Is the new Jaecoo 5 the affordable Range Rover lookalike you’ve been waiting for? Launched in 2025 by Chinese SUV brand Jaecoo, this compact luxury SUV blends premium styling, electric vehicle (EV) tech, and fully loaded features at a price that undercuts European rivals. Priced from £24,500 to £30,500 for the Luxury EV version I tested, it promises Range Rover Evoque vibes for half the cost. After a week of testing—driving through London’s urban sprawl, testing tech on motorways, and assessing practicality for family use—it delivers an impressive 80% of a premium SUV experience. But with some build quality quirks and handling compromises, is it worth cancelling your Range Rover plans? This 3,500-word review dives into design, interior, tech, performance, practicality, and more to help UK buyers, Indian expats, and European commuters decide.
Introduction: Jaecoo’s Bold Entry into the Compact Luxury SUV Market
The compact luxury SUV market is fiercely competitive in 2025, with the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X1, and Audi Q3 setting high standards. Enter Jaecoo, a Chery-owned Chinese brand, with the Jaecoo 5—a stylish, tech-packed SUV starting at £24,500 (petrol) and £30,500 for the Luxury EV version I tested. It aims to disrupt the segment with Range Rover-inspired looks, a 61kWh EV powertrain, and features like a panoramic roof, 50W wireless charging, and karaoke mode—all standard.
I drove the Jaecoo 5 Luxury EV for a week, covering 300 miles across city streets, motorways, and rural roads. From testing its 214-mile real-world range to evaluating its infotainment for vlogging, this review covers design, interior quality, tech, performance, practicality, and driving dynamics. Does it truly rival premium brands, or are there too many compromises? Let’s explore why the Jaecoo 5 is turning heads in the UK, India, and Europe.
Jaecoo 5 Price & Variants: Affordable Luxury, No Hidden Costs
The Jaecoo 5 starts at £24,500 for the petrol base model (1.6L turbo, 147 hp) and tops out at £30,500 for the Luxury EV version (61kWh, 204 hp). My test car, the top-spec EV, included every feature as standard—panoramic roof, heated/ventilated seats, and advanced safety tech—with the only optional extra being a £500 paint upgrade (I chose Cosmic Silver). Unlike European rivals like the BMW X1 (£39,000) or Range Rover Velar (£46,000), which nickel-and-dime for extras, the Jaecoo 5’s all-inclusive pricing is a breath of fresh air.
For Indian buyers eyeing exports or European commuters on a budget, the Jaecoo 5 offers near-premium features at a fraction of the cost. Compared to a used Range Rover Evoque (£30,000), it delivers modern EV tech and a fresher design.
Verdict: Unbeatable value for a fully loaded compact SUV.
Exterior Design: A Budget Range Rover?
The Jaecoo 5’s exterior screams Range Rover Evoque, with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that punches above its price. The EV version ditches the traditional grille for a smooth, futuristic front, accented by premium LED DRLs and a bold stance. My test car’s 18-inch alloys (standard, no upgrades) added sophistication, and the side profile mirrored the Evoque’s sleek lines, with flush door handles and a sloping roofline.
The rear, with its hidden wiper and slim LED taillights, further mimics the Evoque’s elegance. However, build quality isn’t flawless—my test car showed slight panel misalignment on the hood and a mismatched paint patch near the rear bumper, hinting at cost-cutting. For UK buyers seeking curb appeal or Indian expats wanting a premium look, the Jaecoo 5 delivers 90% of a Range Rover’s presence.
Verdict: Stunning design with minor fit-and-finish flaws.
Interior Review: Premium Feel on a Budget
Step inside the Jaecoo 5, and you’re greeted by a Range Rover-inspired minimalist dashboard with leatherette seats and soft-touch upper panels. The Luxury EV trim adds a panoramic glass roof, heated/ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and electric seat adjustments, creating a near-luxury ambiance. My test in a London winter confirmed the heated seats’ quick warmth, ideal for European commuters.
Lower panels use scratchy plastics, expected at £30,500, but they don’t detract from the premium feel. The 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital driver’s display are crisp, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay working flawlessly in my test. Voice control was responsive, and ambient lighting (64 colors) added flair. Missing a heads-up display is a minor gripe.
Verdict: A premium interior that rivals £50,000 SUVs.
Tech & Infotainment: Chinese Smartness Done Right
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 sessions. 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.
