Who Makes JAECOO Cars? Everything You Need To Know.
Introduction to JAECOO.
Born from the Chinese automotive giant Chery, JAECOO is a modern SUV brand crafted for drivers who want both sophistication and strength. Its name blends the German word Jäger, meaning “hunter”, with the English word “cool”, capturing the brand’s vision of capability paired with modern style.
Blending premium design with advanced technology, JAECOO vehicles deliver a refined driving experience while still offering true off‑road capability.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about JAECOO - from who makes the brand, to how it compares in the market, to the key features that set it apart. Whether you’re researching your next SUV or simply curious about this rising name, you’ll find all the answers here.
The History of JAECOO.
JAECOO was introduced in 2023 alongside its sister brand OMODA by Chery, one of China’s most established and prominent automotive manufacturers. JAECOO & OMODA were created by Chery with a global focus and are marketed exclusively outside of China. Together, they are projected to reach worldwide sales of 1.4 million units by 2030.
During JAECOO’s introduction in April 2023, the brand unveiled its first two models: the JAECOO 7 and the larger JAECOO 9 (now branded the JAECOO 8 and imminently arriving in UK showrooms). Sales began later that year in Russia, marking the brand’s first international debut.
By 2024, JAECOO had accelerated its global explosion, arriving in several key markets including Western Europe, Malaysia, the Middle East, South Africa and Chile. JAECOO officially launched in the UK in January 2025 and this rapid rollout has positioned JAECOO as one of the fastest‑growing new SUV brands on the global stage.
Who Owns JAECOO? The Manufacturer Explained.
JAECOO is part of Chery Automobile, one of the most established names in China’s automotive landscape. Although China’s car industry has grown dramatically only over the last thirty years, Chery itself was founded in 1997 and has since expanded into one of the country’s largest vehicle producers, now manufacturing well over two million vehicles annually across its various brands.
Chery’s early journey into car production began with its first model, the Chery Fulwin (Fengyun/A11). Rather than being developed entirely in‑house, the Fulwin was built using technology based on the first‑generation SEAT Toledo platform. These foundations helped Chery enter the domestic market at a time when China’s industry was heavily restricted.
This unconventional start laid the groundwork for the global company Chery has become today, and ultimately for the creation of new brands like JAECOO.
What Does JAECOO Make? Model Line-Up Breakdown.
Although JAECOO is a relatively young brand, its model range has expanded quickly since its 2023 debut. Positioned as rugged, premium‑leaning SUVs the line‑up focuses on capability and technology. Here’s a breakdown of the core models currently shaping the brand’s identity.
JAECOO 5 ICE (Petrol Engine)
The JAECOO 5 is the ideal mid‑size SUV for buyers who want the upmarket feel of a Range Rover Evoque but at a far more accessible price. Its exterior design is immediately striking, built around a modern, upright grille and distinctive rectangular headlights outlined with LED rings. The look subtly changes depending on the version but the petrol model features sleek silver grill bars that give it a strong and confident first impression.
Inside the JAECOO 5 quickly challenges expectations. Even the standard models feel unexpectedly premium, with a quiet, well‑insulated cabin and a clean, modern layout built around a 13.2‑inch tablet‑style display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come fitted as standard, along with a 540‑degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, and acoustic “silent glass” that helps create a calmer, more refined driving environment.
For those who choose the Luxury model, the JAECOO 5 steps up another level. High‑quality leather upholstery and both heated and cooled front seats all contribute to a more extravagant feel. The heated steering wheel adds everyday comfort, while the Sony surround‑sound system, ambient cabin lighting and electrically adjustable seats create an atmosphere that feels far above the car’s price bracket.
JAECOO E5 (BEV)
The JAECOO 5 BEV is the fully electric counterpart to the JAECOO 5 and one of the newest pure‑EV addition to the JAECOO line‑up. It shares much of its overall character with the petrol model but introduces several exterior changes that give it a cleaner, more futuristic identity. The front grill has been reworked into a seamless panel that emphasises the car’s electric nature, and the charging port has been neatly integrated into the front wing for easy access. Inside, the BEV mirrors the layout and spacious comfort of the JAECOO 5 ICE, offering the same impressive sense of luxury.
