Jaecoo J5 EV Gets a Velar Makeover with Indonesian Body Kit
The Jaecoo J5 EV, a budget-friendly electric SUV that has made its mark on the Australian market, has always courted comparisons to the premium Range Rover lineup. While its factory styling already hints at the iconic British marque, a new aftermarket body kit emerging from Indonesia is taking the imitation game to a whole new level, aiming to transform the Jaecoo into a miniature Range Rover Velar.
The Jaecoo J5 EV, a creation of Chery Motors’ design-focused Jaecoo division, initially garnered attention for its styling that bore a striking resemblance to Range Rover models. Even in its standard Australian configuration, the J5 EV, priced from $35,990 plus on-road costs, does little to dissuade these observations. While subtle design differences at the front of the J5 EV prevent outright confusion with its significantly more expensive counterparts, this new Wild Design body kit is set to blur those lines considerably.
Sourced from various aftermarket parts suppliers across Indonesia and Thailand, the Wild Design kit appears meticulously crafted to give the Jaecoo J5 EV the distinct appearance of a Range Rover Velar. The most significant transformation occurs at the front. The kit’s main component is a new lower bumper cover designed to be affixed over the existing front bumper, often using strong double-sided tape. This clever addition conceals the J5 EV’s factory-standard, grid-like intake panel.
Instead, the Wild Design kit introduces faux outboard intakes featuring louvred inserts. This design echoes the aesthetic found on the more aggressive front ends of models like the Range Rover Sport and, crucially, the Range Rover Velar itself. The flush-fit bumper cover has been thoughtfully engineered with precise cutouts to accommodate the factory-fitted parking sensors, negating the need for any complex relocation. Other factory features, such as the front camera and the central air intake, remain exposed and functional.
The transformation doesn’t stop at the front. The aftermarket offerings extend to a range of complementary styling enhancements. These include:
- Side Sills: These subtly alter the vehicle’s profile, adding a touch of sportiness.
- Lower Door Mouldings: These provide an extra layer of visual depth to the lower bodywork.
- Wheel Arch Mouldings: These enhance the SUV’s rugged stance and complement the overall design.
- Restyled Rear Bumper Valance: This element includes a faux bash plate, further contributing to the SUV-inspired aesthetic.
The complete Wild Design body kit comes with a price tag starting at 19,950,000 Indonesian rupiah, which translates to approximately $AU1680. This makes it a relatively affordable way to achieve a high-end look. The availability of such a convincing Range Rover doppelganger contrasts with other aftermarket body kits that have emerged, some drawing inspiration from the Lamborghini Urus, while others forge their own unique stylistic paths.
The Jaecoo J5 EV officially debuted in Australia in December 2025. It was introduced with a special launch offer of $36,990 for the first 2000 buyers, a compelling proposition for those seeking an affordable electric SUV.
Jaecoo J5 EV: Australian Specifications and Market Performance
For the Australian market, the Jaecoo J5 EV is equipped with a 58.9-kilowatt-hour battery. This configuration provides an official driving range of 402 kilometres on a single charge. Power is delivered by a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, producing 155kW of power and 288Nm of torque.
Since its introduction, the Jaecoo J5 EV has shown promising sales figures in its segment. In the first two months of 2026, it managed to sell 584 units. This performance grants it a 2.3 per cent market share within the competitive “Small SUV Under $45K” category.
While these numbers place it some distance behind segment leaders like the Chery Tiggo 4 (which has sold 4549 units year-to-date) and the Hyundai Kona (3190 units), the J5 EV is holding its own against other contenders. It has outsold the MG S5 EV (290 units), Mitsubishi ASX (252 units), Nissan Qashqai (233 units), Skoda Kamiq (142 units), and the Leapmotor B10 (68 units). This indicates that despite the aesthetic comparisons, the Jaecoo J5 EV offers a compelling value proposition for Australian consumers in the burgeoning electric vehicle market. The availability of aftermarket kits like the Wild Design further broadens its appeal, allowing owners to customise their vehicles to their personal taste.
