THE CHINESE CHARGE(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 45

The Jaecoo E5, its brand's first electric model, is a small SUV with a big value proposition and plenty to recommend it. Battery range and charging speeds aren't exemplary but in most other respects, this E5 lays down a strong challenge to more established rivals.

Background word count: 107

Chinese brand Jaecoo has made a big impact in our market since it started selling cars here in 2024. It's most important model yet is the compact Jaecoo 5 small SUV. And the most important version of the Jaecoo 5 is this one, the all-electric E5. The idea here is on paper quite enticing. Range Rover Evoque-style fashionable looks; Ford Puma GEN-E-style sizing and pricing. All topped off with a tight value proposition and generous equipment levels. You can see why the Jaecoo brand is proving popular - it knows its market. But is there substance below the surface of this car? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience word count: 198

This E5 shares nearly all its engineering with its close cousin, the Omoda E5. Unfortunately though, to start with it gets the older version of that model's EV drivetrain. So instead of the Omoda's 267 mile EV range, this Jaecoo's 61.1kWh battery is limited to 250 miles. To be fair, that's about the same as a rival Ford Puma GEN-E, but other class contenders can go much further. That battery powers a 207PS front-mounted motor that takes the car to 62mph in an eager 7.7s - about average by class acceleration standards. Top speed is 108mph. This is very evidently an 'urban-friendly SUV', but Jaecoo insists that brave (or potentially foolhardy) folk could still venture off the beaten track in one. The approach angle of 20-degrees and the departure angle of 30-degrees are pretty much the same as those of a rival Jeep Avenger EV, a car which is proud of its off piste potential. The standard 540-degree panoramic camera system might be helpful in the undergrowth if you plan on putting those stats to the test in this Jaecoo, but of course you're more likely to use it to avoid scuffing the pretty wheels on high kerbs.