JAECOO J8 previewed in Malaysia – Specs, Variants, from RM195k

KUALA LUMPUR:  JAECOO Malaysia has previewed its latest model, the JAECOO J8, as part of its fast growing SUV lineup.

This marks the fourth model from the brand, following the earlier launch of the J7, including the plug-in hybrid version launched in February as well as the Omoda C9 by Jaecoo, launched in December 2024.

Targeted as a premium off-road SUV, the J8 is being introduced in two variants: a two-wheel drive (2WD) five-seater and an all-wheel drive (AWD) six-seater.

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Estimated pricing puts the 2WD around RM195,000, while the more premium AWD version is expected to go for approximately RM220,000.

Under the hood, both variants of the J8 are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, pushing out 249PS and 385Nm of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and paired with twin exhausts and a 65-litre fuel tank.

Size-wise, the J8 has the kind of road presence you'd expect from a D-segment SUV. It stands 1.71 metres tall, 1.93 metres wide, and stretches 4.82 metres long, with a 2.82-metre wheelbase. If you want to image how big it is, think Proton X90, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento for context.

The 2WD version comes with a 738-litre boot and a basic feature set that includes a 12.3-inch central display, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, six airbags, ambient lighting, faux leather upholstery, and a 540-degree panoramic camera.

The AWD variant is a more premium affair, both in tech and finish. Boot space drops to 200 litres due to the extra seating row, but you get extras like a 14-speaker Sony system with headrest speakers, 10 airbags, a digital video recorder (DVR), automatic parking, power-operated doors, and NFC keyless entry.

The driver’s seat is ventilated and both front and second-row seats are powered, complete with a massage function and curtain shades. It also adds genuine leather upholstery and suede interior trims, along with an automatic fragrance diffuser.

JAECOO has also fitted the AWD variant with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for better handling on varied terrain, and a 450mm wading depth, reinforcing its off-road credentials.

Colour options for the J8 2WD include Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Olive Grey – all in single-tone. The AWD gets the same palette but with dual-tone finishes.

To give the public a closer look, JAECOO Malaysia has kicked off the first J8 preview roadshow at 1Utama Shopping Centre, running from 27 to 31 March. The roadshow will then head to Queensbay Mall in Penang from 9 to 13 April, before appearing at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 from 8 to 15 May.

“Today, we are beyond excited to give Malaysia a preview of the JAECOO J8 premium off-road 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.

Also part of the event is a special section dedicated to JAECOO’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology. A working battery pack from the J7 PHEV is on display alongside product experts, allowing visitors to learn more about the company’s Super Hybrid System.

The JAECOO J8 was first teased at the Malaysia Autoshow last year, but now Malaysians can get up close and even register their interest ahead of the official launch.

JAECOO J8 Malaysia Specifications 

 

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