Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV : In the increasingly competitive Australian SUV market, a fresh face is about to make its debut. The Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV, the latest offering from Chinese automotive manufacturing, is set to arrive on Australian shores with promising specifications and features that might just give established players something to worry about. As fuel prices continue their upward trajectory and environmental consciousness grows among Australian consumers, this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) arrives at a potentially opportune moment.
I had the chance to get an early look at what this newcomer has to offer, and there’s quite a bit to unpack. From its striking exterior design to its tech-laden interior and, most importantly, its hybrid powertrain specifications, the J7 SHS represents a bold statement of intent from a brand that’s still finding its footing in our market.
The Rise of Chinese Automotive Brands in Australia
Before diving into the specifics of the J7 SHS, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the broader context. The Australian automotive landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. With the closure of local manufacturing operations, our market has become entirely import-based, opening the door for new international players.
Chinese automotive manufacturers have been particularly aggressive in seizing this opportunity. Brands like MG, GWM (formerly Great Wall Motors), and LDV have established significant footholds, rapidly increasing their market share through a combination of competitive pricing, generous warranty offerings, and increasingly sophisticated products.
Jaecoo, as a newer entrant, is following this well-established playbook while attempting to position itself slightly upmarket from some of its compatriots. Parent company Chery, a major Chinese automotive conglomerate, has invested heavily in the Jaecoo sub-brand with the intention of targeting the mid-to-premium SUV segment – a space currently dominated by Japanese, Korean, and European manufacturers.
“We’re seeing increasing acceptance of Chinese automotive brands in Australia,” notes James Morrison, automotive industry analyst at Market Research Australia. “The initial perceptions about quality and safety have largely been addressed through strong warranty programs and improved ANCAP ratings. Now it’s about delivering products that can compete on features, technology, and driving experience – and that’s exactly what Jaecoo is attempting with the J7 SHS.”
Exterior Design: Blending Eastern and Western Aesthetics
The first thing that strikes you about the Jaecoo J7 SHS is its exterior design. While many Chinese vehicles have been criticised for derivative styling that borrows heavily from established European brands, the J7 manages to carve out its own identity. There’s a confidence to the design that suggests Jaecoo’s designers were more interested in establishing a unique visual language than simply emulating competitors.
The front fascia features a distinctive vertical grille pattern that extends nearly the full height of the vehicle’s face, flanked by slim, angular LED headlights. The overall effect is somewhat reminiscent of recent Lexus designs, but with its own twist. The side profile reveals a floating roof design with blacked-out pillars, a popular contemporary styling cue that helps maintain visual lightness despite the vehicle’s substantial dimensions.
At the rear, a full-width light bar creates a modern, tech-forward appearance, while the dual exhaust outlets (which I’m told are functional, not just decorative) hint at the performance potential of the hybrid powertrain. The vehicle sits on 20-inch alloy wheels with a intricate multi-spoke design that adds a premium touch.
During my preview, the J7 SHS was finished in a deep metallic blue that the company calls “Celestial Azure” – one of seven colour options that will be available at launch. The paint quality appeared excellent, with a depth and lustre that would not be out of place on a luxury European model costing twice the price.
Peter Thompson, a Sydney-based automotive designer who previously worked with Ford Australia, offered his professional assessment: “There’s a maturity to this design that’s impressive. The proportions are well-resolved, and there’s a coherence to the styling elements that demonstrates real thoughtfulness. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or excessive ornamentation – instead, there’s a confidence and restraint that’s quite sophisticated.”
Dimensions and Practicality
In terms of physical presence, the J7 SHS sits squarely in the mid-size SUV category. With a length of 4,500mm, width of 1,865mm, and height of 1,680mm, it’s comparable to popular models like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The 2,672mm wheelbase provides decent interior space, particularly for rear passengers.
Boot space is claimed to be 400 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,220 litres when folded – figures that are competitive though not class-leading. A power-operated tailgate will be standard across the range, with hands-free operation available on higher trim levels.
Ground clearance of 180mm provides reasonable off-road capability for light trail work and rough farm tracks – though this is very much a vehicle designed primarily for urban and highway driving rather than serious bush-bashing.
