Jaecoo has unveiled its most ambitious model yet, the Jaecoo 8, a large plug-in hybrid SUV that blends luxury with advanced technology. Designed to compete with high-end models like the Range Rover Velar, the Jaecoo 8 is slightly longer and features a spacious, upmarket interior. It comes in two versions: the seven-seat Luxury model and the six-seat Executive model, which includes four individual captain’s chairs for enhanced comfort. The test car was the Executive model, finished in Amazonite Blue with Cognac Synthetic leather. While the interior was praised for its quality and features like a panoramic roof, some plastic components were noted as less plush than expected. Under the hood, the Jaecoo 8 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a three-speed hybrid transmission. It offers all-wheel drive, a 34.46kWh battery, and delivers a combined output of 422bhp (brake horsepower) and 580Nm of torque. This allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 5.8 seconds. The car can run on electric power for up to 83 miles, with a total driving range of over 700 miles when using both the fuel tank and battery. The battery can be charged at up to 70kW, with a 30 to 80 per cent charge taking around 20 minutes. The Jaecoo 8 is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, which have seen improvements over previous models. Inside, the car offers heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, with the front passenger seat featuring a zero-gravity position for maximum comfort. The luggage space is 73 litres with five seats, expanding to a massive 2,021 litres when the rear seats are folded. The interior includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker Sony audio system, and 19 driver-assistance features. Priced at £45,500 for the seven-seat Luxury model and £47,500 for the six-seat Executive model, the Jaecoo 8 is significantly more affordable than its competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008, and Range Rover Velar. It also comes with a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty and an eight-year battery guarantee. While praised for its performance, electric range, and features, the car has some drawbacks, including a less intuitive touchscreen, a hard-to-read driver display, and a cramped third row in the six-seater version.