In the Pure version, the JAECOO 5 BEV focuses on calm, comfortable efficiency. It features silent‑glass insulation, a clean roofline without rails, manually adjustable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The central 13.2‑inch touchscreen forms the heart of the cabin, supported by a 540‑degree panoramic camera system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the user experience both intuitive and high‑tech.
Choosing the Luxury version elevates the BEV into a far more premium space. This specification adds LED headlights, leather seating, and both heated and ventilated front seats for all‑season comfort. The fixed glass panoramic roof floods the cabin with light. Interior lighting combined with the Sony surround‑sound system enhance the sense of sophistication, and wireless phone charging completes the upscale feel.
JAECOO 7 ICE (Petrol Engine)
The JAECOO 7 ICE delivers the kind of upright, confident stance you’d normally associate with a Range Rover, yet it does so at a far more accessible price. Its bold, squared‑off lines and premium cabin design give it a surprisingly upmarket feel - something reviewers have already noted when comparing its style to more expensive rivals.
Both the Deluxe and Luxury models use the same 1.6‑litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a smooth 7‑speed DCT gearbox, delivering a refined and reassuring drive. Despite its size, the J7 still achieves mid‑to‑high 30s MPG in official WLTP tests, which early reviewers have praised. Every model comes well equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electrically adjustable seats, 19‑inch alloys, front heated seats, a panoramic tilt‑and‑slide sunroof, a power tailgate, adaptive cruise control and JAECOO’s advanced 560‑degree camera system all helping the car feel premium from the moment you get in.
Where the Luxury model truly excels is the cabin, where the emphasis really is on comfort and convenience. It adds heated and ventilated seats, a head‑up display, a heated steering wheel and memory‑function seating, alongside a premium Sony surround‑sound system and an advanced PM 2.5 air‑purification setup. It also introduces the intelligent Terrain Response all‑wheel‑drive system, giving the J7 genuine off‑road capability alongside its family‑friendly practicality. The JAECOO 7 is quickly shaping up to be one of the best family SUV options for buyers who want space and practicality without sacrificing comfort, premium design or modern technology.
JAECOO 7 SHS (Super Hybrid System)
The JAECOO 7 SHS is the bestselling model in the JAECOO range, and it’s easy to see why. As the plug‑in hybrid version of the J7, it offers an impressive mix of long‑distance capability and low‑emission driving. In hybrid mode, it can travel up to 695 miles on petrol alone, plus an additional 56 miles of pure electric range for everyday trips - making it one of the strongest all‑rounders in its class.
Unlike the ICE versions, the SHS is offered exclusively as a 2WD hybrid, designed to deliver a smooth, effortless driving experience. It’s a versatile mid‑size SUV that gives families plenty of space without compromising comfort or modern features.
Sold solely in Luxury specification, every SHS comes generously equipped. Highlights include heated and ventilated front seats, a head‑up display, a panoramic tilt‑and‑slide sunroof, electric seats with driver memory, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 540‑degree camera system with transparent chassis view, remote climate control via the OJ app, PM 2.5 air purification and a heated steering wheel.
Charging is simple too. With support for up to 40 kW DC fast charging, the battery can go from 30 to 80% in around 30 minutes making it ideal for busy schedules. Overall, the JAECOO 7 SHS delivers real‑world flexibility: long‑range capability when you need it, electric efficiency when you want it, and premium comfort and tech that make everyday family life easier.
JAECOO Technology & Features.
JAECOO’s growing reputation isn’t just down to its bold, rugged styling - it’s the smart, technology underneath that really sets it apart. The brand blends exceptional engineering with everyday practicality, giving drivers the confidence, convenience and capability they need for everyday life.
