Chinese SUV brand Jaecoo is set to broaden its local line-up in August with the introduction of two electrified versions of its entry-level J5 model, giving buyers a choice of petrol, hybrid or full battery power in a single nameplate.
The J5 Super Hybrid System and the J5 Battery Electric Vehicle will join the existing petrol-powered derivatives, marking the brand’s first fully electric offering in the South African market. Both models are expected to carry generous specification levels as the brand pushes into the affordable electrified segment.
Some fine examples of the Jaecoo J5 range can be found right here
The J5 SHS pairs a 1,5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine with a dedicated hybrid transmission, producing 165 kW and 295 Nm of torque sent to the front wheels. Jaecoo claims consumption of 5,3 l/100 kilometres on the WLTC cycle, which would give the SUV a theoretical range of more than 900 kilometres on a single tank. A small 1,83 kWh NCM battery allows for electric-only operation at low speeds and in stop-start traffic.
Standard features on the hybrid include black leather upholstery, a 13,2-inch infotainment screen, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic moonroof, a power tailgate, dual-zone climate control and a six-speaker sound system. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking come as standard.
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The J5 BEV, which becomes Jaecoo’s first electric car in South Africa, uses a 58,9 kWh LFP battery pack feeding a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor rated at 155 kW and 288 Nm of torque. On a DC fast charger, the battery can recharge from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes at a maximum rate of 130 kW. The manufacturer has not yet released official driving range figures for the local market, though overseas versions point to a WLTP estimate of around 400 kilometres.
The electric derivative mirrors the hybrid’s specification but gains an upgraded eight-speaker sound system.
The electrified push comes as Omoda and Jaecoo continue to gain traction both globally and at home. The two brands together surpassed 1-million cumulative sales worldwide in April this year, just three years after their global debut, and now operate across 64 international markets.
In November last year, Jaecoo recorded global sales of 43 481 units, with new energy vehicles accounting for more than 23 000 of that total. Of particular note, the J5 EV sold more than 7 600 units that month – a 42% increase over October – and helped the brand top monthly electric vehicle sales in Thailand for the first time. In Europe, where the brand has entered 16 markets, Omoda and Jaecoo have delivered more than 220 000 units in two years, with the United Kingdom alone recording more than 5 100 sales in November 2025.
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Closer to home, Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa surpassed 20 000 cumulative sales in January this year, with 1 418 units sold that month marking the brand’s best performance locally since launch in 2023. The J5, which went on sale in August last year, has recorded 1 322 units to date, while the larger J7 has moved 3 817 units. The Omoda C5 remains the group’s top seller with 14 395 units.
Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa, said the arrival of the two derivatives marked a new chapter for the brand locally.
“With the J5 now available in internal combustion, hybrid and fully electric form, the range is better positioned than ever to meet the varied needs of local motorists.”
Pricing and full specification details for both models will be announced closer to their August launch date.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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