OMODA&JAECOO UAE marked a notable step in its regional rollout with the first official test drive of the JAECOO J8 SHS at the Dubai Autodrome on December 24, 2025. The closed-track event was positioned as a practical evaluation rather than a ceremonial launch, allowing invited participants to experience the vehicle’s hybrid performance under controlled driving conditions.
The session brought together company teams, authorised dealer representatives, and a group of more than 40 regional journalists and content creators. Following a technical briefing and product walkthrough, attendees were given time on track to assess the J8 SHS across acceleration, handling, braking, and low-speed manoeuvrability exercises. The aim was to demonstrate how the vehicle behaves when pushed beyond typical showroom or urban driving scenarios.
At the centre of the experience was the Super Hybrid System, a third-generation plug-in hybrid setup developed for larger SUVs. The system combines electric drive with a petrol engine that can operate as a generator when required, allowing the vehicle to continue operating without immediate access to external charging. According to the manufacturer, the configuration is intended to reduce range anxiety while maintaining consistent performance in mixed driving environments typical of the UAE.
Performance figures place the J8 SHS in competitive territory for its segment, with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds. While straight-line speed was part of the evaluation, the on-track sessions also focused on stability, steering response, and braking confidence, particularly given the vehicle’s size and luxury-oriented positioning. A separate manoeuvrability challenge highlighted parking and low-speed control, areas that often present trade-offs in larger SUVs.
Efficiency and range were also central talking points. With a full tank and charged battery, the J8 SHS is rated for a combined driving range exceeding 1,300 kilometres, alongside a pure electric range of more than 169 kilometres. Fast-charging capability allows the battery to recharge from 30 percent to 80 percent in approximately 25 minutes, aligning with the expectations of drivers with limited downtime.
Inside the cabin, the J8 SHS adopts a comfort-led approach, featuring NAPPA leather upholstery, power-adjustable seating, and multiple massage settings. Safety and driver assistance are addressed through a comprehensive airbag setup and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed for everyday commuting and longer journeys.
Commenting on the event, Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International, said the test drive was intended to demonstrate real-world usability rather than theoretical capability. The event underscores the brand’s effort to validate its technology locally as it continues to expand under the umbrella of Chery International.
Rather than positioning the J8 SHS purely as a performance showcase, the Dubai Autodrome event framed it as a hybrid SUV designed to balance power, range, and comfort for regional driving conditions, offering insight into how OMODA&JAECOO intends to compete in an increasingly crowded electrified SUV market.
