Jaecoo J5 Officially Launched in Malaysia with RM102k Launch Price

After being previewed back in August last year, Chery’s premium brand Jaecoo has finally launched the J5 in Malaysia, marking its entry into the competitive B-segment SUV market. Targeting popular models like the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V, the J5 is positioned as a step up from the Chery Tiggo Cross, with a focus on practicality and a pet-friendly design – a unique selling point for local pet owners.

The Jaecoo J5 is available in a single 2WD variant, priced at RM108,000 nett (excluding on-the-road costs and insurance). As standard with Omoda & Jaecoo Malaysia, this price includes a 7-year/150,000km warranty – a reassuring perk for local buyers. For those looking to save, the brand is offering a limited launch package until March 15, 2026, worth RM8,000. This package includes a RM3,000 duit Raya rebate, plus a choice of either free first-year insurance or an additional RM3,000 duit Raya rebate. Opting for the extra rebate brings the nett price down to just RM102,000 – a competitive figure for the segment.

To put the price in perspective for Malaysian car buyers: the J5 is only RM570 more expensive than the Proton X50 Premium, RM13,600 pricier than the Chery Tiggo Cross Turbo (and RM2,600 more than the Tiggo Cross Hybrid), and a significant RM13,530 cheaper than the base Honda HR-V 1.5 S (which is naturally aspirated). Note that the turbocharged HR-V costs at least RM28,520 more than the J5, making it a more affordable option for those wanting a turbo SUV.

The launch package also comes with free accessories worth RM2,000: a boot-mounted subwoofer, a wireless karaoke microphone, and a multi-functional flashlight that fits into a dedicated slot in the boot – handy additions for local drivers who enjoy road trips or need extra utility.

Under the bonnet, the J5 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 147 PS and 210 Nm of torque – the same as the Chery Tiggo Cross. Unlike the Tiggo Cross, which uses a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the J5 is paired with a CVT. It remains front-wheel drive, but offers a slightly quicker 0-100 km/h sprint time of 10.2 seconds, with a top speed of 175 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 litres per 100 km (or 13.3 km per litre), which is reasonable for daily urban driving and weekend getaways around Malaysia.

In terms of size, the J5 sits at the larger end of the B-segment – a plus for local families. It measures 4,380 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a 2,620 mm wheelbase. Compared to its rivals: it’s 5 mm shorter but 70 mm wider and 60 mm taller than the Honda HR-V (with a 10 mm longer wheelbase); and the same length as the Proton X50, but 65 mm wider, 41 mm taller, and with a 20 mm longer wheelbase – meaning more interior space for passengers and cargo.

Design-wise, the J5 takes inspiration from luxury SUVs like Range Rover, with an upright stance, clean lines, and a wraparound glasshouse. Key exterior features include slim LED projector headlights, dual-bar daytime running lights, a large “waterfall” grille, a full-width air intake (note that the fog light pods are blank), and slim taillights connected by a black bar. It rides on 18-inch two-tone multi-spoke alloy wheels with Chaoyang Aggressor tyres, paired with MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension – a rare find in this segment, promising better ride comfort.

Inside, the J5 features a minimalist dashboard with a horizontal design, full-width air vents, and a waterfall-style centre console. The highlight is a 13.2-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – essential for local drivers who rely on navigation apps like Waze. There are two phone holders (one with a 50W Qi wireless charger), diagonal cupholders, and an armrest. The instrument cluster is an 8-inch seven-segment LCD (no colour display, but functional for daily use).

A key selling point for pet owners is the J5’s TÜV-certified pet-friendly interior. The faux leather upholstery is anti-bacterial, scratch-resistant, and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for pets. Buyers can also add pet-friendly accessories like nets, mats, and carriers. Boot space is 480 litres, which expands to 1,284 litres when the rear seats are folded – perfect for transporting pets, groceries, or luggage for family trips.

Standard features include power-adjustable and ventilated front seats (great for Malaysia’s hot weather), dual-zone automatic air conditioning, multi-colour ambient lighting, acoustic double-glazed front windows (for a quieter ride), a panoramic glass roof, a 360-degree camera system with transparency mode, a powered tailgate, and eight speakers.

For safety, the J5 comes with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring assist, and curve speed assist. Other safety features include autonomous emergency braking, evasive steering assist, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake, and a door opening warning – all important for navigating Malaysia’s busy roads.

The Jaecoo J5 is now available at Omoda & Jaecoo showrooms across Malaysia. With its competitive pricing, pet-friendly design, and solid list of features, it’s set to be a strong contender in the B-segment SUV market for local buyers looking for practicality and value.