Jaecoo 7 PHEV Review – Faster, Classier and Up to 50 mpg

Bottom line

The plug‑in hybrid Jaecoo 7 beats its 1.6 L turbo‑petrol sibling in speed, fuel economy and cabin feel, while costing only about £1,200 more.

Image: Jaecoo 7 PHEV Review – Faster, Classier and Up to 50 mpg – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Design & Looks

At first glance the PHEV looks like a fresh take on the Luxury trim. The door cards have dropped the rugged off‑road graphics found on the 4WD petrol model, giving the car a sleeker, more futuristic vibe. Inside, the centre console is completely new – a split‑hinged storage box replaces the old layout and the gear selector moves to the steering column. Soft‑touch inserts feel richer, and the overall ambience feels more premium, even though the seats are the same.

Performance & Mileage

The hybrid packs a 1.5 L turbo‑charged four‑cylinder paired with an electric motor and an 18.3 kWh battery. Together they produce 201 bhp and 229 lb‑ft of torque, pushing the car from 0‑62 mph in 8.5 seconds – a clear win over the petrol version’s 11.8 seconds.

Real‑world fuel numbers tell the same story. While the petrol model struggled to stay above 30 mpg, the PHEV consistently hit 40‑50 mpg and never fell below 40.7 mpg during our test. The official electric‑only range is 56 miles, which is enough for a typical commute without touching the pump.

When the battery runs out on the motorway, the gasoline engine jumps in with a noticeable surge of power – it can feel a bit abrupt, but it quickly brings the charge back up.

Price & Rivals

The PHEV is priced at £35,165, roughly £1,200 more than the 1.6 T petrol version. Leasing deals often bring the hybrid close to the entry‑level 2WD Deluxe price, making it a surprisingly affordable flagship.

Compared with rivals in the compact SUV segment, the Jaecoo 7 PHEV offers a compelling mix of performance, fuel efficiency and a high‑tech interior at a competitive price point.

Key specs at a glance

Engine	Mileage	Price	Top Features
1.5 L turbo + electric motor, 18.3 kWh battery	40‑50 mpg (real‑world), 56 mi electric range	£35,165 (≈£1,200 more than petrol)	0‑62 mph 8.5 s, CVT, Luxury trim, futuristic interior

FAQ

What is the real‑world mpg of the Jaecoo 7 PHEV? In everyday driving it stays between 40 and 50 mpg, well above the 30 mpg seen on the petrol version.
Is the Jaecoo 7 PHEV worth buying over the 1.6 T petrol model? If you value faster acceleration, better fuel economy and a more modern cabin, the extra £1,200 is hard to argue against.
How far can I travel on electric power alone? The official electric‑only range is 56 miles, which covers most daily commutes without using any fuel.