Jaecoo J5 EV confirmed: A new price leader?

Jaecoo New Zealand has confirmed its all-new J5 SUV will hit local showroom floors late this month, bringing with it a spec sheet that suggests the Chinese marque is preparing to aggressively target the entry-level EV SUV market.

While the official Kiwi sticker price is being kept under wraps until launch, the J5 has just launched in the Australian market with a sharp driveaway price of $36,990 AUD.

Given the local operation shares its management with Australia, there is a strong possibility the New Zealand price will follow suit. A sub-$40k starting price would see the J5 undercut key rivals like the BYD Atto 3 and Leapmotor B10, while offering a larger footprint than the incoming Atto 2.

“We are beyond excited with the arrival of the J5 range in New Zealand,” says Roy Munoz, Chief Commercial Officer OMODA JAECOO AUS & NZ.

“Kicking off with the BEV variant, it will be a compelling choice in an increasingly competitive EV market.”

UK Success Story

The model has already seen volume success in the UK, securing over 20,000 sales since launch.

British motoring outlets have highlighted the J5’s boxy, more traditional SUV styling, particularly that it looks like a mini Ranger Rover, as a key point of difference. Reviews have frequently cited the high level of standard equipment and material quality as strong value propositions against established European competitors.

High Spec, Low Price?

Jaecoo is keeping things simple for the NZ launch by bringing the J5 in as a single, highly-specced variant. It is a strategy that simplifies the lineup and ensures early units are fully equipped.

Standard kit includes 18-inch alloys, a power tailgate, and a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade.

Inside, the brand is debuting a new “pet-friendly” synthetic leather. The antibacterial, silicone-based material is marketed for its durability and ease of cleaning, a practical addition for family buyers.

Under the Skin

The powertrain specifications are competitive for the class. The J5 runs a single front-mounted motor producing 155kWand 288Nm. The 0-100km/h sprint takes 7.7 seconds.

Power comes from a 58.9kWh LFP battery, delivering a claimed 402km (WLTP) of range.

Charging speeds are rated at 130kW DC, allowing a 30 to 80 per cent charge in 28 minutes. The vehicle also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) as standard, allowing the battery to power external 240V appliances.

Tech and Safety

The cabin features a 13.2-inch infotainment screen paired with an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster. Connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50W wireless phone charger, and an 8-speaker audio system.

Safety equipment includes seven airbags and a full suite of driver assists, including Adaptive Cruise Control, AEB, and a 360-degree camera system.

Pricing will be revealed closer to the late January launch. Customers can register their interest via the Omoda Jaecoo website.