JAECOO Malaysia is officially previewing the JAECOO J8, the fourth model set to join the brand’s portfolio after the J7, J7 PHEV and the C9 by Jaecoo. The JAECOO J8 was first previewed at the Malaysia Auto Show in 2024.Now the D-segment SUV can be seen in full at the JAECOO J8 Preview Roadshow from 27 March to 31 March at the 1Utama Shopping Centre (GF Luxe).After that, the J8 Preview Roadshow will make its way to Queensbay Mall in Penang from 9 April to 13 April, and thereafter the Malaysian Autoshow from 8 May to 15 May 2025. Expect the official launch of this SUV to be soon after that folks.
I was at the media preview of the J8 SUV yesterday and it is an interesting vehicle. It somehow slots very slightly above the C9 SUV Coupe with some I would say, minor, differences. Firstly is the styling and overall concept of the cars – the J8 is a full sized SUV without a sloping rear end, meaning that the J8 can fit 6 people with a third row of seats and has better rear headroom as the roof stays upright until the tailgate. The C9 is a coupe SUV, so only has one row of rear seats and of course, no option for the 6 seater three rows you get in the J8 AWD. It also features seat massage features for the front and middle seats in the AWD variant. You cannot get that in the C9.
Of course, it is also the coupe vs normal SUV styling. So you have a choice there too and the overall styling.
As for the J8’s styling, I see a mix of European design cues all scrambled into one car. Quite a usual move when it comes to cars that have been designed in China. The J8 feels like it has the front grille of a Maybach or AMG Mercedes-Benz with the PanAmerica style grille, with lights from a Mercedes (or a Toyota Cross – go figure), the side profile of a Range Rover Sport and the rear end of the Audi Q7. The J8 is pleasant to the eye (not ugly) and this is with that familiar looks and styling put together into one.
As for the interior, all premium in feel and also the materials used. Nice to the touch with switchgear that operates like a Mercedes-Benz with suprisingly better tactile feel.
And the expected prices, which are value for money, with the J8 AWD 6-Seater SUV estimated to be priced around RM220,000, and the J8 2WD 5-seater variant estimated to be in the vicinity of RM195,000.
“Today, we are beyond excited to give Malaysia a preview of the JAECOO J8 premium off-road SUV. In keeping with our aim to deliver greater options to the Malaysian market, the J8 reinforces our commitment to delivering the perfect blend of style, premium comfort, and high-level performance, in an SUV. This new model continues to stay true to the JAECOO brand essence – ‘From Classic, Beyond Classic’. More importantly, the J8 is tailored to the uniqueness of the market here in Malaysia,” said Emily Lek, Vice President of JAECOO Malaysia.
Powering the JAECOO J8 is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection, inline-4-cylinder engine capable of producing 245bhp and 385Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to an 8-speed Automatic Transmission, twin exhaust pipes, and a 65L fuel tank capacity, the J8 offers high-level fuel efficiency and performance. The J8 has a commanding presence, measuring 1.71meters in height, 1.93meters in width, and 4.82meters in length, with a wheelbase of 2.82meters.
Two variants will be offered. The JAECOO J8 Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) will come with a five-seater configuration, while the All-Wheel Drive variant is a six-seater with individual ‘captain’ seats in the second row. The J8 has the usual JAECOO all terrain adaptability features to navigate urban and off-road terrains. This includes JAECOO’s Continuous Damping Control (CDC) technology integrated into the AWD variant’s suspension system. It also has a wading depth of 450mm that allows the SUV to have some off-road ability, very much in line with JAECOO’s premium off roader brand identity.
Both the J8 2WD and AWD have a boot capacity of 738L and 200L (due to the third row of seats), respectively. Inside the cabin, both variants feature a 12.3-inch media display, a 540-degree panoramic camera, and varying premium features exclusive to each variant.
The J8 2WD features a 12-speaker Sony sound system, six airbags, ambient lighting and faux leather upholstery.
The higher specced J8 AWD features a 14-speaker Sony sound system with headrest speakers, 10 airbags, power doors, and an automatic fragrance system. The SUV is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) which enables keyless entry. With greater consideration for drivers, the pilot seat is ventilated while driver visibility and safety are enhanced with a built-in digital video recorder (DVR) and auto park capabilities. For additional comfort, the front and second row seats are electric powered with an additional massage feature and curtain shades. The entire cabin is fitted with genuine leather upholstery and suede panel trimmings.
The 2WD variant is available in single-tone colour options, comprising Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Olive Grey. Meanwhile, the AWD variant is available in dual tones for the same colour options. Attainable luxury remains a consistent theme championed by JAECOO particularly with t
In an effort to showcase its cutting-edge technology, JAECOO integrated a section for visitors to learn more about its Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) technology at the first J8 Preview Roadshow in the 1Utama Shopping Complex. This comes in tandem with the successful launch of the J7 PHEV in February. An working battery pack is on display accompanied by product experts to provide the public with insights into JAECOO’s sophisticated Super Hybrid System.
For more details about JAECOO Malaysia, visit www.jaecoo.com.my
