved for premium vehicles”.

Characterised by the brand’s signature waterfall grille, projector style LED headlights, and signature rear light bar, the J8 rides on 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels (with matching spare wheel) and draws power from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 183kW/385Nm.

Front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available, both paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Jaecoo lists fuel consumption averages at 8.3 litres per 100km in two-wheel drive form and 8.6 litres per 100km when optioning all-wheel drive.

Inside, the cabin of the Jaecoo J8 is upholstered in synthetic leather, its dashboard dominated by dual 12.3-inch instrumentation and infotainment displays.

Infotainment highlights include a 14-speaker surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, proprietary satellite navigation, voice control, 360-degree camera technology, and selectable LED ambient cabin lighting.

Entry-level Track variants (from $49,990 d/a) further add heated and ventilated front seating with massage function, a powered tailgate, and second-row air-conditioning controls.

Stepping up to the all-wheel drive Ridge (from $54,990 d/a), we find adaptive damping, automatic parking function, heated and ventilated second-row seats, LED ambient cabin lighting, an in-built fragrance dispenser, rear privacy glass, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and suede headlining in black.

Paint colour choices including Arctic White, Carbon Black, Iridium Silver, and Ocean Blue.

Safety equipment highlights include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, driver monitoring, emergency lane keeping, lane departure prevention, tyre pressure monitoring, and eight airbags.

The flagship Ridge variant adds second row side airbags to the list for a total of 10.

As is the case with the J7, the Jaecoo J8 is warranted for eight years and unlimited kilometres, which includes up to eight years roadside assistance when the vehicle is maintained through the Jaecoo service network.

“We’re delighted to be launching the J8 to add to the Jaecoo brand line-up,” said Jaecoo Australia chief commercial officer Roy Munoz.

“This model combines premium design, refined performance and advanced technology, and we feel is perfectly suited to the Australian lifestyle with both two- and all-wheel drive capability, enabling customers to enjoy everything from city commutes to weekend getaways, all with comfort, confidence, and style.”

2025 Jaecoo J8 pricing*:

*National drive-away price.