Previewed: Jaecoo J8 – 2 Variants, Est. From RM195,000

After a year since it was first shown in left-hand-drive (LHD) form, Jaecoo Malaysia showcased its upcoming Jaecoo J8 D-segment luxury SUV offering earlier today in right-hand-drive (RHD) form instead.

First previewed locally in left-hand-drive (LHD) from back in Jan 2024, the Jaecoo J8 was previewed once again locally earlier today. This time, Jaecoo Malaysia showcased the two- and three-row D-segment luxury crossover SUV in right-hand-drive (RHD) form.

The firm is publicly previewing the Jaecoo J8 via a special ‘J8 Preview Roadshow’ event  held this week at 1Utama, Petaling Jaya from March 27 to March 31. During which, registration of interest (ROI) is also opened for keen prospects.

Jaecoo Malaysia VP Emily Lek presenting the Jaecoo J8 to local press earlier today. The exec adds that ROI is opened via the 'J8 Preview Roadshow Event' happening this week at 1Utama, and next month in Penang's Queensbay Mall.

Additionally, the J8 Preview Roadshow will also be held next at Queensbay Mall in Penang from April 9 to April 13. Lastly, another public preview will also be held at the upcoming Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025) held in MAEPS, Serdang from May 8 to May 15.

“In keeping with our aim to deliver greater options to the Malaysian market, the J8 reinforces our commitment to delivering the perfect blend of style, premium comfort, and high-level performance, in an SUV,” remarked Emily Lek, Vice President of Jaecoo Malaysia.

Like the J7, two variants of the J8 will be offered, those being a base 2WD with two-rows of seats for five, followed by a range-topping AWD guise with three-rows of seats for six.

Like the Jaecoo J7, two variants of the Jaecoo J8 were announced – a base 2WD, 5-seat (2-row) guise and a range-topping AWD, 6-seat (3-row) variant. Both share the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol heart outputting 245 HP and 385 NM, as well as an 8-speed automatic box paired with said mill.

In terms of size, the Jaecoo J8 takes up a bigger footprint over its J7 sibling as it sits 4,820 MM long with a generous 2,820 MM wheelbase, 1,710 MM tall, and 1,930 MM wide. Jaecoo Malaysia also claims a water-wading depth of up to 450 MM for the AWD range-topper too.

All variants share the same 2.0-litre -4-cyl turbo petrol mill and 8-speed automatic box, the former putting out 245 HP and 385 NM.

In turn, said dimensions allows the J8 to easily house up to three rows of seats plus a sizeable 65-litre fuel tank. Standard boot space, on the other hand, measures at a decent 200 litres in the J8 AWD 6-seat, and up to 738 litres in the J8 2WD 5-seat.

Next, specific to the AWD range-topper is the automaker’s Continuous Damping Control (CDC) tech integrated into its suspension system as seen its Omoda C9 stablemate. This variant will also boast terrain-specific selectable drive modes as well.

The range-topping AWD guise features a 3-row, 6-seat layout with power-adjustable and massage-equipped second-row seats.

Shared across both is a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Both also rock Sony audio systems, but only the AWD guise offers up to 14 speakers with headrest speakers included.

Shared across both variants is a massive 12.3-inch infotainment display, as well as a 540-degree panoramic view parking monitor. Beyond which, the kit list varies between both in terms of luxurious tech and safety.

Starting with the base 2WD guise, highlights here sees a 12-speaker Sony audio suite, six airbags, cabin ambient, lighting, as well as faux leather upholstery. This base-spec guise also makes do with single-tone exterior paintjob choices – Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Olive Grey.

Also exclusive to the AWD range-topper is the leather seat upholstery with suede trimmings pictured.

Moving to the AWD range-topper and this three-rowed flavour of the J8 ups the ante with a 14-speaker Sony audio setup featuring headrest speakers, 10 airbags, power doors, automatic cabin fragrance system, and full leather upholstery with suede cabin trimmings.

Besides that, the range-topper also benefits with an NFC-based keyless entry suite, ventilated driver seat, autonomous parking abilities, built-in digital video recorder (DVR) or ‘dashcam’, as well as power-adjustable and massage-equipped second-row seats with curtain shades.

As for price, the Jaecoo J8 sees its base 2WD, 5-seat guise command an estimated RM195,000 whilst the range-topping AWD, 6-seat variant sees a higher estimated of RM200,000 instead.

Lastly, in terms of price, estimated pricing revealed by Jaecoo Malaysia stands at RM195,000 for the base Jaecoo J8 2WD, whilst the higher-specced and three-rowed Jaecoo J8 AWD sees a higher RM200,000 estimate figure instead.

We’ll have more details, including after-sales and warranty, once the model is officially launched. In the meantime, what do you folks reckon then? Does Jaecoo Malaysia have another winner in its hands? Will the J8 prove to be equally popular as the J7? Hit the comments below…