JAECOO, E5 (Latest Model)

The Jaecoo E5 starts at approximately £27,505 for the Pure, rising to £30,505 for the Luxury. Those are competitive prices for an electric SUV of this size, particularly considering the equipment included. Dealer discounts and finance incentives may reduce the amount buyers actually pay. There is only one electric powertrain, consisting of a 60.9kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a front-mounted electric motor producing approximately 204bhp. Some specifications quote 207PS, which is a slightly different measurement of power. The E5 drives its front wheels and accelerates from 0–62mph in approximately 7.7 seconds. Official WLTP range is up to 248 miles, sometimes rounded to 250 miles in manufacturer and retailer information. Both trim levels use the same battery and motor, so there is no longer-range alternative within the range.

Pure is reasonably well equipped, with 18-inch alloy wheels, a central touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, air conditioning and a collection of driver assistance features. It covers the essentials without making the entry-level car feel particularly basic. Luxury costs approximately £3,000 more and adds equipment that makes the E5 noticeably more appealing. Highlights include electrically adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seating, a panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, upgraded Sony sound system and additional interior lighting. The Luxury is our recommendation, particularly if the difference in monthly finance payments is relatively small. It gives the Jaecoo a more expensive feel without pushing the price beyond that of many established rivals. However, buyers should also compare the E5 with discounted versions of the Kia EV3 and MG S5 EV. A higher list price does not always translate into a more expensive finance agreement.

The E5's exterior styling is deliberately restrained. Its upright profile, relatively high bonnet and smooth front end give it the appearance of a conventional compact SUV, with the closed-off grille identifying it as the electric version. It is unlikely to turn as many heads as a Hyundai Kona Electric, but the understated appearance may suit buyers who prefer their electric cars to look familiar.

Inside, Jaecoo has adopted the modern approach of concentrating most functions around a large central touchscreen. The dashboard is clean, the centre console provides useful storage and the general finish is better than the price might suggest. Materials are reasonably convincing in the areas occupants touch most frequently, although harder plastics are visible lower down. It feels solidly assembled, even if it lacks the carefully considered design and finish of some European competitors. The touchscreen responds reasonably quickly and presents plenty of information, but the reliance on digital menus becomes less appealing when making adjustments while driving. Straightforward functions such as changing ventilation settings would benefit from dedicated physical controls.

Front-seat comfort is good, with plenty of adjustment and a raised driving position providing a clear view ahead. The Luxury's electric adjustment and heated and ventilated seats make a meaningful difference, especially for drivers spending long periods in the car. The overall impression is of a cabin designed to impress on a showroom visit. It succeeds in that respect, although everyday usability isn't quite as convincing as the initial appearance.

The Jaecoo E5 has more than enough performance for normal driving. Its electric motor delivers immediate acceleration from low speeds, making it responsive in traffic and capable of joining fast-moving roads without difficulty. With around 204bhp available, overtaking performance is perfectly respectable. The 0–62mph time of approximately 7.7 seconds places it alongside several established electric family SUVs. The problem is that the chassis doesn't make particularly good use of that performance.

Steering response is less precise than in a Kia EV3 or Ford Puma Gen-E, and the weighting can feel inconsistent as the car moves through corners. This reduces confidence on winding roads, where the E5 feels less controlled than its competitors. Body movement is also noticeable. The suspension can become unsettled over uneven surfaces, and the car doesn't always settle quickly after a series of bumps. It is acceptable around town, but drivers expecting the smoothness and composure of the best electric SUVs may be disappointed. At motorway speeds, wind and road noise become more noticeable than in some rivals. The E5 is still capable of comfortable longer journeys, but refinement isn't a particular strength. Regenerative braking helps recover energy when slowing down, although the braking response takes some familiarisation. The various driving settings allow adjustments to the car's behaviour, but none fundamentally transforms the experience. For relaxed local journeys, the Jaecoo performs adequately. Anyone who enjoys driving or regularly travels on demanding country roads should test it against the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq before deciding.

