Premium arm of the Chery Group, Jaecoo was only launched in the UK a year and a half ago. Yet the Chinese brand has rapidly established itself, resulting in the Range Rover-esque Jaecoo 7 being crowned the best-selling UK car in March this year.

Jaecoo must be hoping it can emulate the 7’s success with its range-topper, the Jaecoo 8, the first examples of which are now reaching owners.

Interior practicality

One of the key features of the Jaecoo 8 is the fact there’s a set of fold-out seats in the boot, taking it into Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe territory. However, what the Skoda and Hyundai don’t offer — and the ‘8’ does — is the choice of 4+2 and 5+2 seating configurations, depending on trim level, all at high-value prices starting from £45,500.

Another perhaps surprising standard feature of the Jaecoo 8 is all-wheel drive, which is fitted across the range. This includes features such as lockable differentials, hill descent control and an all-terrain response system. We got to try the ‘8’ off-road, and it impressed — although we suspect few owners will ever fully use its capabilities.

Generally, comfortable and competent best sum up the way this Jaecoo drives. We wished for more steering feel, but despite its tall stance, body roll is well controlled and grip levels are high. Downsides include the standard-fit 20in alloy wheels, which contribute to a busy low-speed ride that never quite settles.

Performance and drive

Under the sculpted bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with Chery’s proven Super Hybrid System, producing a combined 422hp. On the move, the Jaecoo doesn’t feel as fast as that figure suggests, and it becomes noisy when worked hard.

Where fleet drivers will really benefit from the ‘8’ is at the pumps, thanks to a claimed range of more than 700 miles. More impressive still is that up to 83 miles can be travelled on electric power alone, courtesy of the 34.46kWh battery, which can be DC fast-charged at up to 70kW — allowing a 20–80% recharge in just 20 minutes.

Inside, the Jaecoo 8 feels more conventional than the 7, with twin 12.3-inch displays sitting on top the dashboard. Quality generally feels good, although the overall execution is somewhat generic and some materials feel a little cheap.

The infotainment is displayed on a 12.3in screen and uses the same operating system found in other Jaecoo and Chery models. A highlight is the clever 540-degree panoramic camera system, which provides a clear view around and even underneath the car.

The Jaecoo 8 is a worthy range-topper: impressively efficient, high-value and surprisingly capable off-road. Where it struggles is that it’s ultimately unremarkable to drive, rear space is compromised, and it looks too similar to its sister car, the Chery Tiggo 9. However, Jaecoo is a new brand that is  listening closely to its UK customers, showing itself to be receptive and quick to make changes. As such, we’d expect an updated version of the Jaecoo 8 addressing some of these issues to arrive sooner rather than later.

Positive: Impressive EV only range, efficient, well-equipped interior.

Negative: Not much fun to drive, hard ride, compromised third row of seats.

Standard equipment: 20in alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, flush electric door handles, heated, electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors, power tailgate, adaptive suspension (CDC), heated and ventilated front and second row seats, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sony 14-speaker premium audio system, head-up display, 540-degree panoramic camera system with transparent chassis view.