The Jaecoo 5 (also known as the Jaecoo J5) is a brand-new B-segment crossover SUV from Chery’s Jaecoo sub-brand, set to debut in the UK in late 2025. Positioned below the larger Jaecoo J7 in the lineup, the J5 is a compact, tech-rich SUV that promises premium features at a budget-friendly price. It offers a tall, boxy “mini-Evoque” silhouette – complete with slim rectangular LED headlights and a vertical-slat grille – giving it a Range Rover–inspired look on a smaller scale. Jaecoo UK has confirmed that the J5 will arrive in “Pure” and “Luxury” trims, with prices starting from just £24,505 for the entry-level petrol model. This launch builds on the success of the Jaecoo 7 (now approaching 8,400 UK sales this year) and marks Jaecoo’s second UK model. An all-electric version (marketed in Europe as the Jaecoo E5) will follow, making the J5/E5 the brand’s first EV offering in the UK.
As a modern crossover, the J5 packs a surprising amount of tech and convenience features for its price. It comes standard with a 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system and an 8-inch digital driver display, both of which support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other high-tech kit includes a 540° surround-view camera, a panoramic 1.45 m² glass sunroof (the largest in its class), eight-speaker Sony audio, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of ADAS features (including AEB and lane-keep assist). Unusually for this segment, the J5 even offers a “Pet Mode” and pet-friendly interior fabrics (with TÜV-certified antimicrobial materials) to keep four-legged passengers safe and comfortable. All models come with a long 7-year/100,000-mile warranty and UK-tuned suspension (MacPherson front struts and a rear multi-link setup) for refined handling.
Styling and Interior
The Jaecoo 5’s exterior design is bold and modern. Its face is dominated by a large vertical-slat grille and thin daytime running light strips that extend into the fenders. From the side, it has a floating roof effect and an upright C-pillar, with 18-inch alloy wheels (235/55 R18 tyres) giving it a planted stance. Jaecoo’s designers have emphasized a rugged, square-cut look reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque and the larger Jaecoo J7, but on a slightly smaller footprint. Notable design details include flush door handles (vs. the J7’s chunky handles), and two-tone paint options. The result is a handsome, upmarket appearance that belies its sub-£25k entry price.
Inside, the J5 cabin is minimalist and tech-focused. A portrait-oriented 13.2″ touchscreen dominates the center stack, with very few physical buttons. The instrument panel is fully digital (8.0″), flowing seamlessly into the dash in a tablet-like configuration. Jaecoo UK also includes its “Hi JAECOO” voice assistant for hands-free control. Many upscale touches are standard: dual-zone climate control, a large panoramic roof (1.45 m²), wireless charging, ambient lighting, and ample storage cubbies. Rear headroom and legroom are generous, aided by the 2,620 mm wheelbase, and the second-row seat is a wide 1.492 m to comfortably fit three passengers. Quality of materials appears premium on paper: higher trims use faux-leather upholstery, soft-touch plastics, and padded armrests throughout. Jaecoo even offers built-in features like an in-car karaoke system and detachable camping light, emphasizing the J5’s “lifestyle” focus.
In practical terms, the J5 serves 480 L of boot space with the 60/40 rear seats up, expanding to 1,180 L with them folded. That’s competitive in the class (for comparison, a Honda HR-V has roughly 470 L). The dashboard also hides a handy under-console bin (shifting the gear lever to the steering column frees up space). For urban drivers, Jaecoo has made parking easy: alongside the 540° camera, the Pure trim includes wireless Android Auto/CarPlay and a six-speaker Sony stereo, while the Luxury trim (from £28,000) adds a panoramic roof, wireless phone charging, heated/ventilated front seats, and extra speakers. In short, the J5’s design and interior give a premium feel that belies its affordable price.
