Jaecoo J5 Poised To Galvanize O&J Malaysia In 2026

Omoda & Jaecoo (O&J) Malaysia is heading into 2026 on a high, but the real spotlight now is on what comes next - the arrival of the all-new Jaecoo J5.

The brand has enjoyed a strong run since entering the market in 2024, when it sold just over 7,000 vehicles. That momentum carried into 2025, with sales jumping 153% year-on-year to 17,849 units. Much of that growth came from the Jaecoo J7, while the J7 PHEV has also gained solid traction with more than 3,000 owners nationwide.

According to Men Lin Bo, Executive Vice President of Chery Corporate Malaysia, “Our growth in 2025 shows that O&J has moved beyond being a newcomer and is now a brand Malaysian drivers trust. As we head into 2026, the focus is on strengthening our local presence and growing with the market.”

With that foundation in place, O&J is now widening its lineup, and the J5 sits at the centre of that push. Bookings for the B-segment SUV are officially open, with an estimated starting price of RM120,000, making it the brand’s most accessible model so far.

The Jaecoo J5 was first shown locally in Aug last year and later made another appearance at the LahLahLand 2025 lifestyle festival. Sized at 4,380 mm long with a 2,620 mm wheelbase, it sits squarely in the B-SUV segment and is aimed at the Honda HR-V, Proton X50 and even its “cousin”, the Chery Tiggo Cross.

For Malaysia, the J5 is expected to launch as a petrol-only model, even though Indonesia already gets a fully electric version. There is no confirmation yet on whether the EV will make its way here, though it remains a possibility later on.

The ICE version headed for Malaysia uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 147 PS and 210 Nm, paired with a CVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

In terms of design, the J5 looks very much like a smaller J7. It carries the same boxy, rugged styling, though it swaps flush door handles for conventional ones. One standout detail is its suspension setup, combining MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link rear, a rare feature in this segment.

Inside, the focus is clearly on tech and comfort. The dashboard features an 8-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a large 13.2-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Faux-leather upholstery with anti-bacterial and scratch-resistant properties adds to the upmarket feel.

Chris Tan, Senior Director and Head of O&J Malaysia, said, “The J5 is about expanding our lineup with a more lifestyle-focused SUV. It combines advanced tech, strong safety and everyday practicality in a package designed for modern Malaysian buyers.”

Safety is another strong point, with the J5 equipped with a full suite of ADAS features enabling Level 2.5 semi-autonomous driving, putting it in line with more expensive rivals.

It also delivers on practicality, offering a 480-litre boot that expands to 1,180 litres when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are folded down.

Final pricing will only be confirmed closer to launch, but if O&J’s previous models are anything to go by, the Jaecoo J5 is likely to be aggressively priced. With bookings already open, the J5 looks set to play a major role as the brand enters its next phase of growth in Malaysia.