After the initial surprise caused by the JAECOO 7 in our market and the favorable reception by the public that this oriental SUV is receiving, now it is the turn of its little brother, the JAECOO 5, which replicates the steps followed by its sister brand in our country, Omoda.

And the timing chosen by the Chinese manufacturer is interesting because of how quickly it is articulating an attractive product range, but perhaps more so because of the tactics used. At 4.38 meters long, it has a full impact on the C-SUV segment… but with the promotional starting price, below 20,000 euros, it is clear that it wants to attract customers from the B-SUV segment, who demand extensive equipment in their vehicle.

We have been able to drive the thermal versions, equipped with the 1.6 T-GDI engine with 147 HP, and 100% electric, with 211 HP and a 60.9 kWh battery, for a maximum official range of 402 kilometers. The route has combined city, highway and country roads, including a short walk through roads, to make it clear that the JAECOO 5 is a versatile SUV, capable of adapting to numerous scenarios. These are our first impressions.

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Source: Jaecoo

The JAECOO 5 2025, in five key points:

Design

JAECOO’s choice on an aesthetic level has been to opt for aesthetic continuity. The JAECOO 5 uses a style language very similar to that used by its older brother, the JAECOO 7, and that benefits it. It gives it a feeling of familiarity, but in this case in a smaller format, focused on an urban habitat.

Photo: Jaecoo

The brand states that the design of the JAECOO 5 is inspired by nature and seeks to satisfy the needs of those customers who want to leave the city in search of their own adventures. For this, the SUV silhouette becomes quite evident, with marked wheel arches, which house tires of up to 18 inches, bumpers perfectly integrated into the body and sufficient ground clearance to travel on roads and tracks in good condition, with total naturalness.

Regarding dimensions, the JAECOO 5 reaches 4.38 meters in length, 1.86 in width and 1.65 in height, with a wheelbase of 2.62 meters, which ensures a comfortable and comfortable interior.

Officially, 5 approved seats are offered, although in terms of practicality, only four adults will travel comfortably and five, better for short trips. The trunk, for its part, offers a more than acceptable 480 liters of capacity.

Photo: Jaecoo

Inside

That visual familiarity is repeated in the cabin, with an 8.8-inch digital instrumentation, along with the multimedia system screen, in a vertical position and a size of 13.2 inches.

The 2-spoke multifunction steering wheel with a sporty design, the 50W cooled smartphone charger or the ventilated and heated front seats (depending on versions), complete a modern, elegant environment in which nothing is missing, except for some practical direct access buttons for some ADAS or for the air conditioning, for example.

Photo: Jaecoo

The floating center console, with numerous storage spaces, reinforces that more familiar aspect that the Chinese model claims to seduce an audience more interested in practical aspects, rather than mere aesthetics. And if you also have a pet and like to travel with them, you should know that the JAECOO 5 is a ‘pet friendly’ vehicle that offers a wide catalog of accessories, solutions and materials designed to make life on board for your dog or cat more pleasant.

Mechanics

During our first route, about 200 km (round trip), we were able to drive the thermal version, equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops a power of 147 HP and a torque of 275 Nm, associated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The drive is to the front axle and its maximum speed reaches 190 km/h, with an acceleration from 0-100 in 10.2 seconds (it is not exactly a ‘sprinter’).

Photo: Jaecoo

We also had the opportunity to try the 100% electric alternative. It develops a maximum power of 211 HP, with a maximum torque of 288 Nm. The LFP battery has a capacity of 60.9 kWh, offers a maximum charging power (CC) of 130 kW and can recharge in V2L function up to a maximum of 3.3 kW. The official maximum autonomy reaches 402 km in the WLTP cycle.

The hybrid version will arrive in mid-November 2025, with 224 HP and 295 Nm of torque, although these data are provisional and definitive validation from the manufacturer is missing. Without a doubt, when it arrives it will be one of the most interesting versions of the range.

Under way

I did the first part of the journey at the wheel of the gasoline version. It should be noted that the vehicle moves with agility, thanks to its smaller size and reduced weight compared to the JAECOO 7, which also has this mechanism. The interior is well soundproofed, although you can hear the sound coming from the engine compartment when all the power is required, when overtaking, for example.

Photo: Jaecoo

However, in general terms, the JAECOO 5 is a pleasant vehicle to drive, comfortable in terms of suspension, with steering that is more assisted than informative, but that will meet the expectations of a wide range of customers; especially, those who need a vehicle for everyday use, well equipped and who value the best relationship between price and equipment.

In the second part of the route, the protagonist was the JAECOO 5 EV. I have to say that the dynamic sensations improved slightly, compared to the thermal version. And this is mainly due to the fact that the structural layout of the 100% electric version translates into greater stability (battery in the lower part of the chassis), something that can be seen as soon as you negotiate the first corners. In addition, the greater power available, together with the total absence of noise or vibrations inside, make this version a more pleasant option and ideal for urban use.

Photo: Jaecoo

Of course, even if you see images of the car driving on dusty tracks and roads, don’t let the euphoria lead you to anything more than that. The JAECOO 5 lacks 4×4 versions and does not offer specific driving modes where traction is prioritized, so if you dare to leave the asphalt, do so on paths in good condition and with not much unevenness… this way you will avoid unnecessary scares.

Equipment and price

The JAECOO 5 range is divided into two finishes for all versions (gasoline and electric). The access version is called Pure and already includes elements such as keyless entry and start, automatic climate control, 540° HD panoramic view camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, 13.2-inch multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and front and rear USB ports.

Photo: Jaecoo

The most complete version, called Exclusive, adds other details such as full LED headlights, ventilated and heated front seats, ventilated wireless smartphone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control or synthetic leather upholstery.

Photo: Jaecoo

Prices? Well, the thermal version with the access finish starts at 27,500 euros, while the most affordable 100% electric variant starts at 35,500 euros.

Now, if we subtract the manufacturer’s aid and finance the purchase of the vehicle, you will have a JAECOO 5 from 19,990 euros, a really attractive amount if we take into account the extensive factory equipment of the vehicle. And be careful, the 100% electric version will also benefit from this promotional price, as soon as the manufacturer closes the agreement with its energy partner.