China’s fast-growing EV wave is about to make another splash in the UK, and this time it’s wearing a Jaecoo badge. The brand has confirmed its first UK-bound electric SUV, the E5, will roll into showrooms in October with prices starting from £27,505 — undercutting many of its established rivals.
Positioned against the likes of the Peugeot e-2008, Hyundai Kona Electric, and the upcoming Kia EV3, the E5 aims to win over buyers with an appealing mix of range, tech, and value. At its core is a 61.1-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack that delivers a claimed 248 miles between charges. DC fast-charging at up to 80 kW means a 30–80% top-up takes just 27 minutes, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality lets the E5 double as a mobile power bank for camping gear, tools, or even an outdoor coffee maker.
Under the hood — or rather, under the floor — a single front-mounted electric motor produces 204 hp and 212 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to launch the E5 from 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds, which puts it squarely in the middle of the small EV SUV pack for performance.
Stylistically, the E5 trades the bold grille of its petrol-powered sibling, the Jaecoo 5, for a sleeker, mostly closed-off nose, improving aerodynamics while giving the SUV a clean, modern look. Inside, there’s a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five-passenger seating, and up to 1,180 liters of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Two trims are on offer: Pure and Luxury. The entry Pure spec already includes a six-speaker Sony audio system and manual front seat adjustments, while the Luxury trim — starting at £30,505 — adds an eight-speaker upgrade, panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats. Both come with Jaecoo’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
With its competitive pricing, usable range, and decent kit list, the Jaecoo E5 could be the brand’s ticket to a foothold in the UK’s increasingly crowded electric SUV market. And given how quickly Chinese EV brands have been shaking up the status quo, established players would be wise to take notice.
Source: Autocar