To put this promise to a real-world test, we drove the J8 on a mixed-terrain route to Tanjong Malim, covering everything from city highways to challenging B-roads and uneven trails. What became clear on the road is how differently the J8 approaches its mission.
Where most premium SUVs treat their off-road credentials as an optional extra – a box to be ticked – the JAECOO J8 makes all-terrain integrity its non-negotiable starting point. This foundational approach ensures its premium features feel purposeful, not decorative. It’s this shift in priority that makes the J8’s vision of luxury so compelling, as it is one defined by capability as much as by comfort.
A form engineered for duality
The electric door handle sits flush with the bodywork.
Vertical chrome slats form the Iconic Waterfall Grille.
Bringing the outside in, the panoramic sunroof offers beautiful views of the city and sky.
Every line on the JAECOO J8 is a study in purposeful design. Its commanding road presence begins with the signature Iconic Waterfall Grille, an expansive feature that projects confidence. This design language flows along a high, clean beltline to sculpt a profile of strength and security, anchored by substantial 20-inch alloy wheels – providing not just an aggressive stance, but the essential ground clearance for all-terrain performance.
Yet, this rugged form is refined by a deep focus on precision. Flush electric door handles retract to smooth the airflow, while a continuous rear light array creates a sharp, technical signature. The panoramic sunroof proves that a commanding vehicle can also be an inviting one, bathing the cabin in natural light to foster an immersive environment.
Nowhere is this interplay of rugged and refined more evident than in the curated colour palette. While single-tone finishes like Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Olive Grey offer a unified look, the AWD models showcase the J8’s dual nature by setting these colours against a contrasting black roof for a dramatic floating effect.
The driver-centric interior
Stretching across the dashboard, a single, sweeping panel provides an intuitive driver interface.
Subtle ambient lighting traces the contours of the cabin.
Slide into the driver’s seat and you enter a true command centre, designed for intuitive, effortless control. A single, sweeping panel houses two 12.3-inch screens, creating an expansive digital interface. To minimise distraction, a Heads-Up Display projects key alerts – from speed to navigation – directly into your line of sight, ensuring your attention remains fixed on the road ahead.
This philosophy of intelligent design extends throughout the cabin. Available on the All-Wheel Drive model is a six-seater configuration featuring Second Row Captain Seats, guaranteeing personal space and comfort on long journeys.
Every seat is finished in premium Nappa leather, chosen not just for its opulent look but for its durable, supple feel. This focus on wellbeing is particularly clear in the front, where the seats feature integrated heating, ventilation, and multi-mode massage systems. A standout comfort feature is the ‘Queen Seat’, offering the front passenger an exceptional range of ergonomic adjustments.
This tailored experience extends to the cabin’s sensory environment. You can define the mood with 256 colours of ambient lighting, while the 14-speaker Sony sound system delivers a rich, enveloping listening experience. Using integrated headrest speakers, it creates a soundstage tuned precisely for the driver, completing the command centre experience.
Performance, optimised for every mode
The foundation of the J8’s performance is a 2.0L TGDI engine. It delivers a confident, linear surge of 245 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque that makes every manoeuvre feel effortless. But the engine is only half the story – the J8’s true advantage lies in its advanced driving technology. Its off-road character is commanded by a specialised all-terrain system featuring seven distinct driving modes.
Select ‘Mud’, and the powertrain recalibrates to deliver determined, low-speed torque to find every ounce of grip. In ‘Sand’, the system expertly manages wheelspin to maintain momentum where other vehicles would bog down.
This adaptive technology is backed by solid physical engineering. The J8 is built with generous ground clearance and optimised approach and departure angles, allowing it to clear obstacles that would halt many SUVs in their tracks. The rigid chassis remains composed on the trail, providing a stable platform with no discernible structural noise or flex. This allows advanced systems like Hill Descent Control and Torque Vectoring to function with high precision, effectively managing steep descents and low-grip situations.
On the road, the Continuous Damping Control system provides a high degree of roll stability, resulting in a firm and connected ride. This is an important distinction: while a softer suspension may feel comfortable on a motorway, it can feel vague and unpredictable on a challenging B-road. The J8’s composure is predictable, allowing it to hold its line with accuracy and giving the driver precise control.
Guardian for the trail
The J8’s safety suite acts as a digital spotter, providing total situational awareness on demanding terrain. The 540-degree HD Surround View system offers a complete, top-down perspective of the vehicle, allowing the driver to precisely place each wheel and spot hidden obstacles.
However, the advanced ADAS 2.5 system acts as a silent guardian, allowing you to focus on the drive. Its sensors are always alert for unexpected dangers, with Autonomous Emergency Braking providing an extra layer of security. This active digital defence is built upon a formidable physical foundation: a high-strength steel core and up to ten airbags, offering comprehensive protection far from the beaten path.
The verdict
Jaecoo J8 provides a confident off-road experience.
Enjoy a confident drive on every journey.
The JAECOO J8 presents a compelling package for the driver who refuses to compromise. It thoughtfully integrates luxurious materials, intuitive technology, and a comprehensive safety suite into a vehicle designed from the ground up for genuine all-terrain capability. With pricing starting from RM178,800, it makes a strong case for itself as an attainable yet premium option in the SUV segment. The result is a vehicle that confidently meets the demands of both the work week and the weekend escape.
Visit your nearest OMODA & JAECOO showroom to experience the fusion of advanced technology and all-terrain performance.
Shots by Imran Sulaiman
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