Jaecoo 8: A Big Premium Plug-In Hybrid SUV for Around £45,000

Jaecoo hasn't been in the UK for long, but it's certainly wasting no time expanding its range. The brand arrived in 2025 with the hugely successful Jaecoo 7, before following it with the smaller Jaecoo 5. Now it's heading in completely the opposite direction with the Jaecoo 8, a large, premium SUV that sits at the top of the range. And Jaecoo definitely hasn't held back. The 8 has some serious road presence. Look at it from the side and there are some definite Range Rover vibes, while the front is dominated by a massive grille. Head around the back and you'll find a full-width light bar and spaced-out lettering, while a set of seriously chunky alloy wheels completes the imposing look. The premium approach continues inside. Leather upholstery comes as standard, while the Jaecoo 8's sizeable exterior dimensions translate into loads of room throughout the cabin. There are two versions to choose from, and the difference between them isn't simply about adding more equipment. The Luxury comes with seven seats, making it the more practical option for larger families or anyone regularly carrying extra passengers. Our car was the Executive, which swaps that seven-seat configuration for a six-seat layout designed to take the comfort levels up another notch. Whichever version you choose, the powertrain remains the same. Both Jaecoo 8 models use a plug-in hybrid system, delivering the smooth and efficient driving experience we found during our time with the car. There's plenty of technology included too. Among the standout features is a 540-degree camera system, designed to give you an extensive view around the vehicle – particularly useful when you're manoeuvring an SUV of this size. A Sony sound system also features as part of the Jaecoo 8's generous equipment list. Then there's the price. The seven-seat Luxury starts at around £45,000, while the six-seat Executive rises to approximately £47,000. That's a significant amount of SUV for the money, particularly when you consider the size, plug-in hybrid powertrain, standard leather interior and level of technology included. The big question is whether buyers considering more established premium SUV brands will be tempted by a relatively new name in the UK market. After making an impact with the Jaecoo 7, the Jaecoo 8 shows that the brand has ambitions to compete at the larger and more premium end of the market too. One Minute Motors is our Leasing Options series giving everyday drivers an accessible introduction to the latest cars. We look at the things that matter in day-to-day ownership, including design, interior space, technology, powertrains and pricing, without getting lost in unnecessary technical detail.