The Jaecoo J8 large SUV lineup is set to expand later this year with the introduction of the Chinese brand’s first seven-seat model, the J8 SHS – which will use the same ‘Super Hybrid System’ (SHS) plug-in hybrid powertrain as the Omoda 9 already on sale here.
Due in Australian showrooms in the third quarter (July to September) of 2026, the seven-seat J8 SHS is based on the same platform as the Chery Tiggo 9, which is sold exclusively in Australia with a lower-output plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
Omoda Jaecoo is a sister brand of Chery in Australia, launched locally in 2025.
Built on the same T1X platform as the Chery Tiggo 9 – and a raft of other SUVs – the seven-seat J8 SHS will rival the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger.
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It comes with the same body as the current five-seat J8 petrol variants already in local showrooms, which measure 4820mm long, 1930mm wide and 1710mm tall on a 2820mm wheelbase.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but it’s expected to sit between the petrol J8 – offered here in two front-wheel drive model grades at $49,990 and $54,990 before on-road costs – and the sole Omoda 9 priced at $61,990 before on-roads.
Specific details including equipment levels and variants haven’t been announced, but Chery Australia has confirmed the SHS PHEV system used in the Omoda 9 will also feature in the seven-seat J8.
This combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed, hybrid-specific automatic transmission, three electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Overseas, the J8 SHS produces the same 395kW of power and 650Nm of torque as the Australian-spec Omoda 9, offering a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds.
A 34.36kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack brings 6.6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, and – with a 70-litre fuel tank – a claimed total driving range of 1400km.
The cabin in overseas models includes power front seats with Nappa leather upholstery across all three rows, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen sits alongside a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and there’s also a head-up display (HUD) and 50W wireless phone charging.
Driver assist technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, while the J8 SHS rides on continuously controlled magnetic suspension, like the Australian-spec Omoda 9.
Chery also showed the Tiggo 9 Pro at last week’s 2026 Auto China motor show in Beijing, using the same underpinnings as the Jaecoo J8 but fitted only with a petrol engine – though it’s not yet confirmed for Australia.
MORE: Explore the Jaecoo showroom
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