Omoda 9 SHS PHEV
By Bill McCarthy
The arrival of Chinese brands continues so rapidly that a brand like Omoda already feels established, despite launching only in the summer of 2024. Now, its new flagship, the all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid Omoda 9, is challenging the premium market.
It arrives as a single, comprehensively equipped model, with all its hi-tech bells and whistles and premium features as standard.
A high end alternative
Clearly a high-end offering, it boasts sharp design, is packed with technology, and is powered by what’s described as a Super Hybrid System (SHS). It delivers blistering pace and a claimed mammoth range of over 700 miles.
Priced from £44,990, it comes with a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.
Developed by parent company Chery International, this plug-in hybrid has a claimed electric-only range of 93 miles – impressive for covering most commutes with zero tailpipe emissions, meaning exemption from congestion charges and lower benefit-in-kind taxation.
Design and styling
It looks good, with what the brand describes as an ‘Art in Motion’ design philosophy, featuring a sleek SUV silhouette and attractive matte finish paintwork.
It features a large signature grille, striking LED light signatures, and pop-out door handles. There are full-width light bars at both ends and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
Classy hi-tech nterior
The high-tech interior is dominated by a single, curved 25-inch display that acts as a dual control screen –one for infotainment and connectivity, the other for real-time driver information. The main screen features a 14-speaker Sony sound system, smartphone connectivity, and navigation.
While the graphics are top-notch, the menu system isn’t entirely intuitive, though the three rotary controls for climate and drive selection are easy to use.
The cabin features soft-touch materials, leather-trimmed seats, and brushed metal accents. Both the front and outer rear seats are fully electrically adjustable, with heating and ventilation.
The space is light and spacious, aided by a huge electric panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and USB ports for all passengers.
Performance and handling
Power comes from a 1.5-litre, 157 PS petrol engine mated with two electric motors (one on each axle), producing a combined 499 PS and a huge 700 Nm of torque. The driver can select from six settings: Normal, ECO, Sport, Snow, Mud, and Off-Road.
On the road, it hits 60 mph in under five seconds. While very rapid, it’s designed more for comfort, excelling as a motorway cruiser. There’s definitely body roll in corners, but the suspension smooths out most bumps. The hybrid engine is refined and excellent soundproofing keeps wind and road noise to a minimum.
Practicality and Safety
As an SUV, it’s practical, with 600 litres of stowage space, expanding to 1,783 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded. There is also a deep central console and generous door bins.
Safety is comprehensive, featuring Safety is top-tier, contributing to a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit includes:
- Driver Fatigue Alerts
- Parking Assist with a 360-degree camera
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian/cyclist detection
- Lane Support System
- Eight airbags
- Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Verdict
The Omoda 9 represents an attractive package with its blistering performance, premium tech-filled cabin, and impressive electric-only range. While its infotainment system requires some familiarisation and its ride prioritises comfort over sporty handling, it presents itself as a quality all-rounder in the competitive premium SUV segment.
The true test for the Omoda 9 will be how it stands up to long-term ownership. But for buyers seeking a well-equipped, technologically advanced plug-in hybrid SUV with exceptional performance comprehensive warranty protection, the Omoda 9 deserves serious consideration.
Factfile
- OMODA 9 PHEV
- Price: £44,990
- Mechanical: Combined 499 PS via a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and twin electric motors driving all wheels via an automatic transmission
- Max Speed: 124 mph
- 0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds
- Economy: 43.6 miles WLTP (201 miles full state of charge)
- Insurance Group: TBC
- CO2 emissions: 38g/km
- BiK rating: 6%
- Warranty: Seven years/unlimited miles
On the road 