We had already told you about the Chinese brand Omoda & Jaecoo on the occasion of its Italian debut in July 2024, as well as its membership of LifeGate's Water Defenders Alliance project, with the adoption of three "plastic-catching" devices operating in the ports of Venice, on the Isola della Certosa, in Rimini at the Marina Blu and in the Port of Palermo. A wide-ranging commitment pursued on the sustainability front, as evidenced by its dedication to the ecological transition of the car through the development of technologies that make it possible to reduce consumption and emissions. A brand recording strongly growing sales figures in March, focusing above all on hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology as well as on electric vehicles, with new full hybrid versions of the Jaecoo 5 Shs-H and Jaecoo 7 Shs-H models and the debut of the new plug-in hybrid flagship Jaecoo 8 Shs-P.

Jaecoo 8 Shs-P: what the "super hybrid" system is

The heart of the Jaecoo 8 is the innovative plug-in hybrid system called Shs-P (Super Hybrid System – Plug-in), which adopts an unusual configuration: a very efficient 1.5 combustion engine producing 143 horsepower, paired with 3 electric motors. Two are located on the front axle (102 and 122 horsepower respectively), while the third — the most powerful at 238 horsepower — drives the rear wheels. The combined output of 428 horsepower is remarkable. As is the efficiency, however.

We are talking about an SUV measuring 4.82 metres in length, weighing over 2 tonnes (both factors that could potentially have a negative impact on efficiency and sustainability), and accommodating 7 people. The starting price is €53,900, in a single fully-loaded trim level that offers a very high standard of equipment.

Jaecoo 8 Shs-P: total range exceeds 1,000 kilometres

Here, briefly, is how the plug-in hybrid system works: the combustion engine acts as a generator, while it is the rear electric motor — the most powerful — that always drives the wheels. The two front electric motors step in to provide additional traction or power when needed. Only in cases of maximum demand and a depleted battery does the combustion engine also come into play. In short, a fairly sophisticated hybrid system, designed above all to maximise efficiency in everyday driving.

The 34.5 kWh battery delivers a declared electric-only range of 134 kilometres, while the total range with the 70-litre fuel tank exceeds 1,100 km. For charging, at a DC fast-charging station (accepting up to 70 kW), the battery goes from 30 to 80 per cent in around 20–25 minutes — a more than respectable figure for the segment. On AC, the limit is 6.6 kW: acceptable, but not outstanding.

Silence, space and plenty of comfort

Interior roominess is remarkable. The front seats can recline completely, transforming into comfortable chaise longues. The second row offers generous space for three adults, thanks to a flat floor and ample headroom. The third row is better suited to children or short journeys, and is accessed by folding and sliding the middle bench seat forward. The boot is very spacious, though it shrinks considerably with all seven seats in use.

Sound insulation is one of the Jaecoo 8 Shs-P's strong suits: travelling on electric power, the cabin remains almost completely isolated, even at motorway speeds. It is hard to notice the combustion engine kicking in — it is almost imperceptible. This is a very quiet car, certainly well suited to long family road trips.

Comfort is also greatly aided by the sophisticated electronically controlled suspension, which absorbs road imperfections well. Those who enjoy dynamic driving may find the setup a little too soft, especially in corners, where the considerable weight makes itself felt more. In the city, the limitations of the dimensions remain, although the 360-degree cameras help when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

19 Adas driver assistance systems and 10 airbags

The dashboard is dominated by a dual 12.3-inch screen setup (one for the instrument cluster, one for the infotainment system), with overall intuitive menu navigation. The large head-up display — which projects key travel information onto the windscreen, such as speed, navigation and driver assistance system alerts, all clearly and legibly — is a particularly useful feature. Physical buttons are almost entirely absent, replaced by the display or touch-sensitive controls that are not always intuitive to use (the climate control being a case in point). Among the standout features is safety, with an Adas suite comprising 19 driver assistance systems and 10 airbags.

Off the beaten track, in silence and with zero emissions

To recap: the Jaecoo 8 Shs-P is a plug-in hybrid SUV with a solid electric range and an all-wheel drive system that allows it to tackle challenging terrain, including water crossings up to 60 centimetres deep. All of this with the added benefit of being able to travel long stretches in silence (in pure electric mode you can cover well over 100 kilometres) and with zero emissions. Don't picture a traditional off-roader — it has no low-range gearbox or lockable differentials. Think of it instead as a vehicle capable of handling difficult terrain without sacrificing comfort. The perfect car for family days out in the countryside.