Jaecoo 8: 5 Features That Impressed Us

We recently took the Jaecoo 8 for a test drive, and while there's plenty to talk about with Jaecoo's large flagship SUV, five features in particular caught our attention. From genuinely useful practicality to clever camera technology and a generous level of standard equipment, here are our Top 5 Things about the Jaecoo 8. 1. The third-row seats We'll start with something simple, but genuinely practical. The Jaecoo 8 makes using its third-row seats incredibly straightforward. From the boot, there's a lever that lets you fold the seats down, while a pull cord brings them back into position. There's no complicated mechanism or messing around when you need to quickly change between carrying passengers and luggage. It's a small detail, but one that makes a lot of sense in a large family SUV. 2. The Sony sound system Next up is something you might expect to find reserved for the most expensive version of a car: a premium sound system. That's not the case here, because every Jaecoo 8 comes with a Sony sound system as standard. It's a good example of Jaecoo's approach to equipment. Rather than making you move up the range to unlock some of the more desirable features, there's already plenty included whichever Jaecoo 8 you choose. 3. The six-seat layout Our test car was the six-seat Executive, and its seating arrangement was another highlight. Instead of using a traditional three-seat bench in the middle row, you get two individual seats. Not only does that give passengers their own space, it makes the middle of the Jaecoo 8 feel more comfortable, spacious and premium. For buyers who don't necessarily need seven seats, we think there's a lot to like about this configuration. 4. The 540-degree camera A big SUV can be slightly intimidating when you're squeezing into a parking space or manoeuvring around town, which makes the Jaecoo 8's 540-degree camera system particularly useful. But it's not simply the amount you can see that impressed us. At low speeds, the camera automatically activates when you indicate, giving you a much clearer view of what's around the car as you turn. It's a clever feature that can make manoeuvring something this large much easier – and could help save those alloys from an unfortunate meeting with a kerb. 5. The value for money Finally, there's the feature that tops our list: value for money. Both versions of the Jaecoo 8 come with the same alloys, Sony sound system, camera technology and plug-in hybrid powertrain. More importantly, both come in at under £50,000. Considering the size of the vehicle and the amount of standard equipment included, that's a lot of car – and a lot of kit – for the money. Those are our five favourites, but which Jaecoo 8 feature would make the top of your list? Top 5 Things is a Leasing Options video series where we highlight five features that particularly stand out when we spend time with a car. From useful everyday practicality and clever technology to comfort, quirky details and value for money, it's all about the features that deserve a closer look.