A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
The verified specification tables are ready to compare, but Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
J5 EV
L4
Maximum Power
J5 EV-
L4108 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
J5 EV-
L4225 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm
Engine Size
J5 EV-
L41499 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
J5 EV-
L414.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
J5 EV-
L4160 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Generation
Upcoming first South African-market Jaecoo J5 battery-electric preview; final retail grade name pending
First-generation LEPAS L4 compact SUV
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
upcoming
Active
Segment
Compact electric SUV
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
SUV
Model Introduced Year
-
2026
Facelift History
-
The L4 launched as the first LEPAS model in South Africa in 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
-
2026
Facelift Version Ending
-
Current
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
AC Charging Power
11 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
130 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
28 min (30-80%)
Not Applicable
Engine
-
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
-
SQRE4T15C
Hybrid System
-
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
-
1499 cc
Cylinders
-
4
Cylinder Layout
-
Inline
Valves
-
16
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Aspiration
-
Turbocharged
Fuel System
-
Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio
-
9.5:1
Bore
-
77.0 mm
Stroke
-
80.5 mm
Maximum Power
-
108 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
-
225 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm
Combined Power
-
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
-
Not Applicable
Motor Type
-
Not Applicable
Transmission
-
6-Speed DCT
Top Speed
-
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
-
10.2 sec
Quarter Mile
-
17.6 sec
Drive Modes
-
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
-
No
Rev Limiter
-
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
-
80.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
-
167.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Battery Type
-
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
-
Not Applicable
Electric Range
-
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
-
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
-
Not Applicable
Spec
J5 EV
L4
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Standard
Cruise Control
-
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
-
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Standard
Parking Sensors
-
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Yes
Auto Highbeam
-
Standard
Auto Wipers
-
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Standard
Reverse Camera
-
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Park Assist
-
No
Around View Monitor
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
-
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Vehicle To Load
Standard
-
Climate Control
-
Climate control
Power Windows
-
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
-
Standard
Push Button Start
-
Standard
Sunroof
-
Standard
Electric Tailgate
-
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
AC Type
-
Climate control
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Digital Instrument Cluster
8-inch
8-inch segment display
Infotainment Screen
13.2-inch
13.2-inch
Infotainment System
-
13.2-inch
Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Android Auto
-
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
-
Standard
Number of Speakers
-
6
USB Ports
-
2
Touchscreen
13.2-inch
13.2-inch
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
17-inch
Tyre Size
-
215/60 R17
Front Brake Type
-
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
-
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Temporary T-type spare tyre
Handbrake Type
-
Electronic
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Ownership Role
Upcoming South African electric passenger vehicle
safety and comfort flagship derivative
Price Zar
549900 ZAR
419900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Announced launch from-price
safety and comfort flagship derivative
Starting Price
549900
419900
Starting Price Zar
549900
419900
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Standard
LED Headlamps
-
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
-
Standard
Fog Lamps
-
Rear
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
-
LEPAS South Africa colour availability varies by derivative and launch allocation.
Headlights
-
Standard
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Length
-
4406 mm
Width
-
1820 mm
Height
-
1635 mm
Wheelbase
-
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
-
160 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
-
458 l
Kerb Weight
-
1346 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-
1844 kg
Payload Capacity
-
498 kg
Towing Capacity
-
1200 kg
Seating Capacity
-
5 seats
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Doors
-
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.275 m
Front Headroom
-
1005 mm
Rear Headroom
-
975 mm
Front Legroom
-
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
-
890 mm
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Gearbox
-
6-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain Layout
-
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
-
No
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
-
4.13:1
Number of Gears
-
6
Transmission Type
-
Automatic
Clutch Type
-
Dual clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Gear Shift Type
-
Automatic
Drivetrain
-
FWD
4WD Engagement
-
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
-
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
-
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
-
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
-
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
-
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
-
Not Applicable
Low Range
-
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
-
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
-
6
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Claimed Mileage
-
14.3 km/l
City Mileage
-
11.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
16.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
51 l
Emission Standard
-
Euro 6B
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Real-world Mileage
-
14.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
-
Not Applicable
Charging Type
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
-
51
Combined Driving Range
-
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
-
Not Applicable
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Airbags
-
6
ABS
-
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
-
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
-
Standard
Brake Assist
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
-
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
-
Standard
AEB
-
Standard
BA
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Yes
Curtain Airbags
-
Standard
Driver Airbag
-
Standard
EBD
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Standard
Hill Hold
-
Standard
Passenger Airbag
-
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
-
Yes - front seats
Seatbelt Reminder
-
Yes
Side Airbags
-
Standard
Stability Control
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard
Knee Airbag
-
Not Available
ABS EBD
-
Standard
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Seat Material
-
Faux leather
Heated Seats
-
No
Ventilated Seats
-
Standard
Ambient Lighting
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
-
Faux leather
60 40 Split Seat
-
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
-
6-way power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
-
4-way manual
Seat Trim
-
Faux leather
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Approach Angle
-
20.0 deg
Departure Angle
-
28.0 deg
Wading Depth
-
400 mm
Terrain Modes
-
No
Locking Differential
-
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
-
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
-
18.5 deg
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Front Suspension
-
MacPherson strut independent suspension
Rear Suspension
-
Torsion beam semi-independent suspension
Spec
J5 EV
L4
CO2 Emissions
-
159 g/km
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Service Plan
-
5 years / 75,000 km
Spec
J5 EV
L4
Warranty
-
5 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This J5 EV and L4 comparison keeps the exact South African derivatives, lifecycle states, available prices and verified specifications side by side.
Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.
Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.
Specification Index Withheld
Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.
Fail closed
Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.
Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.
What the evidence means
No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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