A New Dimension of Adventure – First Test Drives of the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid
At the beginning of May, the first test drives of the highly anticipated JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid took place. The route taken by media representatives covered three countries, nearly 1,500 kilometers, and a five-day extraordinary adventure. This unique event not only included standard tests of the latest model in the OMODA & JAECOO lineup on urban roads and highways, but also allowed journalists to test the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
The JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid is the brand’s flagship model, measuring nearly five meters in length. This premiere vehicle combines practicality, spaciousness, safety, and solutions typically found in purpose-built off-road vehicles. In the largest vehicle of the OMODA & JAECOO brand, one can find an excellent combination of versatility, muscular styling, and the practicality essential for daily commutes and long-distance travel. It is the first model in the lineup to offer a configuration that allows comfortable travel for up to seven people.
JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid – An Adventure from Warsaw to Vienna
The first test drives of the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid began in Warsaw, where a substantive presentation was held covering the most important features and capabilities of the flagship model. After an introduction to the efficient Super Hybrid System powertrain, interior equipment, safety features, and key design elements, journalists had the opportunity to choose the vehicle specification for the first leg of the route from Warsaw to a stop at a golf club near Częstochowa. Available choices included the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid in 7-seat and 5-seat versions, configured with light and dark upholstery.
After selecting their vehicles, media representatives set off on a route from Warsaw to Częstochowa, testing the cars on expressways. Here, for the first time, guests could test not only the efficiency of the Super Hybrid System but also the comfort of vehicle operation on long journeys, ergonomics, and interior noise insulation. The testers’ attention was particularly drawn to the powertrain, which allowed them to cover successive kilometers while maintaining low fuel consumption. The smooth cooperation between the combustion and electric systems, combined with improved cabin noise insulation, gave testers the impression of driving a purely battery-electric vehicle.
The route toward Slovakia resumed after a short break at the golf club, where a photo session also took place. The subsequent kilometers allowed for further testing of the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid’s capabilities on the road. During the scenic route, the panoramic, electrically operated sunroof—also controllable via the “Hello JAECOO” voice control system—proved particularly useful. This system also allows control of air conditioning parameters and the opening of other windows in the vehicle. Additionally, the positive atmosphere was enhanced by the Sony-branded sound system, equipped with 14 speakers. It is worth noting that the car also features additional speakers mounted in the driver’s headrest, allowing independent phone conversations. Comfort while covering successive kilometers was guaranteed not only by the CDC adaptive suspension but also by extensive massage options available in the front seats. The first day’s route ended with an overnight stay at a hotel located in the Slovakian Carpathians.
Testing the Super Hybrid System on Mountain Roads
The second day of the trip began with an off-road test, where media representatives had the opportunity to test the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid’s capabilities in Off-road mode. The latest model in the OMODA & JAECOO lineup met the demanding conditions of steep climbs on unpaved mountain roads, where additional difficulty came from falling rain. The rainy weather proved to be no problem for the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid, which performed excellently on the muddy mountain sections. During this test, the Super Hybrid System, configured with the 3DHT transmission and further modified for the flagship model, had the opportunity to showcase its strengths. One of the most important elements of the system in this vehicle is the rear axle differential lock, which proves itself in particularly demanding conditions.
After completing the off-road tests of the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid, event participants proceeded to the final leg of the route, leading to Lake Neusiedl in Austria. This was the final point of the event, where everyone had the opportunity to further test the vehicle’s remaining functions, allowing them to fully understand what the new JAECOO model offers. The next day, after bidding farewell to the first group of journalists at Vienna Airport, a second group of invited guests arrived, who had the opportunity to test the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid under the same conditions, but in reverse order. The tests by the second group confirmed the vehicle’s versatility, its readiness for off-road challenges, and its daily practicality and comfort, required even during longer journeys. A video summary of the event can be viewed on the OMODA & JAECOO Poland YouTube channel.
Combining Performance and Daily Practicality
The JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid is currently the largest model in the brand’s entire lineup, measuring 4,820 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height. These impressive dimensions, combined with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, allowed for the preparation of a 7-seat version. With the last row of seats that can be conveniently folded to increase cargo space, the vehicle becomes an excellent solution for families and those who value traveling in larger groups. In both the 7-seat and 5-seat versions, travelers have at their disposal a trunk capacity of 488 liters (with the third row folded in the 7-seat version), which additionally increases to a maximum of an impressive 2,021 liters when the second row of seats is also folded.
During the 1,500-kilometer journey, journalists had the opportunity to see that the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid combines premium-class equipment with modern technologies and ease of use. The interior features a modern design focused on comfort and practicality. The driver has at their disposal two 12.3-inch panoramic displays. The first operates the digital instrument cluster, which in the 7-seat version works with an AR-HUD augmented reality head-up display. The second, central multimedia screen, allows intuitive management of vehicle functions, selection of driving modes, adjustment of air conditioning settings, and control of multimedia, including wireless connection with Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay® systems.
Travel comfort is ensured by electrically adjustable front seats with extensive massage functions, as well as heating and ventilation, which are also available for second-row passengers. The rear bench seat offers adjustable backrest angle, and additional convenience is provided by side window sunblinds in the 7-seat version. The right atmosphere during travel is guaranteed by the panoramic, opening sunroof, ambient lighting, and the Sony audio system with 14 speakers. Additionally, the JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid offers a 50W inductive charger with cooling function, “Hello JAECOO” voice control, and a 540° camera system that facilitates maneuvering in the city and works excellently off-road thanks to a view of the terrain under the vehicle. Daily vehicle use is also supported by advanced ADAS systems, which simultaneously ensure safety during every journey.
Innovative Super Hybrid System
The JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid stands out with its performance thanks to the plug-in version of the Super Hybrid System, generating 428 hp and 580 Nm of torque. This proprietary powertrain allows the vehicle to reach 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, while maintaining average fuel consumption of 7.7 l/100 km in battery charge sustaining mode. The system, based on a 1.5 T-GDI engine, 3DHT transmission, 34.5 kWh battery, and an additional electric motor driving the rear axle, ensures high efficiency both on and off the road thanks to the rear differential with electronic lock. The plug-in hybrid system can also operate in electric mode without the need for external charging, and the technology used allows simultaneous vehicle propulsion and battery recharging via the combustion engine.
The 34.5 kWh battery provides up to 134 km of electric range and over 1,000 km of combined range. It supports DC charging up to 70 kW (30–80% in 25 minutes) and AC 6.6 kW charging. The JAECOO 8 Super Hybrid is also equipped with V2L functionality, allowing power supply to external devices of up to 6.6 kW using an accessory cable plugged into the charging port.