Verdict: Tech-packed and user-friendly, perfect for tech-savvy buyers.
Practicality & Space: Family-Friendly with Quirks
The Jaecoo 5 is practical for families. Front storage includes twin cupholders, a deep console, USB-A, USB-C, and 12V ports. 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 rear vents, a USB port, and full-down windows adding 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.
Verdict: Spacious enough for small families, but rear seat comfort could improve.
Performance Review: Punchy but Not Sporty
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), reaching 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.
Comfort, Noise & Ride Quality: Quiet but Firm
The Jaecoo 5’s high seating position and large windows ensure excellent visibility, with blind-spot cameras aiding city driving. Independent rear suspension smooths out most roads, but potholes feel firm—my London test noted slight jolts. Wind noise is minimal thanks to insulated glass, but road noise and cabin echoes at 70mph were noticeable.
Seats are supportive but firm for long trips, and the heated steering wheel was a winter blessing. For UK commuters or Indian families, it’s comfortable for daily drives but not plush.
Verdict: Quiet and practical, but ride firmness may bother some.
Safety Features: Loaded with Smart Tech
The Jaecoo 5 is packed with safety features: 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.
Verdict: Comprehensive safety suite for peace of mind.
Five Annoying Things About the Jaecoo 5
- Cupholder Placement: Blocks armrest when using the touchscreen.
- Parking Brake: Won’t release without a seatbelt, even for short moves.
- Steering Wheel Glare: Shiny trim reflects under trees, distracting.
- Boot Movement: Slight shake when shutting doors due to poor air venting.
- Sunroof Switch: Feels cheap and unfinished.
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Jaecoo 5
Five Cool Things About the Jaecoo 5
- 50W Wireless Charging: Fast with a cooling pad for efficiency.
- Pet Mode: Maintains cabin temp and air quality for pets.
- Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration.
- Karaoke Mode: Bluetooth mics for fun road trips.
- Customizable Alerts: Adjustable tones for indicators and alarms.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy Jaecoo 5
Range, Efficiency & Charging: Decent for City Use
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, comparable to the MG4. Efficiency lags slightly behind the MG4’s 281 miles, but it’s adequate for UK city commutes or Indian urban drives. Verdict: Solid range for daily use, but not class-leading.
Pricing vs Competitors
| Model | Starting Price | Powertrain | Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaecoo 5 EV | £30,500 | 61kWh / 204 hp | 248 mi | Range Rover design, fully loaded |
| MG4 | £26,000 | RWD / 201 hp | 281 mi | Engaging drive, better range |
| Skoda Enyaq | £35,000 | 77kWh / 204 hp | 330 mi | Larger, refined, pricier |
| Range Rover Evoque (used) | £30,000 | ICE / 200 hp | N/A | Genuine luxury, but used |
Should You Buy the Jaecoo 5?
Pros: Stunning Range Rover-like design, premium interior, and tech-packed at £30,500. Fully loaded with no hidden costs, strong EV performance for urban use.
Cons: Inconsistent brakes/steering, minor build quality issues, front-wheel drive limits fun.
Who Should Buy: Budget-conscious buyers wanting style, tech, and EV practicality.
Who Should Skip: Driving enthusiasts or those needing top-tier build quality.
Verdict: Cancel Your Range Rover?
The Jaecoo 5 EV, at £30,500, delivers 80% of a Range Rover Evoque’s style and luxury for half the price. My week-long test showed a premium interior, tech-loaded cabin, and decent 214-mile range, ideal for UK commuters, Indian families, or European road trippers. Quirks like numb steering, firm ride, and minor build issues hold it back from perfection, but it’s a disruptor in the compact SUV space. For budget buyers seeking a stylish, feature-rich EV, the Jaecoo 5 is a compelling alternative to pricier rivals. Cancel your Range Rover? Maybe not, but it’s close enough for most. Share your thoughts below!
It mimics Evoque styling and offers premium features at half the price, but build quality and handling aren’t as refined.
Tested at 214 miles, up to 230 miles with eco-driving.
The 1.6L turbo (147 hp) is less exciting than the EV’s 204 hp performance.
[…] 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 […]
[…] driving in London, motorway runs, and family practicality assessments—it’s clear the Jaecoo 5 has compromises that could frustrate buyers. While its design turns heads and the interior feels […]