First Look: Jaecoo J5 SUV – Brand’s New B-Segment SUV Crossover

The all-new Jaecoo J5 breaks cover in China today as the brand’s new entry-level B-segment SUV.

Making its global debut today at the ongoing 2024 Omoda Jaecoo International User Summit is the all-new Jaecoo J5. This new B-segment SUV crossover is positioned as the brand’s new entry-level model, featuring familiar design traits and tons of amenities inside out.

On the visual front, the J5 looks somewhat identical to some of its bigger siblings, notably the Jaecoo J7, as it features the same boxy SUV bodystyle with some interesting design bits. For starters, the J5 gets the same waterfall front grille design featuring vertical slats just like other Jaecoo models, which is flanked by a pair of rectangular LED headlights.

Dimension-wise, the new Jaecoo J5 belongs to the burgeoning B-SUV crossover segment.

The J7 similarities continue as we get to the rear part of the J5, as it also sports the same sleek LED taillights, albeit with no LED light bar featured here. Dimension-wise, the Jaecoo J5 measures 4,380 MM long, 1,860 MM wide, 1,650 MM tall, and 2,620 MM wheelbase, thus putting it in the same category as other B-plus segment SUV models such as the Honda HR-V, Proton X50, and its fellow Chery sister model, the Omoda 5.

Despite its entry-level moniker, the J5 boasts a pretty respectable cabin space with almost equal luxury and amenities as other Jaecoo models.

On-board, the J5 retains some similar design languages we’ve seen on other Jaecoo models, featuring a pretty respectable list of tech equipment and luxury amenities, especially in its segment. Key highlights include the 13.2-inch portrait-oriented central infotainment screen, a sleek digital instrument cluster hiding behind its two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, two-tone faux leather upholstery, powered front seats, a full panoramic sunroof, and many more.

Despite its relatively small stature, the J5 boasts a pretty respectable rear cabin space with enough room to fit up to three persons in a relatively comfortable manner. On top of that, rear passengers also get their own dedicated USB charging ports and A/C vents, ensuring that their life qualities aren’t compromised in this small SUV model.

Also respectable is the J5’s 480-litre boot space (expandable to 1,180 litres), which not only comes with a powered tailgate but also boasts enough space to house a full-size spare wheel—a very rare find in most modern SUVs nowadays.

The J5 is powered by the same 1.6-litre TGDi engine used on the J7.

On the powertrain front, the Jaecoo J5 is offered with the same 1.6-litre 4-cyl TGDi engine used on the Jaecoo J7, outputting 194 HP and 290 NM. Similarly, the J5 is also offered in either front- (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, both of which use the same 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.

As the brand’s new entry-level luxury SUV model, the Jaecoo J5 is slated to make its debut in selected international markets, with Malaysia also included on the list.

Given that Jaecoo Malaysia is anticipated to launch no less than two new models in the coming months or weeks, perhaps we can expect the J5 to make its local debut some time later in 2025. More importantly, this should give enough time and room for the automaker to not only localise the specs and equipment list for the car but also prep it for local assembly (CKD) at their new Shah Alam facility.