OMODA & JAECOO recognises this experience with its first fully electric model in Malaysia, the J5 EV, built around the concept ‘Plug In, Tune Out.’ We spent a full day behind the wheel, moving between city traffic and long highway drives, and found the phrase fits better than most taglines.
Most electric SUVs want you to focus on their numbers. The J5 EV has good stats too, which we’ll get to, but its new features make you wonder – what does your car give you once the drive is over?
Clean lines, smart details
The first thing you notice about the JAECOO J5 EV is its design. It looks clean and well-balanced, with an Active Grille Shutter that helps control airflow and extend battery life. The 18-inch aerodynamic wheels further improve efficiency and provide a stable presence.
Luxury might be the first word that comes to mind when taking in the 1.45 m² panoramic moonroof overhead. Still, the soft natural light streaming in creates a noticeably calmer atmosphere, especially during the slow crawl of rush hour.
Given Malaysia’s unpredictable weather, with frequent heavy rains especially in areas like the Klang Valley, the JAECOO J5 EV’s 174mm ground clearance and 450mm wading depth offer peace of mind. These features ensure the vehicle can safely navigate waterlogged streets and minor floods, which are all too common during the monsoon season.
This means the JAECOO J5 EV can handle tough city driving, like potholes and bumpy roads. Whether you are commuting or just running errands, you can rely on a smooth and safe ride, even when the weather isn’t great.
Thoughtfully practical interior
Step inside, and you’ll find a strong emphasis on practical details. For example, the 13.2-inch 2K portrait touchscreen seamlessly integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so your music starts playing the moment you set off.
The seating is finished in TÜV-certified leatherette, offering antibacterial properties, scratch resistance, and low VOCs. In simpler terms, it’s easy to clean and ideal for pet owners. Together with ventilated, powered front seats, these qualities help keep the cabin comfortable regardless of the season.
Storage is also impressive for a car of this size. The cabin provides 35 compartments, along with a 35-litre frunk for cables. At the back, the 480-litre boot expands to 1,284 litres with the rear seats folded down – providing more than enough space for camping gear, a pet carrier, or even hauling snacks back from kampung.
Pet-friendly SUV
Of all the features on the JAECOO J5 EV, Pet Mode stands out because it addresses a common concern for pet owners – keeping animals safe and comfortable in the car when you step away for a moment.
Imagine you need to run a quick errand – traditionally, this means either leaving your pet at home or risking their safety by leaving them in a hot car. Pet Mode addresses this scenario by keeping the air-conditioning running while the car is locked, so the cabin remains safe and comfortable for your cat or dog.
It also displays a message letting passers-by know the animal is safe, which should spare you a worried crowd at the window when you return.
For nights under the stars
For adventurers and explorers, a car becomes more than just transportation – it’s a mobile basecamp and a comfortable retreat away from home. That’s where Camping Mode comes in, designed for those moments when your journey carries on into the night.
With Camping Mode activated, the cabin stays cool and comfortable for rest, and the power supply continues running so the car remains on. The system automatically manages battery use throughout the night.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) is a valuable feature – especially for first-time EV owners. It allows the car’s battery to power external devices. With 3.3 kW available, the J5 EV can operate a coffee maker, toaster, camping lamps, or even a speaker, making your morning coffee possible without a gas canister.
As evening falls, continue the adventure with in-car karaoke by adding microphones (sold separately) – a feature sure to become a family favourite. On clear nights, the panoramic moonroof creates an inviting space to relax and unwind, signifying the car’s ‘Plug In, Tune Out’ spirit.
Electric driving, made simple
If you are new to electric cars, the JAECOO J5 EV is a great entry point. Its front-mounted motor delivers 155 kW and 288 Nm of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. This performance makes overtaking lorries and slower traffic effortless, giving you confidence on the road.
Range is often a primary concern for new EV owners, and the JAECOO J5 EV addresses this with a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL. This setup provides a claimed range of up to 461 km (NEDC cycle), which is enough to cover a week of daily commuting or a weekend getaway without the need for frequent charging.
Charging this EV is convenient whether you’re at home or on the road. With an 11 kW AC charger, the battery can be recharged from 10% to 100% in about seven hours, making overnight charging simple and hassle-free.
For longer trips, DC fast charging at up to 130 kW can take the battery from 30% to 80% in just 28 minutes, so you can easily top up while taking a break on the highway.
Your co-pilot in traffic
This EV car is equipped with 19 Level 2+ Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) features that work together to enhance every drive.
These include adaptive cruise control, which takes the stress out of heavy traffic, and lane-keeping support, which makes long highway stretches far less tiring. Additional practical features such as blind-spot detection and door-opening warnings further enhance convenience and safety.
Rounding out its safety innovations, the 540-degree HD Surround View system provides a comprehensive overhead image, removing guesswork and making parking in tight spaces effortless.
The verdict
The JAECOO J5 EV gets the fundamentals right. It is simple to charge, reassuring to drive, and backed by long warranties and a nationwide network, so many of the usual worries about switching to electric fall away.
Add local assembly and a 10-year battery warranty, and it becomes a car that is easy to commit to and easy to like. With a price of RM118,800 (OTR without insurance), this brings the idea of going electric one step closer to reality.
Visit the nearest OMODA & JAECOO showroom to experience the JAECOO J5 EV in person – book a test drive today.
Shots by Imran Sulaiman, unless otherwise stated
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