- OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has expanded the local J5 line-up with the J5 SHS and J5 BEV, giving customers a choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
- The J5 SHS combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with electric assistance to produce 165 kW and 295 N.m, with claimed fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km and a theoretical range of up to 980 km.
- The J5 BEV pairs a 155 kW/288 N.m electric motor with a 58.9 kWh LFP battery, providing a claimed range of 402 km on the WLTC cycle, while supporting 11 kW AC and DC fast charging at up to 130 kW.
OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has officially launched the J5 SHS and J5 BEV, expanding the local J5 range to three distinct powertrains.
The two new-energy derivatives join the petrol-powered J5 introduced in September 2025, giving South African motorists the choice of conventional petrol, hybrid and fully electric propulsion according to their individual requirements.
The J5 SHS is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering combined outputs of 165 kW and 295 N.m of torque. A 1.83 kWh battery enables electric propulsion at low speeds and in traffic, contributing to claimed fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km.
Paired with a 51-litre fuel tank, the J5 SHS is theoretically capable of covering up to 980 km on a tank of fuel. Power is sent to the front wheels via a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
For buyers ready to make the move to fully electric motoring, the J5 BEV is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 155 kW and 288 N.m of torque. Energy is supplied by a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, providing a claimed driving range of 402 km on the WLTC cycle.
The J5 BEV supports 11 kW AC charging as well as DC fast charging at up to 130 kW. When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the battery can be replenished from 30% to 80% in approximately 28 minutes.
Vehicle-to-load functionality also allows the J5 BEV’s battery to supply electricity to compatible external appliances and equipment, adding further versatility for travel, outdoor activities and everyday use.
Both derivatives use MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink configuration at the rear, contributing to a composed ride and responsive handling. Braking is handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, with ventilated discs fitted at the front.
The J5 SHS carries over the refined styling of its petrol-powered sibling, with minimalist detailing giving the crossover a clean and premium appearance. Standard exterior equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof and automatic LED headlights.
While still clearly recognisable as a member of the J5 family, the BEV receives several model-specific details. JAECOO’s signature waterfall grille makes way for a more streamlined front fascia, complemented by a lightbar spanning the width of the vehicle.
Lower down, a full-width black trim section incorporates a broad intake area with geometric detailing. The BEV also features 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, automatic LED headlights, roof rails, acoustic glass and heated, power-adjustable and power-folding exterior mirrors. An underbody shield provides additional protection for the high-voltage battery.
Inside, the J5 SHS features black leather upholstery and six-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, while the front passenger seat offers four-way manual adjustment. The J5 BEV is available with black or white interior options and adds electric adjustment for the front passenger seat. Both front seats are ventilated in the BEV.
Multi-colour ambient lighting is standard across both derivatives, along with a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a power-operated sunshade and USB and Type-C ports in the front row.
An eight-inch digital driver display presents key vehicle information, while camera systems and rear parking sensors help make the J5 easier to manoeuvre in confined spaces.
Designed with family use in mind, the J5 SHS offers a power-operated tailgate that opens to reveal a 410-litre luggage compartment. Folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks increases carrying capacity to 1,214 litres. The J5 BEV offers a larger 480-litre boot with all five seats in use, expanding to 1,284 litres with the rear seats folded.
Both models feature a 13.2-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and voice-command functionality. A 50-watt wireless smartphone charger is also standard.
The J5 SHS is fitted with a six-speaker sound system, while the J5 BEV receives an eight-speaker setup and Carlinko app functionality.
Safety remains a key focus across both derivatives. The J5 SHS and J5 BEV are equipped with six airbags, comprising dual front, front side and side curtain airbags, together with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, traction control and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages.
Additional safety systems include Roll Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold.
The J5 SHS is equipped with the following advanced driver-assistance systems as standard:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane-Keep Assist (LKA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
- Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
- Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
- Forward Vehicle Departure Reminder
- Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA)
- Secondary Collision Mitigation Multi-Collision Brake (MCB)
- Intelligent Evasion System (IES)
The J5 BEV receives the full suite of features listed above, as well as:
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
- Lane Change Assist (LCA)
- Rear Cross Warning (RCW)
- Door Opening Warning (DOW)
“With the J5, we want to accommodate South African motorists, regardless of where they are in the electrification journey,” commented Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa and iCAUR South Africa.
“The arrival of the J5 BEV marks an important milestone for JAECOO as the brand’s first fully electric model offered locally, while the broader J5 line-up ensures customers are not limited to a single route into new-energy mobility. Whether they prefer petrol, hybrid or fully electric power, the J5 range offers a compelling balance of affordability, comfort, safety and everyday practicality.”
The J5 SHS purchase price includes a five-year/150,000 km factory warranty, five-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance and a five-year/75,000 km service plan. For the first owner, it is also covered by a 10-year/one-million kilometre engine warranty and a 10-year/unlimited kilometre battery warranty.
The J5 BEV is backed by a five-year/150,000 km factory warranty, an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty, five-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance and a five-year/75,000 km service plan.
| J5 derivative | Pricing |
| SHS | R459,900 |
| BEV | R549,900 |
