The global stage belonged to JAECOO in Wuhu, China, as the brand unveiled the all-new J5 HEV at the OMODA & JAECOO International User Summit—an unveiling that signals far more than a model debut. It represents the latest stride in the marque’s rapidly expanding electrification journey, blending refined hybrid performance, forward-thinking engineering, and contemporary design into a compact SUV poised to reshape expectations in its segment.
Hybrid Innovation at the Core
Beneath the J5 HEV’s sleek, confident exterior lies JAECOO’s next-generation SHS hybrid system, a powertrain developed to deliver both energetic response and long-distance capability. This intelligent configuration merges seamless electric operation with petrol-driven range, creating a driving experience that is as refined in dense urban traffic as it is rewarding on open-road stretches.
The result is a hybrid SUV that accelerates from 0–100 km/h in a brisk 7.9 seconds, reaches a maximum speed of 175 km/h, and boasts an impressive driving range of more than 1,000 km on a single tank. Efficiency remains a standout feature, with the J5 HEV consuming just 5.3 L/100 km and emitting only 118.9 g/km of CO₂—figures that place it among the most frugal in its class.
The SHS system continuously adapts to changing driving conditions. Electric-like smoothness dominates most scenarios, with the petrol engine intervening only when needed. Drivers can tailor the experience further with easily selectable “Eco” and “Sport” modes, enabling them to prioritise low-consumption cruising or sharpened performance on demand.
Refinement Meets Everyday Comfort
Inside, the J5 HEV reinforces JAECOO’s reputation for crafting modern, comfortable, and technologically intuitive cabins. Every touchpoint, interface, and control is designed to create a sense of crafted precision.
Advanced NVH engineering forms the backbone of this refinement. Active noise reduction, laminated acoustic glass, and comprehensive sound insulation work together to deliver a calming, whisper-quiet cabin—regardless of what is happening beyond its doors.
A 13.2-inch central display anchors the dashboard with clarity and sophistication, supported by an ergonomic column-mounted shifter that enhances ease of use and frees up cabin space. The result is a driver-focused environment built for relaxed, intuitive interaction.
Confidence Through Advanced Safety
True to JAECOO’s philosophy, the J5 HEV pairs its hybrid innovation with a strong emphasis on safety. Twenty Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features form a protective suite around every drive, while robust battery protection technologies ensure both durability and peace of mind. Whether navigating city congestion or cruising long distances, occupants benefit from an elevated sense of security.
A New Chapter for JAECOO in South Africa
For South African consumers, the J5 HEV marks another milestone in the brand’s move toward accessible electrified mobility.
“Following the successful introduction of the J7 SHS and OMODA C9 SHS plug-in hybrids, the JAECOO J5 HEV represents the next step in expanding our electrified offerings,” says Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “With its blend of hybrid efficiency, smooth performance, and attainable pricing, it brings electrified mobility to a wider audience when it arrives in South Africa next year.”
Substantial local anticipation is already building, with further details on specifications and pricing set to be revealed ahead of the model’s 2026 launch.
The J5 HEV is more than a new addition to the showroom—it’s a confident declaration of where JAECOO is heading. Intelligent, efficient, and impressively refined, it stands as a compelling vision of hybrid mobility shaped for modern motorists.
