The new Jaecoo J5 BEV electric vehicle, representing the Chinese brand known for its elegant and streamlined design, will soon appear in the South African market. This car boasts a power output of 155 kW and a claimed range of 402 km, and it will offer a range of modern features.
The planned launch of the J5 BEV is set for September, and it will enter the competitive South African electric vehicle segment. The car will be available from R549 900 and will compete with models such as the iCaur V23 (from R519 900), GWM Ora 5 EV (from R549 900), and Dongfeng Vigo E1 (from R499 000).
A preliminary inspection of the new Jaecoo J5 BEV was conducted by IOL at the headquarters of the parent company Chery in Bryanston. Although it could not be fully tested because it is a non-road registered prototype, the short time spent on the office complex grounds allowed for an assessment of its performance in an urban environment.
During the test, smooth and light acceleration was noted. The suspension, equipped with a multi-link setup at the rear, handled large speed bumps on the complex grounds easily and comfortably.
The J5 BEV is powered by a single-motor synchronous permanent magnet motor, which delivers 155 kW and 288 Nm to the front axle. It runs on a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, providing the claimed range of up to 402 km according to the WLTP cycle. The battery supports 11 kW AC charging and fast DC charging up to 130 kW, which, according to Jaecoo, allows the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in approximately 28 minutes.
It has a unique appearance
The J5 BEV does not try to hide its status as an electric vehicle, and it is easily distinguishable from the internal combustion engine version. The main distinguishing feature is the thin 'grille' between the headlights, which replaces the much larger 'waterfall' grille found on gasoline variants. Furthermore, the J5 BEV features a distinctive lower bumper with a completely black section and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels. There is also a small 'frunk' under the hood, where the engine would typically be located; thanks to a drainage hole, this is an ideal place to store dirty items or leaking things.
What's inside
Inside, however, the cabin features a familiar setup, centered around a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It includes a 360-degree panoramic camera, control via the Carlinko app, and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The electric vehicle is also equipped with an eight-speaker audio system, power-adjustable front seats, an automatic tailgate, a panoramic roof, and 50W wireless smartphone charging.
The cabin looks richly appointed, and the materials used give it a premium feel. Customers can choose between black or white interiors. Among the pleasant details, which are usually not expected at this level, is an electrically operated sunshade for rear passengers. Nevertheless, the legroom in the back was slightly less than expected in some other electric vehicles with a 'cabin-proximate engine.'
The car is equipped with an extensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and multi-collision braking.
Pre-launch incentive
Omoda & Jaecoo Marketing Manager Shannon Gaggan stated that 'the launch of the J5 BEV will mark an important milestone for JAECOO as the first fully electric model offered locally by the brand.' He added that the car combines high performance, comfort, safety, and everyday practicality in one package designed to simplify the adoption of fully electric mobility.
Pre-orders for the new electric model are already open, and buyers who place an order before the official sales start will receive a bonus package worth over R50 000. This package includes an EV starter kit consisting of a 7kW home charging station and a Vehicle-to-Load accessory, which allows the car's battery to power external devices—a feature that will be very useful during power outages.