Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kota Kinabalu: OMODA / JAECOO Malaysia has officially introduced its latest flagship SUV, the JAECOO J8, setting a new benchmark for premium family travel and off-road exploration, here, on August 16.

The national launch was held in Kuala Lumpur on July 18, exactly one year after the brand made its Malaysian debut with the J7. Since then, OMODA | JAECOO has delivered more than 17,000 vehicles to Malaysian customers.

The company marked the milestone with the unveiling of the J8, which Vice President Emily Lek described as the model that “redefines first-class travel for those who want comfort, technology and capability in one package.”

The JAECOO J8 is built with presence in mind. At 4,820mm long and 1,930mm wide, its proportions are accentuated by a striking waterfall grille, clean body lines, hidden door handles that reduce wind noise, and bold 20-inch alloy wheels.

These touches reflect a balance of elegance and strength, ensuring the J8 looks at home whether parked at a city mall or on rural roads across Sabah.

Inside, the cabin was designed around the theme of first-class travel. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) model features a six-seat arrangement in a 2+2+2 configuration, with individual second-row captain’s chairs that recline, ventilate and massage.

The front passenger enjoys a “Queen’s seat” with extendable leg support, while the driver also benefits from heated, ventilated and memory-enabled seating.

Meanwhile, the two-wheel-drive (2WD) variant focuses on space, offering a five-seat configuration and up to 2,021 litres of boot capacity when the second row is folded flat, making it the more practical choice for families who need extra room.

The dashboard is dominated by twin 12.3-inch digital screens and a wide Head-Up Display, keeping driving information and entertainment within easy reach.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, alongside a 256-colour ambient lighting system that allows drivers to customise the mood of the cabin. A microfiber headliner adds a subtle touch of refinement.

Performance is delivered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 183kW and 385Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2WD variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, while the AWD variant completes the sprint in 9.0 seconds, with both models reaching a top speed of 200 km/h.

Fuel efficiency is rated at 7.8L/100km for the 2WD and 8.1L/100km for the AWD under the WLTP standard.

“For drivers in Sabah, the AWD system is likely to be a key attraction. Equipped with intelligent torque vectoring, it provides confident grip across gravel, mud, or slippery kampung roads.

The J8 also debuts a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension system, capable of adjusting damping forces within milliseconds to deliver both comfort and stability, whether cruising on highways or navigating uneven rural tracks.” said Datuk Chong Yun Kiong, Managing Director of Universal Group.

According to OMODA | JAECOO, the J8 was designed not only for style-conscious urban owners but also for Malaysians who frequently travel across mixed terrains.

“Many of our customers are adventurous at heart, but they also want their families to travel in comfort,” Lek explained. “The J8 is built for those who refuse to choose between ruggedness and refinement.”

Beyond its engineering, the J8 also reflects the company’s philosophy of “attainable luxury,” offering high-end features at a price point that aims to be more accessible compared to traditional European premium SUVs.

The J8 enters Malaysia at a time when demand for larger family SUVs is growing, especially in Sabah and Sarawak where road conditions vary widely and extra seating is often a practical requirement. Its combination of spacious design, modern technology and genuine off-road capability positions it as a strong contender in this segment.

For more details or to arrange a test drive, customers may contact the JAECOO Malaysia Customer Care Hotline at 1-800-22-8899.