Jaecoo will launch in Australia in 2024

An all-new car maker is headed our way, looking to undercut the established players by a large amount - and its first car looks a lot like a luxury favourite.

Australia is about to get a cut-price Range Rover look-alike.

Chinese car brand Jaecoo, which is the luxury spin-off of Chery, has confirmed it will launch its first vehicle in Australia later this year.

Dubbed the J7, it is a mid-size SUV that the brand describes as a “rugged urban SUV” and it is expected to offer luxury at an affordable price.

The Jaecoo J7 looks similar to some Range Rovers.

Jaecoo Australia boss Lucas Harris says the J7 will set new benchmarks in the luxury SUV segment.

The Jaecoo J7 is pitched as a luxury urban 4WD.

“We are delighted to announce that the Jaecoo brand will be coming to Australia, and we look forward to introducing this exciting new brand to Australian consumers, which is setting new standards for luxury and versatility in sports utility vehicles,” says Harris.

The chunky SUV has styling reminiscent of luxury Range Rovers and it has a plush cabin to match.

Jaecoo has a strong European influence. The chief engineer has experience with Jaguar Land Rover and the head of design worked at Mercedes-Benz for more than 30 years.

Details for the Australian bound J7 are scant but it will be available in two- and all-wheel drive.

The cabin is expected to be packed with luxe features.

Jaecoo has confirmed it will have up to seven driving modes that will alter the vehicle’s driving characteristics in different conditions.

The five-seat SUV will have plenty of luxury kit as standard including a 14.8-inch tablet-style central touchscreen, a digital driver’s display and premium materials used throughout the cabin.

The Jaecoo J7 will arrive in Australia later this year.

Jaecoo also says the J7 will have plenty of hi-tech and “remarkable safety features”.

It is expected to be powered by a turbo petrol engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch auto, but overseas it is also fitted with plug-in hybrid propulsion.

Jaecoo’s parent brand Chery recently relaunched in Australia in 2023 after hiatus of almost 10 years.

Chery currently sells two vehicles in Australia – the Omoda 5 small SUV and Tiggo 7 Pro mid-size SUV - but the newcomer is planning a rapid expansion in the next few years.