By Xolile Hopa 

JAECOO South Africa has confirmed that two new versions of the J5 SUV will arrive in local showrooms in August 2026. The new additions include the J5 SHS hybrid and the fully electric J5 BEV, giving buyers a choice of petrol, hybrid, and electric power.

The J5 SHS combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with hybrid technology. The system produces 165kW and 295Nm of torque, while claimed fuel consumption is just 5.3L/100km. JAECOO says the hybrid model can travel more than 900km on a single tank under ideal conditions.

A small 1.83kWh battery allows the vehicle to drive on electric power at low speeds and in stop-start traffic, helping to improve fuel efficiency.

Standard features on the J5 SHS include leather seats, a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking are also included.

Joining the hybrid model will be the J5 BEV, JAECOO’s first fully electric vehicle for the South African market. It is powered by a 58.9kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor producing 155kW and 288Nm.

The J5 BEV supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 28 minutes. JAECOO has not yet revealed the official driving range, but says more details will be announced closer to launch.

Like the hybrid model, the electric J5 comes with a generous list of standard features, including an upgraded eight-speaker sound system and a full suite of driver-assistance technologies.

According to JAECOO South Africa, the arrival of the new models will make electrified motoring more accessible to local buyers by combining modern technology, strong efficiency, and competitive pricing.

Local pricing and full specifications for both the J5 SHS and J5 BEV will be announced closer to their August 2026 launch.