Last weekend, we packed up the car, loaded Loki (our reactive but adventure-loving Dalmatian) into the back seat, and hit the road in the new JAECOO E5. If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know we spend most of our time travelling around the UK uncovering hidden gems, cosy countryside stays, and off-the-beaten-track adventures to share with you. We clock up the miles going from one rural pocket to the next, so I was keen to try a car that is comfortable, fully electric, and has reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
We got to do things a little differently this time. JAECOO lent us their new E5 SUV for a few days to test out on our travels. One thing we immediately loved was that it’s fully electric with a range of 248 miles. Not only does it feel smooth and quiet on the road, but it also makes being mindful about mileage easier. Driving an electric vehicle is a more energy-efficient choice, which is such a bonus when you’re constantly on the move and exploring as much as we do.
This post is part of a sponsored collaboration. With JAECOO and features the luxury trim E5, we were genuinely curious to see if it could handle our kind of lifestyle, and it really did.
First Impressions of the JAECOO E5 for Dog Friendly Travel
From the moment we started packing to set off, the E5 was already proving it's worth. The keyless start and keyless entry are a lifesaver when your hands are overflowing with dog treats, toys, blankets, and, of course, the dog who thinks the faster he gets in the car, the better! No more fumbling for keys whilst dropping your armful of belongings on the drive!
The boot space is generous enough for my (somewhat excessive) luggage, camera gear, drone, and of course Loki’s essentials. There is also a clever storage touch - where a traditional petrol engine would sit, the JAECOO E5 has an additional extra storage compartment at the front of the car, perfect for stashing a muddy longline, dog towel or harness, and keeping the main boot clean and mud-free after seaside or muddy walks!
We took it the E5 for a weekend escape to a cosy rural shepherd’s hut in North Wales, winding through country lanes, over rolling hills, and even across a few slightly boggy grass tracks, all handled beautifully by the E5’s confident and steady drive.
Loki’s Verdict: A Peaceful Ride for Sensitive Dogs
Loki is both dog-reactive and selectively noise-sensitive. After lots of work, he's much better in the car than he used to be; however, he’s often unsettled on our typical drives by loud indicators, engine hums, and stopping and starting. Thankfully the JAECOO E5’s quiet indicators and smooth drive kept him relaxed and calm for the entire journey - a small change that really positively impacted the drive for us both. (I miss it already) The spacious rear seats gave him plenty of room to stretch out and sleep, and our current seat cover fit perfectly, making switching from car to car a breeze. It was easy to secure his harness safely to the seatbelt, and the rear boot would also fit a travel crate if your dog prefers to travel this way.
Pet Mode: Keeping Your Dog Cool and Comfortable
One standout and unique feature for us is Pet Mode. It maintains a safe, comfortable interior temperature when parked if you need to pop out briefly, making it ideal for moments like grabbing some marshmallows or a bundle of firewood for the evening. It also displays the temperature and a message to anyone who glances into the car. I do, of course, never encourage people to leave their dogs in the car for long unattended, but when you have an anxious or reactive dog, leaving them settled in the car is often far easier than dragging them to the shops briefly if you've forgotten something.
It’s thoughtful touches like this, combined with the pet-friendly fabrics, that make the JAECOO E5 such a great choice for dog parents who love to travel. It would also be perfect for camping if you're struggling to find shade for your dog to settle.
A Drive Made Easy with Smart Features
The JAECOO E5 comes packed with technology that makes every journey smoother and safer. Some of our favourite features included:
- Apple CarPlay – Seamlessly connect your phone for music, calls, and navigation. There's also wireless charging, so you can place your phone down and have it charge as you drive.
- Charging: The JAECOO E5 has vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging as standard on every model, so that you can charge your electric devices from the car's high voltage battery when you're out and about - perfect for off-grid moments if I've forgotten to charge the drone!
- Integrated satellite navigation: Complete with live traffic data and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, perfect for finding the fastest routes through rural backroads.
- Cruise control & intelligent speed assist: Maintain a comfortable pace on long stretches without worrying about fluctuating speed limits, something that's always a pain when we're doing long stints along the motorway. It also offers a small prompt when you go over the speed limit. Lane control assist, lane departure prevention, and lane departure warning are also nice bonuses.
- Parking sensors and 3D surround mapping: You can see your surroundings in real time on screen, making manoeuvres in tight spaces stress-free. Excellent for when you're parking in unfamiliar surroundings, which we often are.
Final Thoughts
The JAECOO E5 is a luxe and affordable SUV compared to others on the market, even with the luxury version (which includes a gorgeous sunroof that really opens the car up). It's filled with innovative tech and designed for people who love weekend escapes with canine co-pilots. Complete with smart safety systems and pet-friendly touches, if you’re looking for a stylish, intelligent, and dog-friendly SUV, the JAECOO E5 hits the spot!
Read more on the official page here