Omoda & Jaecoo has officially confirmed that its seven-seater SUV, the 8 SHS-P, is now available in Belgium, starting at €54,900. 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. “With the Jaecoo 8 SHS-P, we are strengthening our Belgian range with an SUV that immediately combines many strengths,” he said. “Seven seats, a plug-in hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive, and a competitive price: this combination makes the model particularly relevant for families, professionals, and drivers who regularly cover long distances.” The SUV is one 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 – and at €54,900, that comparison becomes increasingly difficult to dismiss.
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 developing 105 kW (143 hp) 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 courtesy of a 70-liter fuel tank. WLTP weighted combined consumption stands at 2.1 l/100 km, with CO₂ emissions of 48 g/km. Like any modern plug-in hybrid, DC fast charging hasn’t been left behind and is supported at up to 70 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 and a top speed of 180 km/h.
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, six driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Sand, and Offroad), 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. The Jaecoo 8 also has a braked towing capacity of 1,500 kg.
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.
Standard equipment further includes 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin tyres, a panoramic roof, leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, tinted windows, acoustic glazing for the windscreen and front side windows, and a refrigerated storage compartment in the centre console.
The heated and ventilated rear seats have a separate climate zone, and with dimensions of 4.82 meters long, 1.93 meters wide, and 1.71 meters tall on a 2.82 meter wheelbase, there’s no shortage of room: boot volume runs from 738 liters with all seats in use to 2,021 liters with the rear rows folded – enough to transport a small kennel for your dog’s walk. The Jaecoo 8 SHS-P is available through a network of 31 dealers across Belgium.
