Chinese automaker Chery has launched its latest vehicle, the Jaecoo 7 SHS-H full hybrid SUV, in France with pricing starting just under 30,000 euros.
The new model, tested in Exclusive specification at 31,990 euros by automotive reviewer Patrick Louis, delivers 224 combined horsepower while undercutting traditional brand pricing by nearly 30 percent.
The commercial launch follows a rapid European rollout for Chery's new Omoda and Jaecoo brands, which entered Spain and the United Kingdom before launching in France in the spring. The company is targeting an expanded network of 130 French dealerships by the end of 2026, up from 70 locations in the spring.
Hybrid Drivetrain and Road Performance
The Jaecoo 7 SHS-H, which stands for Super Hybrid System Hybrid, inherits its mechanical arrangement from the smaller Jaecoo 5. The powertrain combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 143 horsepower with a 150-kilowatt synchronous electric motor and a 1.83-kilowatt-hour nickel manganese cobalt battery.
The 1,499 cubic centimetre internal combustion engine drives the front wheels while simultaneously recharging the battery system. Operating through a single-speed transmission, the drivetrain generates a maximum torque of 215 Newton-metres at 2,000 revolutions per minute.
Performance figures provided for the front-wheel-drive SUV include acceleration from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 kilometres per hour. In pure electric operation, the vehicle offers a range of 90 kilometres at speeds up to 145 kilometres per hour.
Total driving range under WLTP testing reaches 900 kilometres, supported by a 51-litre fuel tank. Official combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres, with carbon dioxide emissions of 125 grams per kilometre and a French fiscal rating of 7 CV.
In his driving assessment, Louis reported that while the hybrid setup provides smooth cruising and low fuel consumption, neither the steering nor the soft suspension encourages dynamic driving or rally-like handling. He noted that the brake pedal feel can occasionally prove mysterious, describing the vehicle as a comfortable family cruiser designed for a peaceful driving pace.
Exterior Styling and Design Features
Featuring angular, boxy lines described as Range Rover-like, the five-door vehicle measures 4,500 millimetres long, 1,865 millimetres wide, and 1,670 millimetres tall, with a 2,672-millimetre wheelbase and 200 millimetres of ground clearance.
Exterior details highlighted in the test include a prominent front grille, full lighting assemblies, red rear light bars, retractable door handles, styled side mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. The total vehicle weight is listed at 1,715 kilograms, with a turning circle diameter of 1,011 millimetres.
During the road test, the vehicle attracted frequent attention from curious passers-by, most of whom indicated they had never previously heard of the Jaecoo or Omoda brand names.
Interior Ergonomics and Cargo Space
Inside the cabin, the five-seat SUV features very soft suspension tuning and a relaxing interior environment. However, the review noted that mastering the vehicle's electronic systems requires significant time to navigate complex screen menus.
Louis singled out two key ergonomic flaws, citing the complicated interface of the central multimedia tablet and an interior door opening button that is far from intuitive to operate.
Cargo volume ranges from 200 litres with five passengers on board to 1,276 litres when the rear seats are folded. The reviewer noted that while the overall boot volume is substantial, the internal storage space is awkwardly shaped.
Brand Strategy and Commercial Guarantee
Chery created the Jaecoo brand in April 2023 alongside sister brand Omoda under a market positioning strategy described as a tranquil predator. The name Jaecoo was derived by combining the German word for hunter, Jäger, with the English word cool.
Neither Jaecoo nor Omoda models are sold in China, as both marques were established by the parent company specifically for export markets. Chery remains a major industry player and China's leading automotive exporter.
To attract buyers from traditional brands, the vehicle comes with a seven-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty. In addition to the purchase price, the manufacturer offers financing through a monthly lease rate of 349 euros without an initial down payment.
Review Score and Upcoming Presentations
Louis awarded the Jaecoo 7 SHS-H an overall test score of 16 out of 20 points.
The evaluation listed seven major positive points: spectacular pricing, a rich equipment list, non-traditional Chinese styling, smooth driving quality, high cabin quality, generous interior space, and a strong space-to-size ratio.
Five negative points were recorded: an overly complex multimedia system, weak interior ergonomics, a lack of driving dynamism, unpredictable brake pedal feel, and a poorly designed boot area.
Following the launch of the Jaecoo 5 and the plug-in hybrid version, Chery plans to showcase its growing lineup, including this new full hybrid 7, at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.
