The Jaecoo 7 is a mid-sized SUV that has arrived on the UK market from China, made by Chery, the country’s fourth-largest manufacturer. While it may look a bit like a Range Rover Velar, its performance is primarily defined electronically, making it a software-defined vehicle.
The Jaecoo 7 offers petrol and plug-in hybrid versions, with the latter proving to be quite refined and efficient. The handling is predictable, the ride comfort is decent, and overall, it drives well enough. However, the standout issue with the Jaecoo 7 lies in its software.
The trip computer on the Jaecoo 7 is wildly inaccurate, displaying efficiency readings that are comically off. The battery meter is also unreliable, never dropping below 20% even when the battery is deemed empty. The driver assistance systems are intrusive, the ventilation controls disappear when connecting to Apple CarPlay, and the touchscreen navigation bar is distracting to use.
One of the most glaring software flaws is the odometer, which only counts miles covered in hybrid mode, completely disregarding electric-powered miles. This oversight could have implications for resale value and overall ownership experience.
The Jaecoo 7 serves as a cautionary tale of how bad software can ruin an otherwise decent car. Despite its solid performance and design, the software issues undermine the overall product, leaving drivers frustrated and questioning the integrity of the vehicle.
As manufacturers continue to embrace software-defined vehicles, it is essential that they prioritize software quality and reliability to prevent similar issues from occurring in future models. The Jaecoo 7 may need a significant software update to address these flaws and restore confidence in the brand.