The Jaecoo E5 uses a 60.9kWh battery and offers an official WLTP range of up to 248 miles.

In everyday UK conditions, a realistic expectation is approximately 180–210 miles from a full charge in mild weather, depending on speed, driving style and journey type. Drivers spending most of their time on slower urban roads may achieve more.

During winter, particularly on motorway journeys with the heating operating, range could fall towards 150–180 miles. These figures are estimates rather than results from a controlled road test.

For a driver covering 30–40 miles a day, the E5 should be perfectly manageable with home charging. The difficulties become more apparent on longer journeys.

Maximum DC rapid charging is approximately 80kW, which is disappointing by current standards. Jaecoo quotes around 27 minutes for a 30–80% charge under suitable conditions, but a larger top-up will take longer.

Several rivals can accept considerably more power. The Leapmotor B10, for example, supports up to 168kW, while the Kia EV3 also offers faster charging.

The E5 supports AC charging at up to 11kW. Using a typical 7kW home wallbox, a substantial overnight recharge should take approximately nine hours, depending on the starting battery level and charging losses.

Running costs should be attractive for owners with access to a low-cost overnight electricity tariff. Insurance, tyre replacement and public charging costs should also be considered, particularly for higher-mileage drivers.

The Jaecoo E5 measures approximately 4,380mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,650mm high, making it a compact SUV with enough interior space for family use. There is plenty of room in the front, with generous headroom and useful storage areas for phones, drinks and smaller belongings. The raised seating position also makes getting in and out relatively easy. Rear accommodation is adequate rather than exceptional. Two adults should be reasonably comfortable, but taller passengers may find legroom restricted when the front seats are positioned well back. Three passengers can sit across the rear seats, although the car's width means the middle position is better suited to occasional use.

The boot is a considerable advantage. At 480 litres, it is larger than the luggage compartments in several similarly priced electric SUVs, including the Kia EV3 and Renault 4 E-Tech. There is also a useful 35-litre storage compartment under the bonnet, providing somewhere to keep charging cables without sacrificing space in the main boot. The rear seats fold to accommodate larger items, although buyers regularly transporting bulky equipment should check the loading height and available floor length. For shopping, pushchairs, luggage and everyday family duties, the Jaecoo is a practical choice. Its boot capacity is one of the strongest reasons to consider it.

The Jaecoo E5 comes with a substantial collection of safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane assistance, collision warnings and other driver assistance systems. Equipment varies by specification, with the Luxury receiving additional features.

At the time of writing, the E5 does not have a published model-specific Euro NCAP crash-test rating. That should not be confused with the safety ratings achieved by other Jaecoo or Omoda vehicles. The manufacturer provides a seven-year or 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, which is reassuring for buyers considering a relatively unfamiliar brand. Long-term reliability remains difficult to assess. Jaecoo has not been established in Britain long enough for meaningful high-mileage ownership data to emerge, and the E5 itself is still a relatively recent model. The battery's lithium iron phosphate chemistry is widely used in modern electric cars, but battery chemistry alone cannot establish how reliable the complete vehicle will be.

Buyers should consider the availability of local servicing, replacement parts, software support and the terms of the battery warranty. A comprehensive warranty reduces some financial uncertainty, although it cannot eliminate the inconvenience of a car requiring repairs.

The Jaecoo E5 offers a convincing amount of car for the money. Its generous equipment, spacious boot, respectable electric range and lengthy warranty make it worth considering, particularly for buyers who want a practical electric SUV without stretching their budget. However, its driving experience is disappointing compared with the best alternatives. The steering lacks precision, the suspension struggles on uneven roads and rapid charging is slower than it should be.

The Luxury is the version to choose, provided the price difference remains reasonable. For buyers who prioritise equipment and practicality over driving enjoyment, the Jaecoo E5 makes sense. Those wanting greater comfort, better handling or faster charging will find stronger alternatives elsewhere.