Watch: Jaecoo J5 EV reviewed — should BYD and MG be worried?

The Jaecoo J5 BEV has landed in New Zealand at $42,990 plus on-road costs, putting Chery’s newest sub-brand into direct competition with the BYD Atto 2, MG S5 EV and the imminent GWM Ora 5.

EVs and Beyond has put the J5 through a full road test in Auckland. The single-variant model packs a 58.9 kWh LFP battery, 402 km of WLTP range, 130 kW DC fast charging, and a kit list including dual-zone climate, ventilated front seats, a 50W wireless charger and TÜV SÜD certified pet-friendly upholstery.

The chassis is one of the better efforts from the wider Chery Group, and the front cabin feels a class bigger than it should. But real-world efficiency lags the segment — we couldn’t get below 19 kWh/100km on the open road — and power delivery in the wet still needs a calibration tickle.

The full video review covers exterior and interior, the rear-seat large-driver test, real-world range, ADAS, and how the J5 stacks up against its key rivals.

The Jaecoo J5 BEV is on sale now through the Omoda Jaecoo dealer network, backed by a 7-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year unlimited kilometre battery warranty.