Previewed: Jaecoo J7 PHEV – 1,300 KM NEDC Range, RM170K Est

The all-new Jaecoo J7 PHEV is set to debut into our market with an estimated price tag of RM 170,000.

Following the commencement of its registration of interests (ROIs), Jaecoo Malaysia has finally previewed the Jaecoo J7 PHEV for the first time here in Malaysia. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV is slated to enter our market later this year at a tentative price of RM170,000.

Showcased here is the right-hand drive (RHD) version of the J7 PHEV, which features several minor design and equipment changes over its freshly-launched ICE-powered twin. Starting with the exterior, the only two notable changes we spotted were the new 19-inch alloy wheels that feature a more enclosed spoke design and the presence of a plug-in port on the right side of the J7 PHEV’s rear fender.

Some changes can also be spotted inside the J7 PHEV, as this SUV gets a more minimalist cabin layout compared to its ICE-powered twin. The biggest difference lies on its central console, as the J7 PHEV drops the jet fighter-style gear shifter for a steering-mounted column shifter, while the AWD drive selector dial is also missing. Nonetheless, users would still find several amenities like a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and some physical switches, including two for the HEV and EV driving modes, at the central console here.

Also changed are the window switches, where the J7 PHEV is seen using the more minimalist switches (the same one we find on many other Chinese cars) compared to the conventional ones found on its ICE-powered twin.

Aside from those changes, other amenities like the massive 14.8-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a head-up display (HUD), powered and ventilated front seats, an all-black faux leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8-speaker Sony audio system are all still present on the J7 PHEV.

The J7 PHEV uses the brand's new Super Hybrid System PHEV setup that delivers up to 347 PS and 525 NM.

By far the biggest changes the J7 PHEV brought over the standard J7 is in its powertrain setup, as this model is powered by Jaecoo’s new Super Hybrid System (SHS). The package consists first of Jaecoo’s fifth-gen 1.5-litre 4-cyl TGDi Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE), which features a sublime thermal efficiency rate of 44.5%, and a single front-mounted e-motor plus a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

Combined, this PHEV setup delivers an astounding total system output of 347 PS and 525 NM, making the J7 PHEV much peppier than its ICE-powered twin. In contrast, the latter’s 1.6-litre 4-cyl TGDi mill is rated at just 197 PS and 290 NM.

Unlike the standard J7, however, the J7 PHEV is currently available in a front-wheel drive (FWD) version for now, although we can expect an all-wheel drive (AWD) version to follow suit some time later.

The J7 PHEV is also one of the few PHEVs on sale in Malaysia that offers DC fast charging capabilities.

Juicing the J7 PHEV’s e-motor is a sizable 18.3-kWh battery pack, which grants it up to 106 KM of EV-only range (NEDC). Combined with its DHE powertrain, this whole PHEV setup grants the J7 PHEV up to 1,300 KM of driving range (NEDC).

In terms of charging, the J7 PHEV accepts both AC 6.6 kW and DC 40 kW charging methods, with the latter enabling a 30-80% recharge to take place in about 20 minutes. Besides decent charging performance, the J7 PHEV also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality at 3.3 kW, allowing the SUV to power up small electrical appliances on-the-go.

With its registration of interests (ROIs) already opened earlier this month, the all-new Jaecoo J7 PHEV is slated to make its debut some time later this year, where it will be slapped with a tentative price tag of RM170,000. You can learn more about this SUV by checking out our first drive report of the J7 PHEV in China by clicking these bold words…