Front and centre is JAECOO’s next‑generation infotainment system. Large, tablet‑style touchscreens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard across all the JAECOO models, making managing playlists, navigation and calls as seamless as possible. High‑resolution graphics and intuitive menus mean you can get what you need quickly, without digging through endless settings.
Where JAECOO really wins points is in its visibility boosting tech. Models such as the JAECOO 7 include an advanced 560‑degree surround‑view camera system that makes parking, hitching up a trailer or navigating tight spaces far less stressful. Many versions even offer a transparent chassis view, giving you a clear look underneath the car when tackling rough tracks, muddy fields or tricky kerbs - perfect for camping weekends or family adventures.
Inside, JAECOO focuses on comfort and convenience - the things you really appreciate on long trips or busy days. Depending on the model, you’ll find heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroofs, PM 2.5 air‑purification for cleaner cabin air, Sony surround‑sound audio, memory‑function seating and even remote climate control via the smartphone app. These are the kinds of features that make the car feel premium without the premium price tag. Altogether, JAECOO’s technology package feels genuinely built around real life.
JAECOO in the UK: The Sandown Group
At Sandown, we’re proud to be bringing the OMODA JAECOO to drivers across Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset. With over 40 years of heritage in premium automotive retail, we’re perfectly placed to introduce UK buyers to the next generation of innovative SUVs.
As an authorised JAECOO retailer, our centres showcase the full UK line‑up, including the JAECOO 5, JAECOO 7, and the JAECOO 7 SHS plug‑in hybrid. Models start from highly competitive on‑the‑road pricing: £24,505 for the JAECOO 5, £30,115 for the JAECOO 7, and £35,165 for the SHS - making premium SUV ownership more accessible than ever.
Whether customers visit our OMODA JAECOO Newbury or Basingstoke showroom or our upcoming Poole location, they’ll be welcomed by a team trained specifically in the brand’s technology, design philosophy and full product range.
We also offer comprehensive aftersales support, with service centres equipped to maintain and care for every JAECOO model. From routine servicing to diagnostics, our technicians work to manufacturer standards using the latest technology.
As the JAECOO brand continues its rapid rise and collects awards - including being named Carwow’s Brand of the Year 2026 - Sandown remains committed to delivering the same premium service, trust and expertise our customers know us for.
Is JAECOO a Good Brand?
Although JAECOO has only been available in the UK for a short time, it has quickly positioned itself as one of the most exciting new family SUV brands to arrive since the Kia Sportage first made its mark. Early adopters have been particularly impressed by how well JAECOO balances affordability with premium quality, something that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s SUV market.
Drivers are already praising JAECOO models for their excellent fuel efficiency, intuitive technology, and impressive capability, with many noting how confidently the vehicles handle everything from motorway miles to uneven, unpredictable ground. Add in the generous equipment levels offered as standard, and it’s easy to see why JAECOO is being talked about as a brand that delivers far more than its price suggests.
Naturally, some customers have questions about long‑term reliability and maintenance - but JAECOO puts those concerns to rest with a full 7‑year warranty, a clear sign of Chery Automobile’s confidence behind every vehicle.
In short: yes, JAECOO is a very good brand.
It’s modern, capable, efficient and loaded with technology, offering a premium driving experience without the premium‑badge cost.
JAECOO Cars Explained.
JAECOO has quickly positioned itself as one of the most exciting new family SUV brands in the UK, offering rugged design, premium interiors and forward‑thinking technology at an accessible price. With efficient petrol, hybrid and electric options, plus capability features like advanced camera systems and intelligent AWD, the brand appeals to drivers who want practicality without sacrificing comfort or tech. Before choosing your model, consider your daily driving needs - whether you’d benefit most from petrol simplicity, hybrid long‑range flexibility or full‑electric. To explore the full JAECOO range for yourself, visit Sandown OMODA JAECOO in Newbury or Basingstoke, with a new location opening soon in Poole, and let our team help you find the perfect SUV for your lifestyle.