This Jaecoo J5 is a not-so-basic basic small electric crossover

What you’re looking at is the Jaecoo J5 EV and yes, you read that title right. It’s a not-so-basic but still basic crossover from the young Chinese automaker. 

Currently the brand’s smallest crossover, the J5 was first previewed at the 2025 Indonesia International Motor Show, and then in production form at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show. It was recently shown off at the 2025 Auto Shanghai where we got to take a closer look.

Its exterior wears a simple look with single horizontal bars on the front and rear housing the headlights and taillights, and a trim piece with the Jaecoo name spelled-out. 

It rides on 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in Continental tires, the side mirrors have C-shaped turn indicators, and a thin straight line connects the front and rear lighting units. A tailgate spoiler adds some style to the rear end too.

Moving inside reveals more minimalistic styling cues with a dashboard composed of mostly straight lines. Its basic feel comes from its manual seats wrapped in fabric upholstery and lack of some common tech features such as a wireless phone charger and center rear armrest.

Despite that, it still has a few premium touches and tech features. There’s a two-spoke steering wheel wrapped in leather with blue stitching, an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster, a 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system, and an eight-speaker audio system.

Higher trims will also come with the aforementioned missing wireless phone charger, leather seat upholstery, a Sony audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

Powering the Jaecoo J5 EV is a single electric motor that produces 211 horsepower and 288Nm of torque. It is paired to a 60.9kWh battery pack that allows it to drive up to 470km on a single charge.

A hybrid version is also available, combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that makes 143 horsepower and 215Nm, an electric motor that makes 204 horsepower and 310Nm, and a 1.83kWh battery. Combined range for this setup is 750km on a single full tank of gas.

With Omoda & Jaecoo Philippines having its planned lineup set for our market, is there room for the Jaecoo J5 as their entry-level model?

_{Photos by Sam Surla}