The benefits of a plug-in hybrid combined with those of an electric vehicle — that's what Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid promises. Here's how it performs in our test drive.
Remember? It was last July when we told you about the Italian debut of Chinese giant Chery with the Omoda Jaecoo brand. In a Europe already gripped by protectionism, tariffs, and the discontinuous, often contradictory policies supporting the automotive green transition, the rise of brands (then semi-unknown, today increasingly visible) continues — brands that not only forge strategic alliances but offer accessible and efficient models. Such as the Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid, an SUV that promises 1,200 kilometres of range and the benefits of a plug-in hybrid combined with those of a pure electric vehicle. All at a price that's reasonable for what it offers: from €38,900.
Let's try to understand right away what that label "Super Hybrid" means — presented as the best of both worlds, hybrid and electric. In short: the Jaecoo 7 in this new version features a highly efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine, an electric motor that drives the wheels, and a second electric motor whose job — to put it simply — is to recharge the battery. All of this adds up to a combined output of over 340 horsepower and an impressive list of claimed figures: 1,200 kilometres of total range, of which up to 130 on electric power alone (when driving in the city), average fuel consumption of 17 km/l, and a charging time (at public stations) of 20 minutes. With one promise: the battery (40 kW) stays consistently charged (we'll explain why shortly). A winner? The answer is coming. But first, a reflection on the potential role of plug-in hybrids like the Jaecoo 7.
If Europe were to reconsider its ban on combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrids like the Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid could find themselves with a whole new future ahead. Let us explain. The EU automotive plan could end up sparing hybrid vehicles, currently vaguely referred to as "new or other technologies". In short, it has been clear for some time that Brussels has no particularly firm vision for the future of the car. What has become clear so far is that, through a series of compromises elevated to an art form, the €2.8 billion plan — while on one hand confirming the ban on combustion engines by 2035 — on the other hand leaves a door open for plug-in hybrids like the Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid, which could therefore "survive" beyond that date. We shall see.
Let's try to break it down, because on paper it might seem a little complex. So, how does it achieve those electric range figures cited above and those fuel consumption numbers (which we can confirm are genuinely very low in real-world use too)? In 8 steps, or more technically, operating modes. Here's an attempt to summarise them:
Did you say you didn't follow any of that? Fair enough — just know that in everyday use you wouldn't notice a thing. The hybrid system handles everything automatically based on the selected driving mode, driving style, type of journey, and battery charge level, which on average stays consistently topped up.
Back to the Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid. We've covered how it works. That it's a spacious, enjoyable SUV to drive (and to look at) we can confirm after our test drive, which lasted several hours. But above all, that it's genuinely efficient — that the "Super Hybrid" label isn't just a marketing tagline — is backed up by the numbers: that claimed range of 1,200 kilometres (with a full battery and tank), of which 130 on electric power for those who frequently drive in the city. Then there's the performance — plentiful — and the battery (generous for a plug-in hybrid) at 18.3 kWh. And finally, fast charging of up to 40 kW, taking the battery from 30 to 80% in 20 minutes — not a record-breaking figure, but we're talking about the time it takes to have a coffee, make a phone call, or enjoy a podcast.
But what is the Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid like to drive (and to live with)? Reassuring, smooth, "soft" (perhaps even a touch too much if you enjoy twisty roads). And then you're often running on electricity, as we've seen, with declared average emissions of 23 g/km. The petrol engine is there but you can barely hear it. The automatic gearbox takes the stress out of city traffic. Meanwhile, the ADAS driver assistance systems keep a watchful eye on safety. Sport, Eco and Normal are the driving modes, each with different energy regeneration logic that adjusts according to your needs. Space is generous (more so for passengers than for luggage), even if the controls aren't always intuitive. The materials are pleasant, the seats are wide, and the cabin is bright and airy.