While the Jaecoo J7 is just launching in Malaysia – it’s already available for booking and is expected to cost between RM150,000 and RM160,000 – Chery’s premium sub-brand has unveiled a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the stylish SUV in Auto China 2024 Beijing. It looks largely the same as the standard car, but its numbers will definitely impress you.
Under the hood is a 1.5-litre TGDi petrol engine, described as a fifth-generation hybrid version with a best-in-class thermal efficiency of 44.5%. Paired with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and an electric motor at the front, it has a total output of 347 hp (255 kW) and 525 Nm of torque. For quick comparison, the regular J7 has a 1.6-liter TGDi engine with 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque.
The J7 PHEV can travel up to 88 km on battery power alone and is said to achieve fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (20.4 km/l) in full hybrid mode. According to Jaecoo, the latter enables a combined range (with a full battery and full tank) of over 1,200 km, although this is a purely theoretical claim given the 60 liter tank. As is usual with PHEVs, real fuel consumption can be significantly higher if the battery runs out of juice.
However, unlike most other PHEVs, Jaecoo’s electrified SUV has a DC fast charging function, as can be seen on the CCS2 port on the exhibition vehicle. However, there is no information about battery size or charging speed yet. Another feature here that isn’t typically found on plug-in hybrids is V2L external power delivery capability. Decent stuff, perfect for glamping sessions on off-road adventures.
Visually, the PHEV variant is characterized by new 19-inch wheels with an aerodynamically optimized closed design (similar to those of the Chery Omoda E5), as well as the additional loading flap on the right side and the absence of visible exhaust outlets at the rear. Of course, the petrol engine still has exhaust pipes, but these are not visible, consistent with the cleaner, new energy variant.
The aerodynamically optimized wheels apparently help reduce the J7’s drag coefficient to 0.318 cd, which is relatively low for a blocky, upright SUV. The Range Rover-like elegant flush door handles (a standard feature on the J7) also play a role here.
There’s no word yet on whether the Jaecoo J7 PHEV will be sold in the Malaysian market, but at the moment it looks promising, especially given the incredible growth rate at which Chery and Jaecoo are growing. Anyway, do you see the J7 PHEV as the best of both worlds or do you simply prefer a regular ICE variant alongside the pure EV offering? Discuss below!
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