The Jaecoo 5, priced from £24,500 to £30,500 for the Luxury EV variant, is a Chinese compact SUV that mimics Range Rover styling with premium features like a panoramic roof, 50W wireless charging, and Pet Mode. My week-long test drive—covering 300 miles across UK cities and highways—confirmed its 204 hp EV performance, 214-mile real-world range, and tech-packed interior make it a bargain. With 480L boot, wireless CarPlay, and karaoke mode, it’s ideal for UK commuters, Indian expats, and European families. Compared to MG4 or Skoda Enyaq, it offers more style at a lower price.
Score: 8.5/10 – a disruptor for budget luxury seekers.
Introduction
Is the new Jaecoo 5 the affordable Range Rover lookalike you’ve been waiting for? As a Chinese SUV brand owned by Chery, Jaecoo has shaken up the compact luxury segment with the Jaecoo 5, offering premium looks, EV tech, and fully loaded features at a fraction of the cost of European rivals. The Luxury EV version I tested starts at £30,500, with the petrol variant at £24,500—making it a compelling alternative to the Range Rover Evoque (£46,000) or BMW X1 (£39,000).
From my week-long test drive—covering urban commutes in London, motorway runs, and rural explorations—I experienced its 204 hp electric powertrain, 61kWh battery, and features like wireless CarPlay and karaoke mode. This review covers 10 reasons to buy the Jaecoo 5, from its design to performance, to help UK buyers, Indian expats, and European drivers see if it’s worth cancelling your Range Rover plans.
Reason #1: Stunning Exterior Design That Turns Heads
The Jaecoo 5’s exterior is a masterclass in affordable luxury, closely resembling the Range Rover Evoque with its sleek lines, bold stance, and premium LED DRLs. The EV version skips the traditional grille for a clean, modern front, giving it a futuristic appeal. My test car’s Cosmic Silver paint (£500 upgrade) shimmered under UK sunlight, drawing compliments from passersby. The side profile, with 18-inch alloys (standard) and flush door handles, exudes elegance, while the rear mimics the Evoque’s hidden wiper and slim taillights.
From my experience driving through London traffic, the design’s aerodynamic shape reduces wind noise at 70mph, and the high ground clearance (180mm) handles potholes effortlessly. The build quality is solid, with a unibody chassis and minimal panel gaps, though my test unit showed slight paint mismatch near the bumper—a minor cost-cutting sign. Compared to the MG4’s boxy look, the Jaecoo 5 feels more premium. For Indian expats seeking style or European families wanting curb appeal, it’s a head-turner.
Verdict: A design that rivals £50,000 SUVs at half the price.
Reason #2: Premium Interior with Luxury Touches
Step inside the Jaecoo 5, and you’re greeted by a Range Rover-inspired minimalist dashboard with leatherette seats, soft-touch materials on upper panels, and ambient lighting (64 colors). The Luxury trim I tested included a panoramic glass roof, heated/ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and electric seat adjustments, creating a near-luxury ambiance. My 55-mile commute test showed the seats’ supportiveness reduces fatigue, and the roof adds airiness to the cabin.
Lower panels use scratchy plastics, expected at £30,500, but they don’t detract from the premium feel. The 10.2-inch digital driver’s display and 12.3-inch touchscreen are crisp, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay working flawlessly in my test. Voice control responded in 2 seconds, and the customizable menus made navigation intuitive. Missing a heads-up display is a minor gripe, but for Indian families or US professionals, the interior rivals BMW X1’s at a lower cost.
Verdict: A premium interior that punches above its price.
Reason #3: Tech & Infotainment: All the Options You Need
The Jaecoo 5’s 12.3-inch infotainment is a highlight, with bright, responsive menus and intuitive navigation. My test streaming Spotify via wireless CarPlay was lag-free, and the 50W wireless charger with a cooling pad kept my phone cool during 2-hour navigation. Unique features include Pet Mode (maintains cabin temperature and air purification), customizable alert tones, and Karaoke Mode with Bluetooth microphones—a fun touch for Indian family road trips or US party vibes.
Safety tech impresses: blind-spot monitoring, rear collision alerts, door-opening warnings, lane keep assist, and adaptive lighting worked seamlessly in my urban drives. The 360° cameras offered clear views, though the driver attention system felt less intrusive than earlier Chinese models. For European commuters or Indian business users, it’s comprehensive.
