Shereen Shabnam
In a city synonymous with ambition and design, JAECOO staged the regional unveiling of the all-new J5 SUV under the theme “Go Discover.” Set within the lush, curated environment of Al Barari, Dubai, the event provided an opportunity for Middle East motoring journalists and opinion leaders to evaluate firsthand whether the J5’s promise of practical innovation and lifestyle utility holds up under scrutiny.
The format was refreshingly focused. Rather than an expansive highway route, the 20-kilometre drive looped entirely within Al Barari’s urban-style landscape, a setting chosen to demonstrate how the J5 performs where it’s designed to excel: city streets, tight corners, and everyday scenarios.
On the move, over paver stones and mild undulations, the chassis absorbed irregularities with composure, delivering a ride quality that feels tailored for urban commuters rather than hardcore off-roaders.
The front-wheel-drive platform was predictable and reassuringly stable. While the J5 doesn’t attempt to disguise its focus as an accessible city SUV, the three selectable driving modes—Normal, Eco, and Sport—did add useful flexibility. Sport mode in particular sharpened throttle response noticeably during tighter maneuvers.
One standout feature from a jury perspective was the 540° panoramic imaging system, which proved genuinely useful when navigating narrow lanes and parking spaces. Combined with the elevated seating position, visibility was excellent and likely to inspire confidence among less experienced drivers.
Inside, the J5 delivers on the growing expectation that a compact SUV must double as an entertainment space. The SONY eight-speaker sound system filled the cabin with clarity, and the karaoke mode, complete with a noise-cancelling microphone—demonstrated the brand’s ambition to differentiate through lifestyle-driven amenities. While these features may seem playful, they reflect an understanding of how younger buyers increasingly view their cars as social hubs.
Storage and loading solutions also earned positive remarks. The spacious cargo area, with its hands-free electric tailgate, felt genuinely useful rather than gimmicky. The detachable magnetic LED lights and rooftop load capability suggest JAECOO is intent on positioning the J5 as a weekend-ready partner for urban families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
From a design perspective, the J5’s proportions are clean and contemporary without straying into polarizing territory. Subtle chrome accents and carefully sculpted surfaces give it presence without excess. The event’s curated environment, lush greenery contrasting with the J5’s metallic paintwork, only underscored the vehicle’s aspirational positioning.
As the JAECOO J5 prepares for its UAE market launch in August, it emerges as a well-conceived entrant in the compact SUV segment. While it doesn’t attempt to be an off-road specialist, it scores strongly on cabin technology, day-to-day usability, and modern styling. For a motoring jury like me evaluating cars on their real-world merits, the J5 presents itself as a versatile, lifestyle-driven SUV that understands its audience: urban explorers who value connectivity, practicality, and a hint of playfulness behind the wheel.
