The Jaecoo J8 AWD is a refined city slicker that reveals its off-road mettle when the terrain gets tough.
Shortly after its official debut, the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Jaecoo J8 AWD (all-wheel drive) variant presented itself.
But it wouldn’t be on smooth roads.
Rather, the J8 was taken through challenging terrain at the Sepang Bay 13 off-road course, where it proudly showed its mettle.
Billed as a premium full-sized (D-segment) urban sports utility vehicle (SUV) that comes with off-road credentials and a RM198,800 price tag (on-the-road without insurance), the range-topping J8 AWD was put through a series of off-road obstacles.
To recap, the J8 uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that generates 245hp and 3858Nm of torque for the eight-speed automatic transmission to manage.
While the cabin comes in a 2+2+2 configuration - unlike the entry-level 2WD (front-wheel drive) variant that provides a usual 2+3 seating arrangement - it rolls on 245/50 Michelin ePrimacy tyres for its 20-inch wheels.
The J8 AWD also comes equipped with torque-vectoring, independent suspension, and a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) that reads and adapts to the road/terrain within milliseconds.
Additionally, there are seven drive modes of Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, Sand, Snow and Off-road - all conveniently accessible via a premium-looking “Mode” dial on the centre tunnel and no guesses here for which mode (Off-road) was selected for this event.
Nevertheless, the J8 AWD was faced with its first obstacle - the rock crawl, which demands throttle control and low-speed torque above all else.
The AWD system proved competent in this case, while putting the CDC to the test, which did its level-best to soften the landings after clearing each rock.
There was still a sense of jarring present, although it can be said to not be as much as a typical pickup truck that uses a front double-wishbone and rear leaf spring suspension setup.
Although the AWD system managed to send just the right amount of power to the wheel(s) with grip, it seemed to make light work of the jagged obstacles.
This threw in a high level of concern whether the tyres could survive, and survive they did.
Thanks to an elevated stance, this means nothing gets scraped underneath.
Up next was the side slope, which pushed the J8’s electronic stability systems into play.
Even at a tilt, the SUV never felt like it would slide or topple over at around 30 degrees, far from its claimed 45-degree ability.
Roll Stability Control and ESC worked quietly in the background to maintain composure, which allowed it to feel surefooted at such angles.
Up next, the Elephant Steps put the J8’s chassis rigidity and axle articulation to the test.
As the SUV slowly climbed unevenly staggered steps, each wheel moved independently thanks to its multi-link rear suspension, and the CDC worked to maintain a planted ride.
Despite the challenging angles, the cabin remained composed, and traction was never in question, and the vehicle seemed to always remain levelled.
On to the water wading challenge, which looks to test the J8’s seal integrity.
Here, the SUV drove confidently through 450mm-deep water, and thanks to a high-mounted air intake as well as well-sealed electrical components, it managed to wade through the murky stretch without hesitation.
Over to the log run that simulates broken terrain, here is where most SUVs would bounce around abruptly.
Instead, the CDC suspension shined once more to soak up much of the harshness to keep the cabin surprisingly smooth as the torque-vectoring AWD system provided the necessary traction so that grip was never compromised.
Finally, faced with the Big Hill challenge, it demonstrated this SUV’s strength in climbing steep inclines while also maintaining a good amount of downhill control.
While the ascent was handled easily, even being allowed to crawl up the steep hill, there was little drama to be had, even if it was wearing road-going comfort-oriented tyres.
Torque felt ever-present, and the AWD system displayed little to no drama to crest at the peak.
With Hill Descent Control engaged (along with blind faith that it’ll work), the J8 AWD integrated some engine braking with what sounded like a four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) to maintain a gentle descent.
Despite the J8 AWD looking quite stately, it does have a rugged side to it that allows it to venture “off the beaten path”.
But how far off it and will it be alright if such conditions were in the wet instead?
Nonetheless, we’d like to see it up close and personal, how capable this affordable premium SUV is with a set of mud terrain tyres and perhaps a which - a definite sight to behold, perhaps.
In any case, the J8 AWD demonstrated that it can, in ideal conditions, get through whatever that was thrown at it - from water wading, angled climbs and rocky terrain, it handled everything that Sepang Bay 13 threw at it.
Whether navigating over city potholes or planning a weekend off-grid, the J8 showed promise as a companion for the modern adventurer that blends comfort, control, and capability.
