Omoda & Jaecoo has officially confirmed that its seven-seater SUV, the 8 SHS-P, will be launched in Belgium at the start of summer. The brand’s largest and most premium model brings a 134 km WLTP electric range, and a level of cabin technology that aims to put considerable pressure on established European rivals in the same price bracket. Mission accomplished?
Range Rover at a bargain
The 8 has been circling international markets for several months, but Belux country manager Darren Tu has now confirmed its Belgian debut. “The Jaecoo 8 brings more space, more refinement, and a higher level of comfort to our lineup,” he said. The SUV of four new additions to the line-up in total.
The higher-end vehicle slots above the 7 SHS-P, which has helped establish the brand in one of the most popular SUV segments of the Belgian car market. With the 8, Jaecoo steps directly into territory currently held by the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, Peugeot 5008 PHEV, and Skoda Kodiaq PHEV. But given its size and, more importantly, its strong focus on off-road capability, it’s not difficult to regard it as a Range Rover at a bargain, though exact pricing for Belgium has not yet been confirmed.
Third-generation plug-in hybrid
The 8 is built on Chery Group’s third-generation Super Hybrid System, shared with the Omoda 9. It packs the brand’s well-known, and somewhat lifeless to be honest, 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine that works alongside three electric motors: one at the front axle, one at the rear, and one integrated into the three-speed DHT transmission for regenerative braking. At the heart of the system sits a battery with some serious capacity: 34.46 kWh.
The WLTP electric-only range is confirmed at 134 km – much better than the above-mentioned competition -, with a combined range of over 1,000 km. Like any modern plug-in hybrid, DC fast charging hasn’t been left behind and is supported at up to 40 kW, bringing the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes.
Vehicle-to-load at 6.6 kW is also on board, turning the SUV into a mobile power source for external devices. Particularly useful in the outdoor contexts the leisurely side of this SUV aims for. Total output of the system is on par with the SUV’s high-end image: 428 hp and 580 Nm, sufficient for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds.
Practical engineering
As mentioned, the Jaecoo 8 likes muddy puddles and hillside adventures; it is the differentiator from sister brand Omoda. The equipment confirming these claims involves lockable differentials, a first for the brand, CDC MagneRide adaptive suspension, and a wading depth of 600 mm (comparable to the Land Rover Discovery Sport). The battery system carries an IP68 rating, meaning it is dust-tight and can sustain immersion.
Inside, there’s luxury tech like a 24.6-inch curved display, a 14-speaker Sony audio system with headrest-integrated drivers, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and multiple massage modes. The heated and ventilated rear seats have a separate climate zone, and thanks to an expandable boot volume of 2,021 liters, you can transport a small kennel for your dog’s walk.
