ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Nexgen Auto has announced the official ex-factory introductory prices for the locally assembled Jaecoo J5 SHS HEV, widening the company’s hybrid SUV footprint in Pakistan and bringing a new entrant into the subcompact segment at a price bracket that immediately puts it in the mainstream conversation. According to the company, the Jaecoo J5 HEV Comfort has been priced at Rs. 6,699,000, while the Jaecoo J5 HEV Premium carries an ex-factory price of Rs. 7,699,000. Nexgen has also said these introductory prices are fully inclusive of all taxes, including the NEV levy, and will remain valid until March 10, 2026, after which pricing may be revised.
The J5’s arrival is being positioned as part of Nexgen’s broader Pakistan strategy, where the company has been steadily building a portfolio that blends imported products with locally assembled models. Nexgen previously introduced the imported Omoda E5 and Jaecoo J6 EVs to the local market, but its push into local assembly has become the bigger story in recent months. In October, the company launched the Jaecoo J7 as a locally assembled compact PHEV SUV, which it says received a strong market response. The Jaecoo J5 now follows as a smaller, more affordable hybrid option that sits below the J7 in size and price, and is intended to target customers who want a modern, fuel-efficient SUV without jumping to the higher cost of larger plug-in hybrids or fully electric vehicles.
Bookings for the Jaecoo J5 are now open with a partial payment of Rs. 1,500,000. Nexgen’s delivery plan indicates the first batch is expected to begin reaching customers next month, in February 2026, suggesting the company is aiming to quickly convert launch attention into on-road presence. The decision to announce a clear validity window for the introductory price also signals a time-sensitive buying incentive, especially for customers comparing options in a segment where pricing frequently shifts with currency movement, duties, and policy changes.
In terms of engineering, both the Comfort and Premium variants share the same hybrid powertrain and core mechanical package, meaning the step up in price is not about added performance but about added equipment. The top specification is listed with a 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid engine producing 221 horsepower and 295 Nm of torque, paired with a front-wheel-drive layout. Nexgen claims the J5 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, figures that place it comfortably in the “quick for the class” territory, particularly for buyers who want the responsiveness of a turbocharged setup alongside the day-to-day economy of hybrid assistance. The hybrid system is backed by a 1.83 kWh battery, and the company is quoting a claimed fuel economy figure of 18.8 km per litre, a headline number that will likely be central to the J5’s marketing pitch in a market where running costs remain one of the most decisive factors in purchase decisions.
The Jaecoo J5’s dimensions place it firmly in the subcompact SUV category. It measures 4,380 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a 2,620 mm wheelbase. That footprint is intended to strike a balance between urban practicality and SUV-style road presence, offering a cabin and stance that feel substantial without becoming difficult to live with in congested city environments or tight parking conditions. With Nexgen explicitly positioning it below the J7, the J5 is also being framed as the more accessible entry into the Jaecoo brand experience, while still offering a feature list that aims to feel closer to premium crossovers than to basic compact transport.
Where the two variants separate is equipment, with the Premium trim positioned as the more fully loaded option. The top variant’s highlights include an 18-inch alloy wheel package, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, aiming to deliver the kind of visual and comfort cues that Pakistani buyers often associate with higher-priced imports. Inside, Nexgen lists a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, presenting a tech-forward dashboard layout that mirrors current global design trends in the segment. The audio system is rated at eight speakers, and the cabin convenience list extends to features such as ventilated front seats, wireless charging, acoustic glass, heated side mirrors, anti-pinch windows, and Type-C charging ports, signalling a deliberate attempt to compete on “everyday luxury” rather than just price.
Safety and driver assistance are also being used as a key part of the J5’s positioning. Nexgen lists six airbags, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and a 540-degree camera system. While such features are increasingly common in international markets, their presence at this price point is still noteworthy locally, especially for buyers who prioritise newer safety tech and parking aids in urban driving. The Premium trim is being described as offering additional safety and cosmetic upgrades over the Comfort, suggesting Nexgen expects a meaningful chunk of buyers to stretch to the higher variant for the extra kit rather than for any difference in performance.
Taken together, the headline pricing, hybrid economy promise, and feature-heavy upper trim explain why Nexgen is presenting the Jaecoo J5 HEV as an aggressive entry into the market. With an entry price of Rs. 6.699 million and a top price of Rs. 7.699 million, the J5 is being pitched to undercut a number of hybrid rivals and even some non-hybrid subcompact SUVs, while leveraging local assembly to maintain a sharper value proposition. The next key test will be how the real-world fuel economy, availability, and after-sales experience match the launch claims, particularly as deliveries are expected to begin in February 2026 and the introductory price window runs through March 10, 2026.
