CHANGAN CS55 PLUS PHEV

Model Overview

The CHANGAN CS55 PLUS PHEV is a plug-in hybrid compact SUV under CHANGAN Auto's CS55 PLUS lineup. The SUV officially made its market debut on 20 March 2025 under the moniker "3rd-generation CS55PLUS PHEV". In November 2025, a major facelift for the 2026 model year (Smart New Blue Whale 125km Zhiyue Edition) was subsequently rolled out. A total of 2 variants are on offer, with the 2025 model carrying official guide prices between RM104,900 and RM109,900, which dropped to an entry point of RM79,900 after factoring in buyer incentives and subsidies; the 2026 model is priced at an official guide price of RM112,900. Serving as a key new energy offering after the CS55 series surpassed the 1-million-unit cumulative sales milestone, the SUV is powered by CHANGAN's "Smart New Blue Whale 3.0" plug-in hybrid system, directly taking on segment rivals like the BYD Song Pro DM-i and Geely Galaxy Starship 7.

Design Language

The CHANGAN CS55 PLUS PHEV adopts the brand's signature "Boundless Horizon" design language. Up front, it sports a borderless radiator grille with an eye-catching dot-matrix insert; the headlamp clusters receive a smoked finish and integrate three-segment LED daytime running lights. The bonnet is sculpted with distinct character lines, while vertical air ducts flank both sides of the lower bumper. In profile, the vehicle displays sleek lines complemented by roof rails, a shark fin antenna, and a segmented waistline for added depth; it rides on striking 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. At the rear, full-width smoked taillight clusters echo the front-end styling cues. In terms of dimensions, the 2025 model measures 4,539 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,656 mm; the 2026 model has been revised to 4,550 mm in length, 1,868 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, maintaining the same 2,656 mm wheelbase.

Inside, the 2025 model features a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, a floating full digital instrument cluster, a floating central touchscreen, and a steering column-mounted electronic gear selector; the 2026 model upgrades to a fresh wraparound cockpit layout, replacing the separate screens with a floating dual-screen setup. The dashboard boasts a layered finish combining soft-touch slush moulding, brushed metallic trim, and high-gloss piano black accents.

Powertrain & Performance

The CHANGAN CS55 PLUS PHEV is driven by the "Smart New Blue Whale 3.0" plug-in hybrid powertrain. The setup pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor. The engine produces a maximum output of 72 kW (98 PS) and 125 Nm of peak torque, achieving a thermal efficiency of 43.31%. The electric drive motor puts out 158 kW (215 PS) and 330 Nm of torque. Total system output reaches 230 kW, delivered via an E-CVT (electronic continuously variable transmission). The drivetrain is front-wheel drive (FWD). The official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h.

In terms of range and efficiency, the SUV is fitted with an 18.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack supplied by CATL, featuring "Golden Shield" battery technology. It yields a CLTC pure electric range of 125 km; on the WLTC cycle, pure EV range is rated at 95 km for the 2025 model and 100 km for the 2026 model. Overall CLTC combined range spans from 1,215 to 1,220 km. WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated as low as 1.31 L/100 km. For rapid replenishment, 1.6C DC fast charging comes standard across the range, taking just 19 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%; AC slow charging takes 6 hours for the 2025 model and is reduced to 3 hours for the 2026 model. The vehicle also supports 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power output.

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the CHANGAN CS55 PLUS PHEV rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Braking duties are handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It is fitted with 225/55 R19 tyres. Kerb weight is rated at 1,655 kg. Drivers can select from various drive modes, including Sport, Eco, Custom, and Standard/Comfort. Media reviews note that the chassis settles minor-to-moderate road imperfections with composure and refinement, with NVH suppression performing above the segment average.

Cabin & Equipment

On the smart cockpit front, the 2025 model comes with a floating full digital instrument cluster and a floating central touchscreen; the 2026 model is upgraded to a larger 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen. The infotainment system features the built-in "Spark AI Large Model", capable of self-learning and adapting to driver habits; it supports HUAWEI HiCar and Carlink smartphone integration. A steering column-mounted electronic gear selector and a wireless smartphone charging pad are standard across the board. Comfort and convenience highlights standard across all variants include a panoramic sunroof, hands-free powered tailgate, keyless entry with push-start button, automatic climate control, and rear air-conditioning vents; the front seats feature power adjustment, ventilation, and heating; the 2026 model further adds front passenger leg rest and massage functions, 50W fast wireless charging, 256-colour ambient lighting, and an 8-speaker sound system (upgraded from 6 speakers on the 2025 model). Boot capacity starts at 475 litres and expands up to 1,415 litres.

Safety & Intelligent Driving

Safety-wise, the CHANGAN CS55 PLUS PHEV comes standard with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) display and a 540° panoramic camera system with a transparent chassis view. The battery integrates "Golden Shield" technology, incorporating advanced thermal insulation materials and micro-core high-frequency pulse heating to optimise battery pre-heating in cold conditions.

For advanced driver assistance, the vehicle is equipped with a standard Level 2 (L2) ADAS suite. The 2025 model packs 13 assistive functions, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). The 2026 model is upgraded to the "Tianshu Vision-based Driver Assistance" system, adding Lane Change Assist (LCA), driver-initiated stalk-activated lane change assist, traffic-following active speed regulation, Lane Centring Control (LCC), intelligent avoidance assist, speed limit assist, remote parking assist, and reversing tracking assist, backed by 5 HD surround cameras. Additionally, it comes equipped with a parking memory assistant and an all-weather Sentry Mode.

Market Performance & Verdict

The CHANGAN CS55 PLUS PHEV made its foray into the compact PHEV SUV market with an official guide price starting from RM104,900 (starting from RM79,900 after subsidies). Media critiques point out that, backed by its Smart New Blue Whale 3.0 hybrid powertrain, 125 km pure electric range, Level 2 ADAS, and Golden Shield battery, the SUV presents strong value for money among RM100,000-class hybrid SUVs. However, commercial uptake has been relatively subdued—recording sales of 168 units in May 2026, with cumulative sales over the preceding 12 months hovering around 3,596 units. Some owners have reported a depleted-battery fuel consumption of around 4.26 L/100 km. CHANGAN Auto offers buyers several promotional incentives, including booking deposit multipliers, low-interest financing, and extended warranty packages. As a crucial step in the CS55 series' transition from conventional ICE to new energy, the CS55 PLUS PHEV leverages its flexible dual-mode drive concept—capable of operating as both a plug-in hybrid and a range extender—aiming to set a new benchmark as a versatile, long-range family SUV in its segment.