Jaecoo is the newest (and probably best looking?) Chinese marque to launch in Malaysia. The new name is part of Chery Malaysia, but its upscale models will be sold here by a distinctively different Jaecoo-only dealer network.

Two products will spearhead the brand’s entry into Malaysia – the Jaecoo J7 and Jaecoo J8.

The J7 will be launched first, in mid-2024, followed by the J8 in the second half of this year.

We’ve covered the J7 here, so this post will focus on the J8.

The J8 is Jaecoo’s flagship model, so it exudes even strong Range Rover vibes. The resemblance is not a coincidence. Chery is Jaguar Land Rover’s local partner in China and the company’s Sino-British joint-venture plant in Changshu builds the Evoque.

Despite its size and flagship positioning, the J8 is still a 5-seater model, like the smaller J7.

No specifications were shared, and the display model is left-hand drive.

Elsewhere, the J8 has been previewed with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro’s 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive. Among the features fitted on this left-hand drive display car are adaptive suspension, 10 airbags include one ‘far-end safety bag’ between the driver and front passenger.

It is worth noting that the Jaecoo doesn’t exist in China. Jaecoo models are sold in China under the Chery brand. Jaecoo a bit like the early days of Infiniti or Acura or Lexus, upscale brands that are developed only for export markets.