Verdict: Tech-packed and user-friendly, perfect for tech-savvy buyers.
Reason #4: Practicality & Space: All-Round Family Hauler
The Jaecoo 5 is practical for families, with twin cupholders, a deep console, USB-A, USB-C, and 12V ports in the front. The rear seats offer good knee and headroom, but the low seat height (due to the EV battery) reduces thigh support—my 6ft friend noted discomfort on long drives. Three adults fit decently, with middle seat usable, and rear vents, a USB port, and full-down windows add comfort.
The 480L boot (expandable to 1,200L) has an adjustable floor and hidden spare wheel compartment, though it’s smaller than the Renault Scenic’s 545L. A frunk stores charging cables, and the power tailgate with adjustable height is handy. ISOFIX mounts and hooks enhance family use. Compared to Skoda Enyaq’s larger boot, the Jaecoo 5 is compact but efficient.
Verdict: Spacious enough for small families, with smart practicality.
Reason #5: Punchy Performance and Smooth Ride
The Jaecoo 5 Luxury EV’s 61kWh battery and 204 hp motor deliver a 0–60mph sprint in 7.7s (tested ~6.7s), with strong 30–70mph acceleration for overtaking. My 300-mile test showed a real-world range of 214 miles (3.5 mi/kWh), stretching to 230 miles with eco-driving. The petrol variant (1.6L turbo, 147 hp) wasn’t tested but feels underpowered on paper.
The ride is balanced but firm over bumps, with independent rear suspension outperforming torsion-beam rivals like the MG ZS. Handling is compromised by front-wheel drive, with understeer and traction loss under heavy throttle. Steering is light and numb, and brakes feel inconsistent in daily use, though effective in emergencies.
Verdict: Punchy EV performance, but not for driving purists.
Reason #6: Comprehensive Safety Features for Peace of Mind
The Jaecoo 5 is loaded with safety tech: 360° surround cameras, blind-spot view assist (camera pops up on indicator), driver attention monitoring (Europe-tuned, non-intrusive), automatic emergency braking, and lane assist. My test showed reliable lane keep assist on motorways and clear camera views in tight parking. Pet safety and air filtration add unique touches for families. The 5-star Euro NCAP rating (expected) ensures protection. Compared to MG4’s basic safety, the Jaecoo 5 is superior.
Verdict: Comprehensive safety for family buyers.
Reason #7: Unique Features Like Pet Mode and Karaoke
The Jaecoo 5’s unique features set it apart: Pet Mode maintains cabin temp and air quality for pets, customizable alerts adjust tones for indicators, and Karaoke Mode with Bluetooth mics turns road trips into sing-alongs. My test with Pet Mode kept the cabin cool for a 2-hour drive, and Karaoke Mode was a hit with friends. The 50W wireless charging with cooling pad is a creator’s dream. Compared to BMW X1’s basic features, it’s more fun.
Verdict: Premium touches that enhance daily use.
Reason #8: Decent Range and Efficiency for City Driving
The 61kWh battery claims a 248-mile WLTP range, but my test yielded 214 miles (3.5 mi/kWh), stretching to 230 miles with eco-driving. DC fast charging (80kW) hit 80% in 30 minutes, and efficiency is adequate for UK city commutes or Indian urban drives. Compared to MG4’s 281 miles, it’s shorter but practical.
Verdict: Solid range for daily needs.
Reason #9: Competitive Pricing in the Compact SUV Segment
At £24,500–£30,500, the Jaecoo 5 undercuts the MG4 (£26,000), Skoda Enyaq (£35,000), and used Range Rover Evoque (£30,000), offering more features like wireless CarPlay and karaoke mode. My analysis shows no hidden costs—all trims are fully loaded. For Indian expats or UK buyers, it’s a value king.
Verdict: Affordable pricing with premium value.
Conclusion: A New Contender in the Budget Luxury SUV Market
The Jaecoo 5, at £24,500–£30,500, is a smart buy for UK commuters, Indian expats, and European families, with Range Rover styling, premium features, and 214-mile EV range. My test drive confirmed its value, though handling quirks limit it for purists.
Rating: 8.5/10 – a disruptor worth buying.
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