Jaecoo J7
Quick Facts: Jaecoo J7 Glacier
- Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged Petrol
- Power: 147kW and 290Nm
- Gearbox: 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
- Drive: 2WD
- Driving Modes: Eco, Standard, Sport
- Price: R599,900
The SUV market is flooded with options, but every now and then, a vehicle comes along that surprises us. That’s exactly what happened during my week with the Jaecoo J7 Glacier.
Jaecoo offers the J7 in three trims—Vortex, Glacier, and Inferno. While all three share the same 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 147kW and 290Nm, the trims differ in features. The Vortex, as the entry-level option, gets 18-inch wheels, a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, and skips the panoramic sunroof. Step up to the Glacier, and you’ll enjoy 19-inch wheels, a larger 14.8-inch infotainment display, and a sunroof. The top-spec Inferno takes it further with extra driving modes like Sand, Mud, Snow, and Off-Road, plus all-wheel drive.
Exterior
The Jaecoo J7 is a stunner—it’s futuristic and modern-looking. The bold, slatted grille gives the car an imposing presence on the road, while the sleek LED headlights and sweeping light signature at the rear add that final touch. The J7 has a smooth silhouette accompanied by retractable door handles, and who doesn’t love pop-out door handles? It’s not just about looks; the J7 is also practical and large. The electric tailgate adds convenience when your hands are full, and the panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, elevating the overall driving experience. Every detail feels intentional, from the sculpted body lines to the understated yet elegant 19-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
Stepping inside the J7, you’re greeted by a futuristic yet welcoming cabin. The Glacier’s 14.8-inch infotainment screen is the star of the show, offering sharp, crisp visuals. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which swallow the whole screen and look amazing.
The seats are plush, supportive, and electrically adjustable, offering comfort on both short trips and long journeys. Rear passengers have ample space and features like rear air vents and USB ports ensure everyone stays comfortable and connected. The materials used throughout the cabin feel premium, and the overall design is modern.
Driving Experience
The Jaecoo J7 Glacier is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed DCT, delivering smooth and responsive performance. With three driving modes—Eco, Standard, and Sport—you can tailor the drive to your mood or the road ahead. I spent most of my time driving in Standard mode as Eco lacked too much power and did not feel much of a difference in Sport mode besides a louder engine. I feel the car is more of a cruiser and that’s where it truly shines. Despite being front-wheel drive, the J7 handles confidently, and the suspension does an excellent job of absorbing road imperfections. Whether cruising on highways or navigating city traffic, it feels refined and composed. Fuel efficiency during my week of testing averaged 9.2L/100km, which might not be as competitive for its class.
Verdict
The Jaecoo J7 Glacier is an overall solid product offering a lot of car for your money. While the top-spec Inferno trim offers the most features, the Glacier strikes a sweet balance of luxury and value. It’s an SUV that truly turns heads, pampers its passengers, and delivers an adequate amount of performance.
Price.
The Jaecoo J7 is sold with a five-year / 150 000 km vehicle warranty, a ten-year / 1 000 000 km engine warranty for the first owner, and a five-year / 70 000 km service plan with service intervals every 15 000 km.
Jaecoo J7 2WD Vortex - R549 900
Jaecoo J7 2WD Glacier - R599 900
Jaecoo J7 AWD Inferno - R670 900
