JAECOO J7

Upon entering the Jaecoo J7 SHS’ cabin, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of premium soft-touch materials and high-tech features. The higher trim features a premium-looking brown interior finish, whereas the lower trim gets the minimalist black version. This model line’s well-padded leather seats provide great cushioning and ergonomics for everyone on board. The Premium variant’s seats come with ventilation and heating functions. For a more aesthetic vibe inside, the higher trim also gets an ambient lighting system and a panoramic sunroof. 

Aside from these, passengers inside the Premium variant can enjoy a 14.8-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is linked to an 8-speaker Sony premium sound system for top-notch acoustics around the vehicle. On the other hand, passengers inside the Comfort variant are given the 13.2-inch version of the infotainment display. 

One of its cabin’s main downsides, however, is the lack of knobs or switches on its dashboard. The majority of the car’s features are touch-controlled via the infotainment display, which can be a bit of an inconvenience for other drivers who are accustomed to physical controls.

Meanwhile, drivers of both variants have access to a smart cockpit, which offers a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and a multi-function steering wheel that is good-to-the-touch. For added convenience, owners of the Premium variant also get a heads-up display and a wireless charger.

In terms of dimensions, the Jaecoo J7 SHS measures 4,500 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,672 mm and a ground clearance of 174 mm. It runs on 19-inch aerodynamic wheels, which further enhance its efficiency and performance on the road.

The Jaecoo J7 SHS features a premium, modern exterior design that exudes both class and power wherever it goes. At the front, it has a macho demeanor accentuated by a blacked-out grille with vertical bars as well as a rugged-looking bumper. It has an ethereal flare at night courtesy of its LED headlights with a very unique hypermodern pattern, LED DRLs, and fog lights for increased visibility. 

Furthermore, it has a muscular, sporty silhouette enhanced by black side garnishes, fenders, mirrors, and pillars. And for an appealing futuristic touch, it comes with seamless receding door handles. Aside from these, its premium, unique character on the road translates to its rear courtesy of a distinctive LED lighting with a hypermodern pattern that is similar to the pair at the front. 

Overall, the Jaecoo J7 SHS’s appearance masterfully blends modern design cues with rugged elements–showing that it is capable on the road yet refined at the same time.

In terms of suspension, the Jaecoo J7 SHS utilizes a combination of a MacPherson Strut at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Thanks to this suspension setup, this SUV absorbs bumps and other road imperfections effectively, ensuring that everyone on board is comfortable. Despite its size, it is light to maneuver and quite agile to handle. However, its steering might be too light to the point where there are noticeable body rolls when hitting turns or corners at high speeds. Ultimately, the Jaecoo J7 SHS can still deliver a pliant and relatively comfortable riding experience for all occupants.

The Jaecoo J7 SHS runs on the brand’s Super Hybrid System that utilizes a combination of a 1.5L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection engine, which primarily serves as a range extender, and a single electric motor. Its electric motor is powered by an 18.3 kWh LFP battery pack, which supports DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in around 20 minutes and generates a power output of 201 hp and a torque of 310 Nm. Meanwhile, its gasoline engine produces 141 hp and 215 Nm. 

As a result, this hybrid system produces a combined system output of 275 hp and 365 Nm. Additionally, this car delivers an impressive 1,488.8 km driving range courtesy of the combined effort from the battery pack and the gasoline engine’s fuel.

That said, the Jaecoo J7 SHS is a well-designed daily driver in the city, which flexes outstanding practicality and efficiency on the road. It is also a very capable weekend ride out of town thanks to its class-leading range. On the highway, its hybrid system generates a punchy yet responsive power delivery, allowing you to overtake slower vehicles with ease and precision.

The Jaecoo J7 Premium variant is equipped with several advanced driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, intelligent headlight control, and blind spot detection among others. Meanwhile, its lower trim, the Comfort variant, gets a reverse camera and 6 SRS airbags. 

Both variants utilize ventilated discs for front braking, while solid discs for rear braking. Their braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill start assist control, and hill descent control.

The Jaecoo J7 SHS offers a compelling option for value-conscious consumers who are looking for an SUV that is not only big and capable on the road, but also very practical and reliable for everyday use. Among the newer-generation SUVs within its price range, the J7 SHS is arguably one of the most cost-efficient and feature-packed.