Jaecoo, a marque under the rapidly expanding Chery Group division O&J, has announced that its fully electric J6 SUV will be available in South Africa from 2025.
The J6, also marketed as the iCar 03 in certain international markets, represents the brand’s latest push into the global new-energy vehicle market.
The upcoming J6, described by Omoda and Jaecoo’s Shannon Gahagan as “exciting and rugged,” will make its South African debut at the Festival of Motoring. This event will offer local car enthusiasts their first opportunity to get up close with this distinct battery-electric compact SUV.
Retro rugged
The J6 features a retro-inspired design with boxy proportions, evoking a sense of nostalgia while offering modern functionality. The five-seater is said to be spacious inside, with a versatile cabin that includes various clever storage solutions. According to Gahagan, the J6 offers a driving experience that is both comfortable for urban commutes and capable of handling more challenging off-road conditions.
“The new J6 aligns perfectly with Jaecoo’s identity as an innovative urban off-road SUV brand,” Gahagan said. “It’s tougher than the typical crossover but more comfortable than a traditional off-roader, contributing to the urban off-roading trend for Jaecoo we initiated with the J7.”
Up to 208 kW and 501 km
The J6 will come in two configurations: a rear-wheel-drive version with a 137 kW motor and a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant that delivers 208 kW. The specifics of which model – or possibly both – will be available in South Africa are expected to be disclosed closer to the launch date.
According to a source, the SUV will feature a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a range of up to 501 km with the larger 69,8 kWh battery pack.
Compact, like the XC 40 and iX1
Measuring 4 406 mm in length, the J6 is similar in size to the Toyota Corolla Cross, and the electric BMW iX1, Volvo C40, and Mercedes-Benz EQA, positioning it within the compact SUV segment.
The price of the Jaecoo J6 is speculated to be in the same bracket as the all-electric BYD Atto 3 Extended Range, which retails for R835 000.
As the South African market looks forward to the J6’s arrival in 2025, more details will be revealed during its unveiling at the Festival of Motoring in Gauteng. This launch marks another step in Jaecoo’s strategy to blend innovation with rugged urban appeal in the electric vehicle market.
