2026 Jaecoo J8 SHS: Seven-Seat PHEV SUV Confirmed for Australia

Key Points

The Jaecoo J8 SHS is a seven-seat PHEV SUV arriving in Australia in Q3 2026, priced around $60,000 before on-road costs.
It uses a 1.5-litre turbo engine with three electric motors producing up to 395kW and 650Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds.
A 34.36kWh battery delivers up to 134km of EV range and a total claimed range of over 1,100km.

Jaecoo is adding a seven-seat plug-in hybrid to its J8 lineup. The J8 SHS is due in Australian showrooms in the third quarter of 2026, and pricing is expected to sit around $60,000 before on-road costs.

The J8 SHS shares its platform and powertrain with the Omoda 9 SHS and Chery Tiggo 9, both already on sale in Australia. It will compete with the Kia Sorento PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Volkswagen Tayron, and BYD Sealion 8.

Powertrain and Performance

The J8 SHS uses Chery Group's Super Hybrid System (SHS). It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a three-speed hybrid-specific automatic transmission and three electric motors. Drive goes to all four wheels.

Overseas specs show 395kW of power and 650Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds. UK market figures list 315kW and 580Nm, so the Australian-spec output is yet to be confirmed.

The 34.36kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supports DC fast charging at up to 70kW, taking around 25 minutes from 30 to 80 percent. AC charging from 30 percent to full takes about 5.5 hours at 6.6kW. The battery also supports 6.6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.

Jaecoo J8 SHS Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Engine	1.5L turbo-four + 3 electric motors
Power / Torque	Up to 395kW / 650Nm
0-100km/h	5.4 seconds
Battery	34.36kWh LFP
EV Range	Up to 134km (UK spec)
Total Range	Over 1,100km (claimed)
DC Charging (30-80%)	~25 min at 70kW
AC Charging (30-100%)	~5.5 hours at 6.6kW
V2L	6.6kW
Drive	All-wheel drive
Seats	7
Dimensions (L x W x H)	4820 x 1930 x 1710mm
Wheelbase	2820mm
Fuel Tank	70 litres
Expected Price	~$60,000 before on-road costs
Australian Launch	Q3 2026 (July to September)

How It Compares to Key Rivals

The J8 SHS enters a competitive segment. Its closest rivals include the Kia Sorento PHEV, BYD Sealion 8, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The J8 stands out with significantly more power than most of them.

Jaecoo J8 SHS vs Key Competitors

Model	Power	0-100km/h	EV Range	Seats	Price (before on-roads)
Jaecoo J8 SHS	Up to 395kW	5.4 sec	Up to 134km	7	~$60,000
Kia Sorento PHEV	195kW	~8.5 sec	~57km	7	$70,880
BYD Sealion 8 PHEV	~320kW	~5.9 sec	~100km	7	$56,900
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	~200kW	~8.5 sec	~84km	7	$58,990
Volkswagen Tayron PHEV	~200kW	~7.5 sec	~100km	7	From $62,390

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Platform and Dimensions

The J8 SHS is built on Chery's T1X platform, shared with the Chery Tiggo 9 and Omoda 9. It keeps the same body as the existing five-seat J8 petrol variants: 4820mm long, 1930mm wide, 1710mm tall, on a 2820mm wheelbase. This puts it in the same size class as the Hyundai Santa Fe.

The seven-seat layout is the key difference from the current five-seat J8 petrol models. The J8 SHS will be the first seven-seat Jaecoo in Australia.

2026 Jaecoo J8 SHS seven-seat PHEV SUV exterior side view [PLACEHOLDER: Replace with official Jaecoo J8 SHS image] — Placeholder: 2026 Jaecoo J8 SHS exterior

Interior and Features

Overseas models come with Nappa leather across all three rows, power front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The dashboard features dual 12.3-inch screens: one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment. There is also a head-up display (HUD) and 50W wireless phone charging.

The Australian-spec J8 Ridge flagship already includes a 14-speaker sound system, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, massaging front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, and CDC electronic adaptive suspension. The J8 SHS is expected to carry a similar or higher specification.

Driver assist technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The J8 SHS also rides on continuously controlled magnetic (CDC) suspension.

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Pricing and Availability

Chery Australia has not confirmed final pricing. Based on its platform siblings, the J8 SHS is expected to land around $60,000 before on-road costs. For context:

Omoda Jaecoo and Chery PHEV Pricing (Australia)

Model	Price (before on-roads)
Jaecoo J8 (petrol, FWD)	From $49,990
Jaecoo J8 Ridge (petrol, AWD)	$54,990 drive-away
Jaecoo J8 SHS (PHEV, 7-seat)	~$60,000 (expected)
Omoda 9 SHS (PHEV, 5-seat)	From $61,990
Chery Tiggo 9 (PHEV, 7-seat)	From $59,990

Full pricing and variant details will be confirmed closer to the July 2026 launch.

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