• Premium feel for price
• Clear, simple layout
• Comfortable seating

How is the quality and layout?

The Jaecoo 7’s cabin is pleasant place to spend time, helped by generous glazing and the panoramic roof fitted to Luxury models. Material quality is good for the price, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and a generally solid feel to the way it’s put together. During our drive, nothing rattled or squeaked, which is a promising sign for a new brand.

Look closer, though, and it’s hard for seasoned drivers not to spot where some of the design inspiration has come from. There are clear nods to Mercedes-Benz in the air vent design, Land Rover in the chunky door card detailing, and Volvo in the clean, vertical lines of the centre console. It’s a fast-track to a premium look that works well visually, even if it feels a little ‘manufactured’ in its execution.

The dashboard layout is simple and uncluttered, but negative points for over-reliance on the infotanment touchscreen – right down to the heating controls, which isn’t great. The small, slightly tinny exterior door handles and reverse-logic electric window switches are also ergonomic weak points, and disappoint in the context of the cabin’s more substantial touch points.

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Infotainment and tech

Infotainment is a highlight. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is quick and reliable, and the system allows you to create shortcuts for frequently used functions. The digital instrument display is clear and configurable, showing navigation, trip and driver-assistance info.

The software feels very BYD-like in layout and execution – unsurprising given the SHS shares much of its hardware with the BYD Seal U DM-i. The infotainment is slick and responsive, smartphone pairing is quick, and physical climate controls mean you don’t have to dig into menus for simple tasks.

Luxury models get a 14.8-inch screen, while Deluxe has a 13.2-inch unit. Graphics are sharp, menus logical, and the ability to set shortcuts via a swipe-down menu is a neat touch. The Sony audio system in Luxury trim is punchy and clear. USB-A, USB-C and a 12-volt socket are all included.

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Comfort

• Supportive front seats
• Generous adjustment range
• Premium-feel upholstery in Luxury trim

The Jaecoo 7’s cabin is designed to be a welcoming space, and that starts with the front seats. They offer reasonable lateral support, a wide base and plenty of adjustment to suit a variety of body shapes. Electric adjustment for the driver is standard, with memory settings in Luxury trim. Seat heating is included across the range, which warms quickly on colder mornings.

It’s a good story in the rear, too, with adequate thigh and back support. Taller passengers will appreciate the generous head and legroom, aided by the relatively flat floor in the second row. This makes carrying three across the back more comfortable than in some rivals, even if the middle seat is still best reserved for shorter trips.

In Luxury trim, leather upholstery adds an extra touch of plushness, along with a stitched finish on the door cards and centre armrest. Combined with soft-touch materials in key areas, it helps the Jaecoo 7’s perceived quality.