Launched: Jaecoo J8 – 2 Variants, CKD, From RM178,800

Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia officially introduced the Jaecoo J8 two- and three-row premium SUV offering today.

First previewed way back in Jan 2024, and again earlier this year, the new Jaecoo J8 was officially launched by Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia earlier today.

Locally assembled (CKD) in Shah Alam alongside its J7, J7 PHEV and Omoda C9 stablemates, the new Jaecoo J8  stands as the first two- and three-row premium SUV offering from Chery-owned premium sub-brand.

Besides an attractive entry price tag of RM178,800, there's also a special early bird reward that brings an extended 10-year, unlimited mileage engine warranty announced too.

Two variants are on offer, those being a base 2WD guise with a two-row, 5-seater layout, followed by a range-topping AWD three-row, 6-seater choice. As for price, the former starts at RM178,800, whereas the latter is tagged from RM198,800 instead.

All prices include a 7-year or150,000 KM warranty. Additionally, early bird buyers who placed bookings before July 21 and register it by the third quarter (Q3) gain an upgraded 10-year, unlimited mileage engine warranty plus entry to an exclusive off-road driving experience.

In terms of footprint, the Jaecoo J8 sits 4,820 MM long and boasts a 2,820 MM wheelbase. It's also 1,930 MM wide and 1,710 MM tall.

We’ve detailed the Jaecoo J8 at length in our preview report prior, but it’s worth refreshing your memory a little. In terms of size, this premium two- and three-row SUV sits 4,820 MM long with a generous 2,820 MM wheelbase, 1,930 MM wide and 1,710 MM tall.

Besides a sizeable 65-litre fuel tank, both variants share a sizeable standard boot space of 200 litres, and this is expandable to 738 litres in the base 2WD, 5-seater variant

Only the base 2WD, 5-seater guise boasts an expanded maximum boot capacity of 738 litres.

Mechanically, both share the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol powerplant outputting 245 HP and 385 NM, as well as a slick 8-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from all-wheel traction, the AWD, 6-seater is brimmed further with the automaker’s Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension tech derived from the Omoda C9, as well as additional terrain-specific selectable drive modes.

Base 2WD, 5-seater cabin pictured. This variant offers two-row of seats and a slightly lower degree of kit and amenities.

Shared tech brimmed on board include a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display, 540-degree panoramic view parking monitor.

In the base 2WD, 5-seater guise specifically, highlights include a 12-speaker Sony audio suite, six airbags, cabin ambient lighting, and faux leather upholstery. This base-spec guise also makes do with single-tone exterior paintjob choices – Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Olive Grey.

Range-topping AWD, 6-seater pictured. This guise instead brings three-row seating layout with a more luxurious second-row seats plus a higher-degree of kit and amenities on board.

The AWD, 6-seater range-topper ups the ante with a 14-speaker Sony audio setup featuring headrest speakers, 10 airbags, automatic cabin fragrance system, as well as full leather upholstery with suede cabin trimmings.

Exclusive to this range-topper too is an NFC-based keyless entry suite, ventilated driver seat, autonomous parking abilities, built-in digital video recorder (DVR) or ‘dashcam’, as well as power-adjustable and massage-equipped second-row seats with curtain shades.

So, what do you folks reckon then? Which would be your choice variant? Hit the comments below with your take…