Electric crossover for NIS 151,000: How good is the JAC 5?

Two things make the electric JAC 5 one of the most interesting cars to arrive here recently. First, it is the smaller sibling of the JAC 7, which became Israel's best-selling car this year with about 14,000 deliveries—numbers never seen before in the first year of a new model, reminiscent of Mazda 3’s market dominance days.

The second is that it is electric and much cheaper. The 7, mostly sold as a plug-in, is priced at NIS 180,000–203,000. The 5 comes in a gasoline version (NIS 148,000–157,000), which we have already driven, while the electric version is slightly more expensive (NIS 151,000–160,000) and is still one of the cheapest plug-in crossovers currently on the market. A regular hybrid version (non-plug-in) will arrive in the coming months.

JAC, part of the Chery group, is currently leading the Chinese invasion of Israel. Chery is imported by Frisbee, while JAC is imported by Colmobil. We wouldn’t be surprised if next year, after a few more launches, the two brands compete for the top spot in brand sales.

Is the electric 5 successful enough to reverse the downward trend in electric car sales this year?

The lines may not be original, but they are attractive and tough. The 5 is squarer and more SUV-like than its bigger sibling, although fitting the design onto a shorter body didn’t always go smoothly, as seen in the front doors. The 5 is a twin to the Chery FX, which has a sportier and less “4x4” look.

Still, too many tasks require navigating between screens, such as climate control. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available, but switching between them and the main screens requires too many clicks.

We drove the base version, which highlighted exactly what it lacks—for example, there are switches for the panoramic roof curtain, but no actual curtain or roof at that trim level, so they are just placeholders. The material quality and assembly are good.

The seating is high—after all, that’s why people buy these cars—and very spacious in the front, adequate in the back. There you’ll find an AC vent, a USB port, plenty of headroom, but less generosity for knees.

The trunk, as mentioned, is 480 liters, with space below for a spare tire, which is unfortunately missing. The entry-level Premium model (NIS 151,000 electric) includes 18-inch wheels, front LED headlights, a 13.2-inch multimedia screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, USB ports, air conditioning with rear vents, keyless start, electric side mirrors that fold electrically, and the ability to pre-activate the AC via an app.

The Luxury trim (NIS 160,000 electric) adds artificial leather seats, an electric tailgate, panoramic roof with electric curtain, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, wireless phone charging, a power outlet in the trunk, and more—a set of extras justifying the price difference and making the Premium trim suitable for leasing.

On the road, you can choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Performance is good in all modes, particularly agile in Sport. It’s not a specialized performance model, yet it’s enjoyable to experience the available power and quick acceleration, useful not only for traffic lights but also for closing gaps in traffic and overtaking.

This is similar to the range of the more aerodynamic electric FX, which claims 430 km, but it limits those who frequently take long suburban trips and requires charging en route. At least the charging port opens and closes electrically, something not found even on more expensive EVs.

Fast charging is relatively slow at 80 kW, with 11 kW on a three-phase connection and 3.3 kW on single-phase. Regenerative charging strength can be controlled, but only via the screen.

Handling is decent, aided by high-quality Continental tires, not an unknown Chinese brand that would save the manufacturer money at the expense of grip and noise levels.

What might prevent the 5 from becoming a hit like its bigger sibling is increasing competition. Alongside the similarly priced Chery FX, now heavily discounted for zero-km electric sales, the larger and more advanced DiFAAL 05 has launched at similar prices. Soon, the Leapmotor B10 and BYD Atto 2 electric cars will arrive, and next year, the Omoda 4—the equivalent model from another Chery brand imported by Colmobil with a very sporty design—will also be launched. Competition will likely create more discounts and deals, making EVs even more accessible. Electricity for everyone; now we just need a charging point for everyone.