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Get ready, Australia! The exciting debut of Chery’s Jaecoo sub-brand is just around the corner with the launch of the 2026 Jaecoo J5 EV in January 2026. Starting at an enticing price of $36,990 drive-away for the first 1,000 buyers, this electric vehicle promises to make waves in the automotive market.
This introductory price not only comes loaded with a range of features but also includes premium paint, a typical $600 add-on, at no extra cost for early adopters. Although it may not be the most budget-friendly electric SUV on the market—that title still belongs to the BYD Atto 2 Dynamic at $31,990 plus on-road costs—the J5 is competitively priced compared to the Atto 2 Premium, which retails at $35,990. It also stands to save buyers thousands compared to several other competing models, based on key specifications.
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Roy Munoz, the chief commercial officer for Omoda Jaecoo Australia, shared his enthusiasm for the J5’s potential in the local market, referencing its strong performance in regions like the UK and Thailand. “We hope to replicate and emulate that success here,” he noted.
The J5 will launch in a premium battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variant, with plans to roll out more budget-friendly hybrid and turbo-petrol models in March 2026. These new variants are slotted to compete directly against popular compact SUVs including the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, MG ZS, and the related Chery C5.
Promoted as a “pet-centric” compact SUV, Jaecoo has ensured the J5 is well-equipped for both drivers and their four-legged friends alike. The only optional extras for the BEV model include pet-friendly accessories, a wireless karaoke system, premium paint, and a subwoofer (price to be confirmed).
MORE: The 2026 Jaecoo J5 features for Australia have been confirmed, with pricing to follow
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Packed with features, the J5 will include 18-inch ‘aero-optimised’ alloy wheels outfitted with Continental EcoContact 7 tyres, a panoramic glass roof with a sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tailgate, an eight-speaker infotainment system, and compatibility with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s even a 50W mobile charging pad and a 360-degree camera for added convenience.
Beneath the surface, the J5’s 58.9kW battery supplies 155kW of power and 288Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. With these specs, drivers can expect an impressive range of up to 402km.
Enhanced by its competitive pricing, Jaecoo stands behind the J5 with an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with a battery warranty and capped-price servicing plans. Maintenance will be scheduled at 12-month or 20,000km intervals, with fees alternating between $155 and $225.
Currently, Jaecoo operates nearly 50 retail locations across coastal and major urban areas in Australia, and the brand plans to expand further as the J5 gains traction in the market.
MORE: Get ready! The 2026 Jaecoo J5 is confirmed to land in Australia next year with petrol, hybrid, and electric options.
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**2026 Jaecoo J5 Pricing in Australia**
– **J5 EV** – $36,990 drive-away for the initial 1,000 units, then $35,990 plus on-road costs
**2026 Jaecoo J5 EV Standard Features:**
– 18-inch ‘aero’ alloy wheels with Continental tyres
– Power-operated tailgate
– Vehicle-to-load functionality
– Remote start function with air conditioning memory
– LED projector beam headlights and LED daytime running lights
– Glass roof with a power-operated sunshade
– ‘Pet-friendly’ synthetic leather-look seat upholstery
– Heated and ventilated front seats
– 8.9-inch digital instrument display
– 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with voice control
– Eight-speaker sound system
– 50-watt wireless phone charger
– 360-degree camera
**Optional Extras Include:**
– Premium paint: $600 (after the first 1,000 cars)
– Pet transport and comfort accessories: $30 to $155
– Wireless karaoke microphone set: $165
– Subwoofer – price to be confirmed
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**Samantha Stevens**
Senior Reviews Journalist
Samantha has been captivated by cars and combustion engines for most of her life and has spent the past 25 years immersed in the automotive and motorsport industries. As an automotive awards judge, rally driver, and motorsport enthusiast, she dedicates her weekdays to writing about cars, while her weekends are spent off-road, off-grid, or tracking at the racetrack.
Read more about Samantha Stevens.
Priyam Gera