Jaecoo J8 previewed in Malaysia again – 249 PS 2.0T, 8AT; 5-seat 2WD at RM195k est, 6-seat AWD RM220k

The Jaecoo J8 has been previewed in Malaysia yet again, this time in a close-to-final specification that buyers here will get. The D-segment SUV was first shown to us in left-hand drive form in January last year, following which we got up close with a right-hand drive prototype in June the same year.

The J8 will join the J7 (also available as plug-in hybrid) and Omoda C9 when it officially goes on sale. If you’re interested, you can check out the J8 for yourself at 1 Utama as it will be part of a public showcase taking place from March 27-30.

How much will it cost? Well, there’s no official pricing for now, but we’re told there will be two variants offered, namely the J8 2WD and J8 AWD. The J8 2WD will come with five seats spread across two rows and is estimated to be in the region of RM195,000. As for the J8 AWD, it gets six seats (2-2-2 layout) and is estimated to go for around RM220,000.

For whatever final amount you’ll eventually be paying, you’re getting a large SUV that measures 4,820 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, 1,699 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. Those figures place the J8 in the ballpark of the Kia Sorento and Proton X90, both of which offer three-row seating. We should also mention the seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe, although that SUV is smaller in size. Adding to the list of options is the Mazda CX-8, which is longer than the competition in terms of both overall length and wheelbase.

The Jaecoo J8 is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 249 PS (245 hp or 183 kW) and 385 Nm of torque. Drive goes to either the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and not a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission as previously reported.

The AWD setup will complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in nine seconds and hit a top speed of 200 km/h. Fuel consumption following the WLTP standard is said to be 8.1 litres per 100 km and the SUV comes with a 65-litre fuel tank. This variant also gets the brand’s Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension.

Design-wise, the J8 is hard to miss thanks to its large front grille that reminds of us Mercedes-Benz’s Panamericana unit. This leads into slim headlamps clusters and is accompanied by J-shaped trim in the lower apron that blends in with an A-wing-style section in black just above the lower intake. Other notable cues include flush pop-out door handles on the relatively streamlined side surfacing, subtle creasing over the wheel arches and doors, blacked-out D-pillars and full-width taillights.

On the inside, we catch a whiff of the previous-generation W213 E-Class, particularly with the dashboard design that features a widescreen display panel, wraparound wood trim, silver air vents and a wide centre console. Dual 12.3-inch displays (digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen) are standard across the range.

When it comes to equipment, the official word from Jaecoo Malaysia is the 2WD variant will come with a 12-speaker Sony sound system, six airbags, ambient lighting and faux leather upholstery. Upgrading to the AWD improves the kit list with a 14-speaker sound system (also from Sony) that includes headrest speakers, 10 airbags, power doors and a fragrance system.

The range-topper also has NFC-based keyless entry, leather upholstery, suede-covered trim panels, a ventilation function for the driver’s seat, a built-in digital video recorder, automatic parking function, powered front and second-row seats with massage function, 20-inch alloy wheels and Level 2.5 ADAS. One thing you will give up is boot space, with the three-row AWD having 200 litres compared to the two-row 2WD that offers 738 litres.

Colour options for the 2WD include three monotone hues called Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White and Olive Grey. The AWD gets three dual-tone schemes with the base colour options being the same as 2WD, but with a black roof.

The J8’s estimated starting price of about RM195,000 for the 2WD is certainly enticing but keep in mind you won’t be getting three rows of seats with this variant. To get an additional third row, you’ll need the AWD that is estimated to be around RM220,000.

For context, the Sorento starts from RM211,498.40 and goes all the way up to RM255,228.80 (OTR without insurance), with all variants having three rows of seats. The X90 is more affordable (RM123,800 to RM152,800), although it is aimed at a difference sort of audience compared to the Jaecoo SUV.

Then there’s the Santa Fe from RM195,888 to RM210,088, while the Mazda CX-8 is between RM185,360.40 and RM216,122.80 – both SUVs also have three rows of seats for all variants. So, will you pick this Jaecoo SUV over the competition? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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