The Jaecoo J8 The large SUV range is set to expand later this year with the launch of the Chinese brand’s first seven-seat model, the J8 SHS – which will use the same Super Hybrid System (SHS) plug-in hybrid powertrain as the Omoda 9, already on sale here.
The seven-seat J8 SHS, which will be available in Australian showrooms in the third quarter (July to September) of 2026, is based on the same platform as the Chery Tiggo 9, which will be sold exclusively in Australia with a lower output plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV).
Omoda Jaecoo is a sister brand of Chery in Australia, launched locally in 2025.
The seven-seat J8 SHS is based on the same T1X platform as the Chery Tiggo 9 – and a number of other SUVs – and will compete with the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger.
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It features the same bodywork as the current five-seat J8 petrol variants already available in local showrooms, measuring 4820mm long, 1930mm wide and 1710mm high on a 2820mm wheelbase.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s expected to be between the petrol J8 – offered here in two front-wheel drive model grades priced at $49,990 and $54,990 before on-road costs – and the single Omoda 9, priced at $61,990 before on-roads.
Specific details, including trim levels and variants, have not been revealed, but Chery Australia has confirmed that the SHS PHEV system used in the Omoda 9 will also be used in the seven-seat J8.
It combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a hybrid-specific three-speed automatic transmission, three electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Overseas, the J8 SHS produces the same 395kW of power and 650Nm of torque as the Australian Omoda 9 and is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds.
A 34.36 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a vehicle-to-load (V2L) power of 6.6 kW and – with a 70 liter fuel tank – a total range of 1,400 km.
The interior of the overseas models has electrically adjustable front seats with nappa leather upholstery in all three rows of seats and a leather steering wheel.
A central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen sits alongside a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, there’s also a head-up display (HUD) and 50W wireless mobile phone charging.
Driver assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning, while the J8 SHS rides on continuously controlled magnetic suspension like Australia’s Omoda 9.
Chery also showed off the Tiggo 9 Pro at the 2026 Auto China Motor Show in Beijing last week. It used the same base as the Jaecoo J8, but only featured a petrol engine – although this is not yet confirmed for Australia.
MORE: Discover the Jaecoo showroom
