Previewed: Jaecoo J7 – Luxury SUV With 197 PS, Set For CKD, Launches In Q2

The Chery-owned Jaecoo marque has officially landed, and the firm previewed the Jaecoo J7 and Jaecoo J8 to local press earlier today.

The Chery-owned Jaecoo marque officially marked its arrival on Malaysian soil today by previewing two models – the Jaecoo J7 and Jaecoo J8. The marque positions both models as ‘premium off-roaders’, but also promises tempting price tags on each once they are launched.

We’ve taken a closer look at both models in China prior, but today’s preview finally gives us a glimpse of the right-hand-drive (RHD) version that Malaysians can soon place bookings on.

Set to be locally assembled (CKD), Jaecoo Malaysia indicates that it will officially launch the J7 sometime in the second quarter (Q2) of this year.

The Jaecoo J7 will launch first as a locally assembled (CKD) model sometime in the second quarter (Q2) of this year. Two variants are set to be offered, the highest form of which boasts all-wheel-drive (AWD) with up to seven selectable terrain modes.

Powering the J7 is a 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic, the former rated at 197 PS and 290 NM. Said powertrain will power both variants, with the second variant positioned as the entry-level guise featuring a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup.

Two variants of the J7 will be available, both sharing a 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill and 7-speed DCT box. The higher-end guise gets all-wheel-drive (AWD) with seven selectable terrain modes.

In terms of size, the Jaecoo J7 shares similar footprints as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Before you ask, the Jaecoo J7 is share similar footprints as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-5. More precisely, the J7 sits 4,500 MM long with a 2,672 MM wheelbase, 1,865 MM wide, and 1,60 MM tall with a sizeable 200 MM ground clearance and a claimed 600 MM water-wading depth.

Besides which, Jaecoo Malaysia also notes the J7’s maximum towing capacity of 1,300 KG plus 75 KG roof load capacity. On top of which comes the promise of added practicality through the presence of a respectably large 416-litre boot.

Key design traits include "aurora-inspired" 19-inch wheels, dual-tier LED headlights, and prominent vertical front grille motif.

In terms of styling, both guises of the J7 will roll on “aurora-inspired” 19-inch alloy wheels and feature a prominent “waterfall” vertical grille design. These are paired with striking dual-tier LED headlamps matched with an LED taillight bar that spans across the entire rear fascia’s width.

On board, the posh styling touches we saw in the Chinese version remains, and it even features novel touches like the “warship-inspired” door handles and “fighter-jet” inspired shift lever. No, we’re not kidding about these references as these were how Jaecoo presented which. 

On board, the J7's cabin is both plush and richly-decked out with tech. Key highlights include digital displays, "climatised" front seats, and dual-zone climate control with rear vents.

Adding to the posh cabin ambience is a 64-colour cabin ambient lighting suite, “climatised” front seats, leather upholstery, and textured aluminium trims. As for tech, heads-up display (HUD), massive 14.-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen, and 10.25-inch digital dash display leads the bill.

Other notable features primed on board include dual-zone climate control with rear vents, air-cooled wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, as well as a powered tailgate. In other words, this Chinese-made Corolla Cross-sized Range Rover “alternative” is specced to sell.

A total of 21 ADAS features have been primed too, altogether granting the Jaecoo J7 with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities.

Fuelling that last sentiment further is the presence of 21 of active driver assist (ADAS) features that grant Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities. It includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane departure warning and prevention, forward collision warning and mitigation, and more.

As this is a preview, Jaecoo Malaysia were coy about price, but we were clued in by insiders that the localised (CKD) Jaecoo J7 model will likely command similar pricing as its Chery Tiggo 8 Pro cousin. The latter presently retails at RM159,800.

What do you folks think of the Jaecoo J7 then? Fancy this much posher cousin of the Tiggo 8 Pro? What sort of pricing should you reckon it command? Hit the comments below, as well as our social media pages, with your take and guesses…