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Is This the Budget Range Rover Everyone’s Talking About?

The Jaecoo 7 (aka Jaecoo J7) from Chery’s export sub-brand is turning heads in Europe, not because it’s luxury, but because it looks, feels, and drives like one.

At a price well below £30K, it’s a serious alternative to mid-luxury SUVs.


Looks That Rival the Best

Styled with Range Rover-inspired cues — boxy silhouette, bold grille, and 19‑inch alloy wheels, the Jaecoo 7 delivers premium curb appeal.

Inside, twin 13‑ and 14.8‑inch screens, ambient lighting, soft-touch panels, wireless CarPlay, fingerprint login, and a panoramic sunroof create a feel that rivals pricier rivals.

Image source: TopGear

Engine Options – Full Specs

  • 1.6 L Turbo Petrol (145 bhp)
    • FWD or AWD
    • 7‑speed dual‑clutch auto
    • 0–62 mph in ~10‑11 s; top speed ~112 mph
  • 1.5 L Plug‑in Hybrid “SHS” (201 bhp)
    • FWD only
    • 56‑mile (90 km) EV range
    • 18.3 kWh LFP battery, CVT-style hybrid gearbox

PHEV model offers 0–62 mph in ~8.5 s, with DC fast charge capability and V2L power outlet.


Ride Quality & Practicality

The SUV handles urban and highway driving well. The hybrid model is smooth, quiet, and refined—almost deceptive given its sub‑£35K price tag .

City drivers will appreciate its compact turn‑circle, light steering, and forward visibility. Highway noise and firm suspension are trade‑offs, but well within family‑SUV expectations .

Image source: TopGear

Real‑World Value

The Jaecoo 7 packs five‑star Euro NCAP safety, advanced driver assist tech, and generous interior space (412 L boot expandable to 1,260 L.

It comfortably undercuts alternatives like the VW Tiguan, Qashqai, and Sportage, while offering a spec sheet those charge extra for.


A Budget Bruiser with Big Brand Swagger

The Jaecoo 7 isn’t here to flex heritage or badges — it’s here to embarrass premium SUVs with a spec sheet that punches way above its price.

No, it’s not a Range Rover. But park it next to one, and you might wonder why you’d pay double.

The message is clear: China’s not knocking on Europe’s door — they’re kicking it down.

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Marin Galić
Marin Galić

Researcher & writer for Charging Stack. Marketing and content specialist at PROTOTYP where I help mobility startups find their voice. Writing about the future of urban transport, micromobility, and the people designing better ways to move. I’m here to tell smart stories, keep things honest, and explore what actually makes mobility work — from the street up.

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