Interior: Technology Meets Luxury
Stepping inside the J7 SHS reveals where Jaecoo has focused much of its development effort. The interior represents a significant step up from earlier Chinese offerings, with material quality and fit-and-finish that challenges established mainstream brands.
The dashboard is dominated by a dual-screen setup consisting of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.8-inch central touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions. The screens feature crisp graphics and responsive touch operation, though I did notice occasional minor lag when quickly cycling through different menus.
Mercifully, Jaecoo has retained physical controls for key functions like climate control and volume adjustment – an increasingly rare concession to usability that many drivers will appreciate. The climate control panel features tactile knobs and buttons with a satisfying mechanical action.
The seats in my preview vehicle were trimmed in what Jaecoo calls “eco-leather” – a synthetic material that does a convincing impression of the real thing. Front seats are electrically adjustable (with memory function for the driver) and include heating, cooling, and massage functions on higher trim levels. Rear seats offer reasonable space for adults, with adequate headroom despite the sloping roofline, and include their own climate control zone.
Interior ambient lighting with 64 colour options adds a customisable touch to the cabin atmosphere, while a panoramic sunroof (standard on higher trims) floods the interior with natural light during daytime driving.
Technology and Connectivity
On the technology front, the J7 SHS comes well-equipped. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a native navigation system is included for those who prefer not to use smartphone integration. Voice control functionality allows for adjustment of various vehicle settings, though in my brief testing it seemed less sophisticated than systems from more established manufacturers.
A 12-speaker Infinity audio system delivers impressive sound quality, with good clarity and reasonable bass response. Wireless phone charging is included, along with multiple USB ports (both USB-A and the newer USB-C standard) for device connectivity.
The vehicle also features a smartphone app that allows remote monitoring and control of various functions, including battery charge status, climate pre-conditioning, and vehicle location. Over-the-air software updates are supported, potentially allowing for feature improvements throughout the vehicle’s life.
Powertrain: The Heart of the PHEV Experience
Now to the most important aspect of the J7 SHS – its plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is where the rubber literally meets the road, and where Jaecoo hopes to distinguish itself in a crowded market.
The system combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 19.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined system output is quoted at 240kW and 545Nm – impressive figures that position the J7 SHS as one of the more powerful options in its class.
Jaecoo claims the vehicle can travel up to 80 kilometres on pure electric power, which would cover the daily commuting needs of most Australian drivers. Once the battery is depleted, the system operates as a conventional hybrid, with the petrol engine and regenerative braking keeping the battery sufficiently charged to provide electric assistance.
A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission handles power delivery to all four wheels through an on-demand AWD system. Jaecoo claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.2 seconds – brisk performance that reflects the substantial torque available from the electric motor.
Charging and Efficiency
On the charging front, the J7 SHS supports AC charging at up to 7kW, allowing for a full battery charge in approximately 3 hours when connected to a home wallbox. A standard household power outlet can also be used, though charging time increases to around 8 hours.
Unlike some PHEVs, the J7 SHS does not support DC fast charging – a limitation that might be relevant for drivers planning longer journeys. However, the primary use case for most PHEV owners involves overnight charging at home and primarily electric operation for daily driving, with the petrol engine providing range extension when needed.
Official fuel consumption figures have not yet been finalised for the Australian market, but Jaecoo suggests a combined cycle consumption of under 2.0L/100km when starting with a full battery – though as with all PHEVs, real-world consumption will vary dramatically depending on driving patterns and charging frequency.
Driving Dynamics: The Unknown Quantity
Unfortunately, my preview did not include driving opportunities, so the actual road manners of the J7 SHS remain something of a mystery. However, the specification sheet provides some clues as to what we might expect.
The vehicle features MacPherson strut suspension up front and a multi-link independent setup at the rear – a sophisticated arrangement that should provide good handling characteristics and ride comfort. Adaptive dampers will be available on higher trim levels, allowing drivers to adjust suspension firmness according to preference and road conditions.
Braking is handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, with regenerative braking integrated into the system to recover energy during deceleration. Multiple regeneration levels can be selected via paddle shifters, allowing for one-pedal driving in the highest setting.