Powertrain and Performance
The Jaecoo J5 is available with two main powertrains. In the UK, the petrol model will use a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing about 147 PS (145 hp) and 275 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (no manual option), sending power to the front wheels. Performance is modest but adequate: 0–100 km/h in roughly 9.5 seconds. Official fuel consumption is not yet published for the UK, but in Malaysia the 1.5T version returned about 7.5 L/100 km (WLTC), suggesting similar efficiency for the 1.6T. The chassis is tuned for UK roads, with a torsion-beam rear replaced by a more sophisticated multi-link setup (unusual in the B-SUV class) for improved ride quality.
For the electric variant (launched in the UK as the Jaecoo E5), Jaecoo has specified a single front-mounted motor with 211 PS (208 bhp) and 288 Nm torque. The E5 uses a 61.1 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, yielding an estimated WLTP range of about 400 km (approximately 248 miles). Charging at up to 80 kW DC means a 30–80% charge in roughly 27 minutes. Importantly, the E5 includes a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) outlet to power external devices, and even a special “Pet Mode” that keeps the cabin cool if you leave pets inside. Jaecoo quotes a 0–100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds for the EV, reflecting peppy electric torque.
A hybrid version? Though Jaecoo has not confirmed a hybrid, the brand’s global boss has hinted at a J5 hybrid in the future. This “Super Hybrid” system (seen in other Jaecoo/Chery models) would likely pair a small battery and electric motor to improve efficiency. For now, UK buyers can choose between the 1.6T petrol J5 or the fully-electric E5.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The J5 is priced very competitively for a feature-packed SUV. In the UK:
- Jaecoo 5 Pure (Petrol) – from £24,505. This entry trim includes dual-layer insulated glass, a 6-speaker Sony audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, 540° parking cameras, and level-2 ADAS (AEB, lane-keep, etc.).
- Jaecoo 5 Luxury (Petrol) – from £28,000. Adds an electric panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats with 6-way electric adjustment, an 8-speaker Sony system, ambient lighting, and a cooled front console box.
The electric Jaecoo E5 (J5 EV) is slightly higher in price: £27,505 for the Pure EV, and £30,505 for the Luxury EV. This is still very competitive for an EV crossover of its size. The Luxury E5 adds a wireless charging pad and ambient lighting to the petrol Luxury spec. All J5/E5 models include a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty (with no first-3-year mileage cap) and three years of RAC Home Start coverage.
How It Stacks Up: Competitors and Comparisons
At its price and size, the Jaecoo 5 competes with a mix of European, Japanese, and other new Chinese models. Key rivals include the Ford Puma, Toyota Yaris Cross, Honda HR-V, and Skoda Kamiq/VW T-Cross – all B-segment crossovers with starting prices in the mid-£20k range. The J5’s unique selling points are its styling (evocative of a Range Rover Evoque), its abundant standard equipment, and the forthcoming electric version.
For perspective, compare:
- Ford Puma – A sporty B-SUV, but in base spec lacks many high-end gadgets. A new Puma (Petrol) starts around £26k, and the hybrid version about £29k.
- Toyota Yaris Cross – Available as a small hybrid, starting around £25k. Offers Toyota reliability, but more modest boot space (~320 L) and less power (116 hp).
- Honda HR-V – Another 5-seat family SUV, starting ~£25k. It’s larger inside (boot ~470 L) and only offered with a hybrid powertrain in Europe, but also heavier and more expensive when well-equipped.
- Skoda Kamiq/VW T-Cross – Compact city SUVs from VW Group, starting in the mid-£20s. Well-built interiors but less tech by default, and no EV variants in this size.
- MG ZS EV – A Chinese-built small EV SUV, about £27k starting with incentives. The ZS EV has similar range (~262 mi WLTP) but fewer high-tech features and lower trim materials.
In short, the J5 offers a lot of car for the money. Many reviewers describe it as offering “Range Rover vibes on a budget” and highlight its ability to rival more expensive European SUVs at a fraction of the cost.
Launch and Global Markets
Jaecoo is a relatively new brand (spun off from Chery along with sister brand Omoda), so the J5 also represents Chery’s broader global push. In Europe, the Jaecoo 5 made its debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it was shown in the “First Glance” paddock and even driven up the hillclimb by female racing drivers. UK dealers will begin deliveries in October 2025. Jaecoo already has over 75 dealers (operated under the combined Omoda & Jaecoo network), and has hinted at further press events soon.
