Jaecoo J8 Summit SHS arrives

JAECOO Australia has expanded its growing SUV line-up with the introduction of the seven-seat J8 Summit SHS, a plug-in hybrid flagship that combines impressive performance, long-range efficiency, and generous standard equipment at a price of $59,990 plus on-road costs.

Available in dealerships this month, the J8 SHS becomes the first seven-seat model offered by the Chinese challenger brand in Australia and sits at the top of the local J8 range.

“Our customers have been asking for a seven-seat SUV and we're more than happy to meet their demands with the compelling J8 SHS,” said Omoda Jaecoo Australia chief commercial officer Roy Munoz.

“With a striking design, luxurious interior and advanced hybrid technology, the J8 SHS ticks all the right boxes for not just families, but a wide variety of Aussie buyers.”

The model’s Super Hybrid System pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motors and a dedicated three-speed hybrid transmission.

The petrol engine produces 105kW/215Nm while the electric motors contribute outputs of 75kW/170Nm, 90kW/220Nm, and 175kW/310Nm respectively.

Combined system outputs stand at a substantial 315kW/580Nm, making the J8 SHS one of the most powerful plug-in hybrid SUVs in its class.

Energy is supplied by a 34kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed electric-only driving range of up to 169km on the NEDC cycle.

Jaecoo claims a combined driving range exceeding 1000km, while DC fast charging at up to 70kW allows quicker replenishment during longer journeys.

Despite adding a third row of seating, practicality is said to be a strong point.

Boot capacity measures 200 litres with all seven seats in use, expanding to 738 litres when the third-row seats are folded flat. Braked towing capacity is rated at 1600kg.

The flagship’s specification is extensive with standard equipment including projector LED headlights, retractable door handles, 20-inch alloy wheels, quilted leather upholstery, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, dual 12.3-inch digital displays, a head-up display, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, a 14-speaker Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a built-in fragrance diffuser.

Other features include a 50W wireless phone charger, colour-selectable ambient lighting, second-row window shades, a powered tailgate, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Safety equipment encompasses 10 airbags and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance technologies incorporating autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and emergency lane keeping assistance.

The J8 SHS is backed by Jaecoo Australia's eight-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, an eight-year warranty on the high-voltage battery, eight years of capped-price servicing, and up to eight years of roadside assistance.

The new model enters an increasingly competitive segment that includes plug-in hybrid rivals such as the Chery Tigon 9 Super Hybrid, BYD Sealion 8, Kia Sorrento PHEV, and Mazda CX-80 PHEV.

Sharing its underpinnings and Super Hybrid System with the Chery Tigon 9, the Jaecoo differentiates itself through distinctive exterior styling, a more premium interior presentation, and features including adaptive dampers and integrated fragrance diffuser.

With three rows of seating, strong hybrid powertrain performance, and a lengthy standard equipment list, the J8 Summit SHS represents the brand’s “most ambitious product yet” as the rapidly expanding Chinese brand continues to broaden its Australian line-up.

2026 Jaecoo J8 pricing: