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Jaecoo 8 arrives in Europe — the Lucano L8 you know
The seven-seat flagship from Chery's premium Jaecoo brand is heading to European showrooms — the same model Iranian buyers know as the Lucano L8. With a plug-in hybrid powertrain, modern styling and a full safety and convenience kit, the Jaecoo 8 aims directly at family SUV staples such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Skoda Kodiaq.
Why this matters
This isn't just another Chinese SUV entering Europe. Jaecoo brings a PHEV package that, on paper, outclasses many rivals in electric range and outright power while keeping price competitive. For buyers looking for a practical family vehicle with genuine EV capability for daily commutes, the Jaecoo 8 represents an intriguing value proposition.
Powertrain and performance
Under the hood the Jaecoo 8 pairs a 1.5‑liter turbo petrol engine with two electric motors and a large 34.5 kWh battery pack. The highlights:
- All‑electric range: over 145 km (WLTP-style estimate), allowing many urban journeys without fuel use.
- Combined output: around 428 horsepower.
- 0–100 km/h: roughly 5 seconds — sports-car pace for a large seven-seat SUV.
- Total driving range: more than 1,200 km with a full tank and charged battery.
These figures make the Jaecoo 8 one of the more capable plug‑in hybrid family SUVs when it comes to pure electric range and outright acceleration.
Design and platform
Jaecoo 8 takes a cleaner, more refined design direction compared with its smaller sibling, the Jaecoo 7 (Lucano L7). A bold waterfall grille and a full-width rear light bar preserve the brand’s identity, while the vehicle’s underpinnings share architecture with other Chery models such as the Tiggo 9, delivering familiar ride and packaging benefits.
Interior, tech and equipment
Inside, the Jaecoo 8 is well-equipped as standard and targeted at families and tech-savvy buyers. Expected specifications include:
- 20‑inch alloy wheels
- Dual 12.3‑inch displays (instrument and central)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 14‑speaker audio system, including speakers built into the rear headrests
- Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats
- Adaptive cruise control and advanced driver assistance systems
These amenities and a high EV range make the Jaecoo 8 very competitive in its segment.
Price and positioning
Jaecoo estimates a UK starting price of about £45,000. That positions the 8 directly against plug‑in versions of the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe. Given its longer electric range and generous equipment list, Jaecoo is likely to pressure established rivals on value.
"For families who want real EV driving for daily life without range anxiety on longer trips, the Jaecoo 8 is a compelling new choice," said an industry analyst.
Quick takeaways
- Strong EV range for a PHEV (145+ km)
- High combined output (428 hp) and brisk acceleration
- Seven‑seat practicality and rich equipment
- Aggressive UK pricing around £45,000
Whether European buyers will embrace another Chinese challenger will depend on local dealer networks, aftersales and how rivals respond. On paper, though, the Jaecoo 8/Lucano L8 raises the bar for plug‑in hybrid family SUVs.
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