Chinese premium off-road SUV brand JAECOO has reached another milestone with its latest plug-in hybrid model, the JAECOO 7 PHEV, by completing Italy’s first North-to-South Super Hybrid Marathon. This endurance challenge tested the vehicle’s hybrid capabilities across the country’s mountainous and rugged terrain. Bringing together eight industry experts in automotive, technology, and transport, the marathon showcased the JAECOO 7 PHEV’s groundbreaking performance.
Covering a total distance of 1,413 kilometers, the plug-in hybrid SUV not only secured the top spot among hybrid vehicles in Europe, but also placed third globally in the Global Super Hybrid Marathon. In full-electric driving mode, the vehicle achieved an impressive range of 132.4 kilometers, earning it the global title for the longest EV range in its class.
JAECOO has quickly become one of the fastest-growing SUV brands globally. The success of the JAECOO 7 PHEV is a testament to the brand’s advanced hybrid technology and innovation. The model blends modern engineering with Mediterranean culture, capturing attention with its performance and design during the Italian leg of the challenge.
The JAECOO 7 PHEV’s performance was put to the test under fixed charging conditions during its journey from Northern to Southern Italy. Expert judges recorded the SUV achieving its highest range to date, outperforming its previous European benchmark. With 132.4 km in electric-only mode, the JAECOO 7 PHEV became the global electric range champion in the plug-in hybrid segment.
Additionally, its fuel efficiency under fixed charging conditions impressed evaluators, proving its edge over rivals in the same class. From Bergamo to Venice and across the winding roads of the Alps and Trentino, the JAECOO 7 PHEV demonstrated consistent capability and range.
With its fifth-generation 1.5 TGDI hybrid engine and high-efficiency transmission, the JAECOO 7 PHEV delivers up to 255 kW of power and 525 Nm of torque. It offers 340 PS of continuous output, providing stable power delivery on mountainous terrain and steep inclines.
Even on tight, twisty roads such as those in Trentino, the vehicle maintained seamless performance. It achieved only 4.68 L/100 km under fixed charging conditions—highlighting its class-leading fuel economy. In historic cities like Palermo and Taormina, the JAECOO 7 PHEV excelled during stop-and-go traffic thanks to six smart fuel management technologies, while its 44.5% thermal efficiency supported optimal performance on challenging roads.
The marathon continued northward, with the JAECOO 7 PHEV arriving in Gallipoli near the historic St. Agatha Cathedral. Its smooth and quiet transitions and almost silent engine operation made for a refined, comfortable driving experience that fit perfectly with the scenic journey.
After completing hybrid marathons across Spain, the UK, and Italy, JAECOO is now preparing to showcase the 7 PHEV in Belgium’s Ardennes Plateau. The next destination? The Americas, where it will take on Mexico’s rugged landscapes and continue proving its capabilities in the most demanding environments.