“The suspension architecture suggests a focus on road manners rather than off-road capability,” notes former Holden chassis engineer Robert Chen, who now works as an independent consultant. “The multi-link rear in particular should provide good wheel control and ride comfort. The key will be in the tuning – finding the right balance between compliance and body control.”
Safety Systems and Driver Assistance
Safety equipment appears comprehensive, with Jaecoo claiming the J7 SHS will target a 5-star ANCAP rating. Standard features include:
- 8 airbags including front centre airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Lane keeping assist and lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- 360-degree camera system with 3D view
- Traffic sign recognition
- Driver attention monitoring
A Level 2 autonomous driving system branded as “Jaecoo Pilot” will be available on higher trim levels, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centring to reduce driver workload on highways and in stop-start traffic.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Exact pricing remains under wraps, but industry sources suggest the J7 SHS will be positioned competitively against established PHEVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and MG HS PHEV.
“We expect a starting price of around $55,000 for the base model, ranging up to approximately $65,000 for the fully-loaded flagship variant,” suggests automotive pricing analyst Sarah Williams. “That would represent a value proposition compared to European alternatives, while offering a premium over the MG HS PHEV that Jaecoo believes is justified by the additional refinement and performance.”
The vehicle will be offered in three trim levels – Comfort, Luxury, and Flagship – with incremental increases in equipment at each step. A comprehensive 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty is expected, covering both the vehicle and the battery pack, with roadside assistance included for the same period.
Dealer Network and Service
Jaecoo is in the process of establishing its dealer network in Australia, with initial locations in capital cities and major regional centres. The company plans to have 30 dealers operational by the end of 2025, with further expansion to follow.
Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, with capped-price servicing available for the first five years of ownership. Remote diagnostics capabilities allow for potential issues to be identified before they become serious problems, while over-the-air updates may reduce the need for dealer visits for software-related matters.
The Broader Industry Context
The arrival of the Jaecoo J7 SHS comes at an interesting time for the Australian automotive market. Electric vehicle sales continue to grow, but at a slower pace than in some other developed markets due to factors including distance anxiety, charging infrastructure limitations, and the absence of substantial government incentives in most states.
PHEVs offer a middle ground – the ability to complete most daily driving on electric power, with the security of petrol backup for longer journeys. This makes them particularly appealing to Australians in regional areas or those who regularly undertake longer trips.
However, the PHEV segment has not yet seen the explosive growth that many predicted, in part due to the limited number of affordable options. Most European PHEV offerings come with premium price tags, while more accessible alternatives have been limited to a handful of models like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and MG HS PHEV.
“The Australian market is ripe for more PHEV options,” explains Dr. Elizabeth Carter, sustainable transport researcher at the University of Melbourne. “Our research shows that many consumers are interested in electrification but aren’t ready to commit to a full EV. PHEVs address those concerns while still delivering significant emissions reductions for typical driving patterns.”
A Promising Addition to the Australian Market
Based on this early preview, the Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV appears to be a compelling addition to Australia’s growing roster of electrified vehicles. It offers an attractive design, comprehensive feature set, and promising powertrain specifications at what should be a competitive price point.
The vehicle represents another step in the maturation of Chinese automotive offerings in the Australian market – no longer simply budget alternatives, but increasingly sophisticated products that can compete on their own merits rather than just on price.
Of course, the proof will be in the driving. How the J7 SHS performs on Australian roads, how efficiently it operates in real-world conditions, and how reliably it functions over the long term will ultimately determine its success. The brand’s after-sales support and dealer experience will also be crucial factors for Australian buyers who may still harbour some hesitation about committing to a relatively unknown marque.
The Jaecoo J7 SHS is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms in April 2025, with pre-orders opening next month. It enters a market that’s increasingly receptive to both electrification and Chinese automotive products – a combination that could well prove successful for this ambitious newcomer.
For Australian consumers looking to dip their toes into electrification without diving into the deep end of full electric vehicles, the J7 SHS presents an intriguing option that warrants serious consideration. Watch this space for a full driving impression once we get behind the wheel.
ALSO READ: $6,000 Stimulus Proposal for US Children, What is Qualifications ?