Jaecoo J7 Super Hybrid System PHEV Review: Big Electric Range, Stylish Looks, and Smart Tech
The Jaecoo J7 has already made waves as Chery’s SUV-focused export brand — a compact-to-medium SUV that blends Land Rover-inspired styling, solid driving comfort, and surprising affordability. Now, in 2025, the J7 gets a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) upgrade that could be a game changer for drivers who want EV-like performance without range anxiety.
Powertrain & Performance
The new J7 Super Hybrid System (SHS) combines:
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1.5-litre turbo-petrol 4-cylinder (105kW / 215Nm)
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18.3kWh plug-in battery
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150kW / 310Nm single electric motor
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Single-speed transmission, FWD
Efficiency:
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Electric-only range: 90km WLTP (real-world 80–90km possible)
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Total hybrid range: Up to 1200km
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Fuel economy: 1.0L/100km (WLTP)
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DC fast charging: Up to 40kW
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Price: $49,990 (NZ)
While AWD fans will note this PHEV is front-wheel-drive only, it still delivers instant torque from its electric motor, making city driving smooth and responsive. In EV mode, it’s almost silent, and even in hybrid mode, the petrol engine mainly works as a generator — stepping in above 80km/h.
EV-First Driving Experience
The J7 SHS feels like a pure EV most of the time:
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The petrol engine is almost unnoticeable thanks to excellent noise suppression.
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Adaptive cruise control helps in stop-and-go traffic.
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You can manually select EV mode if the battery is above 30%.
With twist-and-go operation (no start button), automatic locking, and seamless petrol-to-electric transitions, this SUV delivers a hands-free, tech-focused driving experience.
Interior & Features
The SHS model gets a more minimalist interior than the petrol J7:
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Gear selector moved to the steering column
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Side mirror controls integrated into the infotainment menu (auto-dip in reverse available)
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Smooth cabin design with high-quality materials
One caveat: the gear selector, while sleek, requires a full stop before changing between Drive and Reverse. Boot space is 340 litres — less than the petrol FWD (424L) but the same as AWD models.
Ride & Handling
While the EV part is well-tuned, the J7 SHS’s extra 260kg battery weight impacts agility:
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Steering is very light
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Ride can feel unsettled over certain bumps
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Handling is tidy but not sporty
Still, for most buyers, the appeal lies in its long electric range, refined cabin, and tech features, not corner-carving performance.
Verdict
The Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV is perfect for drivers who:
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Want EV-like daily driving with petrol backup for long trips
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Appreciate premium SUV looks at a competitive price
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Need strong tech features like DC fast charging and V2H-ready battery power
For $49,990, it delivers one of the most impressive big-battery PHEVs in its price range — making it a serious contender in the hybrid SUV market.
