I’ve just spent two weeks testing a media loan Jaecoo J5 EV, and I’m using it as a great example of the price war that’s exploding in Australia’s electric car market right now.
At $36,990 drive-away (intro launch pricing), this car comes with so many standard inclusions that I genuinely think legacy car manufacturers should be petrified.
Why I’m Impressed
The 400 kilometre WLTP range is perfectly fine for what most of us actually do – driving around the city all day or even taking day trips without touching a public charger. But it’s the inclusions that really got my attention.
I’m talking about features that legacy brands typically make you pay $5,000, $10,000, even $20,000 more to access. Things like a sunroof, powered and heated front seats with ventilation, a sophisticated 360-degree camera system with multiple views, and wireless phone charging – all standard.
Standout Features I Noticed
The sunroof particularly caught my eye.
Unlike some other brands (yes, Tesla, I’m looking at you), this one has a controllable shade that you can position exactly where you want it. After the 40-degree temperatures we’ve experienced recently across Australia, that’s not just nice – it’s essential.
I also love the power-folding mirrors with a simple button tap for manual control – super useful for tight garage spaces.
The Warranty Situation: Here’s where it gets really interesting – 8 years unlimited kilometers on everything, including the battery. Plus 8 years capped-price servicing and roadside assistance.
While driving the car I kept asking myself: why would anyone spend $50,000-60,000 or more when you can get this level of features in a car like this?
And here’s the thing – based on what I’m seeing, there are going to be even better cars than this available in the next 6, 12, 18 months for even less money.
That’s what makes 2026 such an exciting year for Australian EV buyers.
Watch my videos below to learn more…
At this stage it’s my go to recommendation for an affordable luxury city EV, dethroning the Geely EX5 to second place.
My real-world testing showed 15.7 kWh/100km efficiency, which is solid for city driving. I managed 180 kilometers with half the battery left, and there’s even space for a spare wheel – something most EVs skip.
The automatic locking, nice inclusions like sunroof with built in cover, frunk storage and overall build quality impressed me.
That said I did a lot of research talking with Chery Jaecoo representatives and I need to tell you about some UK features that didn’t make it to the Australian version and a few quirks that might matter depending on how you plan to use this car.
It’s a fantastic city runabout and great value, but make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you hand over your money.
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