Chery Tiggo 7 C-DM

Model Overview

The Chery Tiggo 7 C-DM is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) compact SUV under Chery Automobile, representing the new energy branch of the Tiggo 7 line-up. Officially launched on 1 November 2024, the model is offered in three variants — "Chi", "Jin", and "Yu" — with official retail prices ranging from RM119,900 to RM142,900. An introductory trade-in promotion lowered the entry price to between RM89,900 and RM112,900. Developed based on the Chery Tansuo 06, the Tiggo 7 C-DM is positioned as a high-value, long-range new energy family SUV, going head-to-head with segment rivals like the BYD Song Pro DM-i and Geely Galaxy L7.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the Tiggo 7 C-DM draws inspiration from the Range Rover Evoque, sporting an inverted trapezoidal blacked-out mesh radiator grille. Unlike other Chery models, the vehicle features "CHERY" script across the leading edge of the bonnet rather than on the front grille. Up front, it gets a split-headlamp setup, with daytime running lights (DRLs) continuing the rectangular digital matrix motif from the Tansuo 06, complemented by full-LED high and low beams.

Along the sides, the SUV features a floating roofline and a sleek fastback silhouette, complete with flush pop-out door handles and a distinct character line running from the front fender all the way to the tail lamps. The rear is highlighted by full-width digital matrix tail lamps, paired with a subtle roof spoiler and a high-mounted third brake light, with a clean bumper featuring concealed exhaust outlets. Dimension-wise, it measures 4,545 mm in length, 1,898 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a 2,672 mm wheelbase. Four exterior paint colours are offered: Rock Grey, Pearl White, Graphite Black, and Glacier Silver.

Inside, the Tiggo 7 C-DM features a symmetrical, wrap-around cockpit layout. The dashboard is generously trimmed in soft-touch materials with contrast stitching and woodgrain accents. For gear selection, it adopts a steering column-mounted electronic stalk shifter.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the skin, the Tiggo 7 C-DM is powered by the Chery Kunpeng C-DM super hybrid powertrain. The setup combines a fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI high-efficiency dedicated hybrid engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The petrol mill produces 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 220 Nm of torque with an exceptional 44.5% thermal efficiency, while the electric motor churns out 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 310 Nm. Together, the system delivers a combined output of 265 kW (approx. 360 PS) and 530 Nm of torque, mated to a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

Providing juice is an 18.66 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack supplied by CALB, yielding a CLTC-rated pure electric range of 120 km (93 km on the WLTC cycle). The combined WLTC cruising range exceeds 1,300 km. WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.27 L/100 km, with fuel consumption in charge-depleting state standing at just 4.9 L/100 km. On the charging front, it supports 45 kW DC fast charging, taking around 19 minutes to juice up from 30% to 80%; 6.6 kW AC charging takes 3 hours for a full charge. A 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) external power supply function is standard across the range. Top speed is rated at 180 km/h, with the 0–100 km/h century sprint dispatched in the 7-second bracket. The vehicle runs on RON 92 petrol and is fitted with a 60-litre fuel tank.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinnings consist of a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB). It rides on 235/50 R19 tyres. The kerb weight stands at 1,775 kg, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 2,192 kg and a maximum water-wading depth of 500 mm.

Cabin and Equipment

On the tech front, the Tiggo 7 C-DM's smart cockpit features a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented central infotainment touchscreen. The system is driven by an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset running Chery's Lion intelligent operating system, complete with smartphone mirroring support. Drivers get a three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the seats are upholstered in synthetic leather, with power adjustment for both front seats on higher-spec trims. Audio is piped through a 6-speaker sound system. Other comfort amenities include multi-colour ambient lighting, automatic climate control, and a power sunblind. The boot offers a standard cargo volume of 490 litres, expandable to 1,388 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Tiggo 7 C-DM is built around a high-strength cage body structure. Passive safety equipment includes dual front airbags and front side airbags standard across the range. Active safety features comprise Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

In terms of advanced driver assistance, the Tiggo 7 C-DM is equipped with an L2+ ADAS suite incorporating 20 smart driver-assist functions, such as full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Intelligent Emergency Steering (IES). A 540-degree HD panoramic camera with transparent chassis view is also included.

Market Performance and Reception

The Tiggo 7 C-DM is a core pillar in Chery's "triple-threat" product strategy for the Tiggo 7 family, having debuted alongside the Tiggo 7 PLUS and Tiggo 7 High-Energy Edition. As of November 2024, cumulative global sales of the Tiggo 7 nameplate have surpassed the one-million-unit milestone. In media reviews, the Tiggo 7 C-DM has earned praise for its well-sorted chassis dynamics, generous cabin space, and impressively low charge-depleting fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km. Promotional perks during its launch included a RM1,000 booking fee to offset RM7,000 of the purchase price, trade-in rebates of up to RM8,000, lifetime free basic telematics data, and a lifetime warranty covering both the vehicle and its core EV components (battery, motor, and electronic control). Overall, thanks to its Kunpeng C-DM super hybrid system, 120 km pure electric range, 1,300+ km combined range, and L2+ ADAS capabilities, the Tiggo 7 C-DM stands as a formidable contender in the RM100,000 to RM150,000 PHEV SUV segment.