Elsewhere in the world, the Jaecoo J5 is already rolling out. It was previewed in Malaysia in August 2025, where local assembly (CKD) is planned, and priced around RM120,000 (≈£23,000) for the 1.5T petrol model. In Southeast Asia, the J5 has also launched as an EV in Indonesia and Thailand, with range up to 470 km in Thailand. In Australia, Jaecoo’s global boss says the J5 (and its hybrid offshoot) will be added to the lineup, targeting entry into the top-10 automakers within two years. Even in the Middle East, the J5 made a splash: Chery held a Dubai launch event for the J5 in early 2025.
In sum, the J5/E5 is effectively a global model. Its arrival in the UK marks Jaecoo’s first European EV, and its first Chinese compact EV crossover on this continent. Locally, it complements the Jaecoo 7 (a mid-size SUV) and expands Chery’s presence. Features like the karaoke system, pet accessories, and affordable pricing are all part of this “lifestyle” pitch aimed at younger buyers.
Consumer Takeaways and Impact
For UK motorists, the Jaecoo J5 offers an interesting alternative in the crowded small-SUV market. Its compact size (about 4.38 m long) makes it easy to park in town, yet its upright cabin gives excellent visibility. The generous equipment means drivers get modern conveniences (big screen, cameras, ADAS) without the need to pay extra. The pure petrol model will appeal to buyers who want a conventional crossover at the lowest price. Those considering an EV will note that the E5’s 400 km (WLTP) range and 7.7 s sprint time are quite respectable for its class, and the 30–80% charge in ~27 min is competitive.
Fuel and running costs: The 1.6T petrol engine is rated around 7.0–7.5 L/100 km, which is on par with many 1.5–1.6 L crossovers. The EV E5, with its LFP battery, should see gradual capacity loss and avoids cobalt, though it relies on the growing network of 100 kW+ chargers for optimal use. Jaecoo E5’s V2L feature can even power gear (camping lights, fridges) from its battery, a nice bonus for outdoor users.
Safety and comfort: So far there are no official Euro NCAP results for the J5, but Jaecoo promises 19 active safety systems and 540° cameras as standard. The build quality and ride comfort will be proven over time, but early reviews note the well-damped multi-link rear and cabin comfort as strengths. The extensive warranty should reassure buyers used to long guarantees on rival brands.
Brand perception: One challenge will be convincing buyers that a Chinese marque can deliver reliability and dealer support. Jaecoo’s UK leadership is playing up its UK R&D tuning and Goodwood debut to build credibility. Having the backing of an established network (Jaecoo dealers often co-located with more familiar brands like MG or Lexus) also helps.
For private buyers, the J5/E5 may be particularly attractive to young families or first-time SUV owners. It offers an easy-to-drive high-riding position, generous space (five adults and luggage will fit), and a fresh design that stands out from the pack. Motorists who frequently carry pets or camping gear will appreciate the built-in pet and outdoor accessory package. And because it’s a small SUV, it should handle narrow UK streets and tight parking spots with ease, aided by its all-round cameras and sensors.
Finally, the Jaecoo J5 (and its E5 EV sibling) could nudge the market in other ways. Its strong value-for-money could pressure competitors to offer more kit at lower cost. It also reinforces the trend of Chinese brands moving beyond bargain-basement cars – Jaecoo is clearly aiming for a more upscale image.
Key Takeaways
- Pricing: £24,505 (Pure) and £28,000 (Luxury) for petrol; £27,505/£30,505 for EV.
- Engines: 1.6L turbo petrol (147 PS) with 7-speed DCT; EV 61.1 kWh, 211 PS.
- Range: EV version about 400 km (WLTP); petrol ~7.0–7.5 L/100 km fuel consumption.
- Features: 13.2″ touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 540° camera, ADAS, panoramic sunroof (1.45 m²), Sony sound.
- Space: 5 seats, 480 L boot (expandable to 1,180 L).
- Warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile, 3 years roadside assist.
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