Jaecoo Australia is rolling out its MY27 J7 range, with the midsize SUV continuing to offer both petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains as the brand broadens its appeal to Australian buyers.
The updated line-up includes the petrol-powered Ridge AWD alongside three Super Hybrid System – PHEV variants: the Track SHS-P, Summit SHS-P 2WD and Summit SHS-P AWD.
For fleet buyers, that creates a choice between a conventional petrol AWD model and electrified alternatives designed to cover shorter everyday journeys using battery power while retaining an internal-combustion engine for longer trips.
The Ridge AWD continues with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 137kW and 275Nm, matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The SHS-P variants use Jaecoo’s plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor. The petrol engine produces 105kW and 215Nm, while the electric motor delivers 150kW and 310Nm. Combined system output is 205kW and 365Nm.
The Summit AWD adds a second electric motor on the rear axle, increasing combined system output to 260kW and 490Nm while also providing electrically driven all-wheel drive.
One of the more relevant specifications for fleets assessing plug-in hybrids is the electric-only driving range. Jaecoo claims between 80km for the 2WD SHS-P and 100km for the AWD version from the 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.
The battery can accept DC charging at up to 40kW, with Jaecoo claiming a 30-to-80 per cent charge can be completed in 20 minutes. When the petrol engine and battery are combined, total driving range is claimed at up to 1200km.
That combination potentially gives fleets another pathway towards reducing fuel use without moving immediately to a battery-electric vehicle.
For organisations where vehicles regularly return to a depot or workplace and can be charged between shifts, the electric range could cover a significant proportion of daily metropolitan driving. At the same time, the petrol engine removes the need to depend solely on charging infrastructure when vehicles are travelling longer distances.
The MY27 update also provides different equipment levels depending on operational and driver requirements.
The Ridge AWD includes a full-size spare wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a 14.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, head-up display, built-in dashcam, panoramic sunroof and power tailgate.
The Track SHS-P features eight airbags, 19-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital driver display and 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, along with built-in navigation and wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Summit SHS-P models add equipment including a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, head-up display, 14.8-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera and power tailgate.
Safety and driver assistance technology across the J7 range includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking, with up to eight airbags depending on the variant.
The ownership package may also be relevant for fleets evaluating whole-of-life operating arrangements. Jaecoo provides an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, eight years of capped-price servicing, an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty for the high-voltage battery and up to eight years of roadside assistance.
Ridge and Summit models are scheduled to reach Australian dealerships during September, with the Track SHS-P following in October.
With plug-in hybrids increasingly sitting between traditional petrol vehicles and full battery-electric models, the updated J7 gives fleet operators another option to consider where electric driving is desirable but longer-distance flexibility remains important.
