Chery Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV

Model Overview

The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV is a key plug-in hybrid model in Chery's Tiggo 7 lineup, marketed in its home market of China as the Tiggo 7 PLUS New Energy. As a compact plug-in hybrid SUV, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV measures 4,513 mm long, 1,862 mm wide, and 1,696 mm tall, with a 2,670 mm wheelbase. Its packaging provides impressive interior space utilisation within compact external dimensions, capably meeting the daily commuting and family hauling needs of urban motorists.

The model line made its global debut at the 2023 Geneva Motor Show, aimed primarily at export destinations and domestic high-end buyers. In China, the 2023 Tiggo 7 PLUS New Energy 1.5T PHEV Zhiyuan Edition carried a list price of around RM158,900; by 2026, amid the push for price parity between petrol and electric vehicles, the entry-level C-DM variant's starting price was lowered to RM119,900. Overseas, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV has likewise drawn strong interest—priced in Brazil at around 219,990 Brazilian Reais (approx. RM280,000), positioning it squarely against mainstream benchmarks like the BYD Song PLUS.

The Tiggo 7 series is currently sold in over 100 countries and regions worldwide, recording cumulative global sales of more than 1.63 million units and securing the crown as the top-exporting Chinese brand A-segment SUV for four consecutive years.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV builds upon the familiar design of the Tiggo 7 PLUS while integrating subtle tweaks to highlight its new energy credentials. Up front, a prominent polygonal radiator grille features a dot-matrix mesh pattern with sharp, well-defined contours, flanked by sleek headlamp clusters that hug the grille's edges for a commanding road presence. Differentiating it from pure petrol variants, the PHEV model incorporates blue diagonal accent strips on both the front and rear bumpers to signal its eco-friendly hybrid powertrain.

Along the sides, a floating-roof aesthetic pairs with a continuous character line, while sculpted wheel arches lend the SUV an athletic stance, finished with 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 R18 tyres. Around the back, the full-width LED light bar aligns with prevailing design trends, accompanied by dedicated PHEV badging on the tailgate.

Inside the cabin, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV features a 24.6-inch dual-screen setup (comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen), complemented by a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and an electronic gear selector. The interior is finished in a dual-tone blue-and-beige colour scheme with 64-colour ambient lighting and generous soft-touch materials, delivering a welcoming, tech-laden lounge feel.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV is powered by Chery's Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM system, pairing a 1.5T turbocharged petrol engine with dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors and a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The transversely mounted engine produces around 107–108 kW (approx. 144 hp) and 220 Nm of torque, while the dual electric motors deliver a combined output of approximately 170 kW (approx. 231 hp). Total system output stands at 240 kW (approx. 326 PS) and 545 Nm of torque, taking the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 7 seconds.

Energy is stored in a 19.27 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, delivering a pure electric driving range of 80 km under the WLTC cycle (and around 75 km under NEDC). With a full tank of petrol and a full charge, total cruising range exceeds 1,000 km, with WLTC combined fuel consumption rated as low as 1.76 L/100 km on a fully charged battery. In a charge-depleted state, fuel consumption is rated at around 5.95 L/100 km, with overall WLTC combined fuel economy at roughly 6.17 L/100 km. Under Brazil's PBEV standard, it returns an urban equivalent fuel economy of approximately 36.9 km/L (approx. 2.71 L/100 km), proving exceptionally frugal.

For charging, DC fast charging allows a top-up to 80% in roughly 0.42 hours (around 25 minutes), while a 7 kW AC wallbox takes approximately 4 hours for a full charge. Furthermore, a generous 60-litre fuel tank effectively eliminates range anxiety on long journeys. The drivetrain is configured in front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, with a top speed of 140 km/h.

Chassis and Handling

The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV employs a well-balanced chassis setup for its class: front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension. In the mainstream compact SUV segment, a multi-link rear suspension offers a fine balance between ride comfort and handling stability, filtering out road vibrations while maintaining body control through corners. The damping is primarily tuned for family comfort, although some road tests observe a slightly firm compression setup that can transmit harshness to rear passengers over continuous undulations.

The steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system with a light weighting, ideally suited for relaxed urban commuting. Stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Fitted with 225/60 R18 tyres, the setup delivers reassuring grip and versatile road adaptability.

The SUV is exclusively front-wheel drive (FWD), with no all-wheel drive (AWD) option offered. Drivers can toggle between multiple drive modes including Standard, Eco, and Sport to tailor throttle mapping and regenerative braking levels to their liking.

Cabin and Features

The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV runs on the Lion Intelligence in-car infotainment system displayed across the 24.6-inch dual screens, supporting smart voice control, online navigation, and an integrated app ecosystem. The infotainment unit natively supports Apple CarPlay and HUAWEI HiCar smartphone connectivity, accommodating both iOS and Android users. A wireless smartphone charging pad and multiple USB/Type-C ports across both rows are also provided.

In terms of cabin comfort, the seats are trimmed in leatherette, featuring an electrically adjustable driver's seat and a manual front passenger seat. Heated front seats are available on selected higher-spec variants, while the dual-zone automatic climate control system incorporates separate front/rear temperature control and a PM2.5 air filtration system. An openable panoramic sunroof enhances interior natural lighting and airiness. Boot capacity is rated at 475 litres, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded down, readily accommodating everyday domestic errands and long-distance luggage needs.

Higher-spec variants are equipped with a premium SONY sound system, delivering acoustic clarity and depth that rank near the top of its price bracket. Additional amenities include 64-colour ambient lighting and mobile app-enabled telematics remote control.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV boasts a comprehensive safety suite. Standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) encompass Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and a 360-degree surround-view camera, providing Level 2 (L2) semi-autonomous driving capability. Higher trims add Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Door Opening Warning (DOW), and Front/Rear Collision Warning, significantly bolstering active safety in crowded city traffic.

The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV performed remarkably well in ANCAP crash testing, scoring 88% for Adult Occupant Protection and 87% for Child Occupant Protection, while its lane support and vulnerable road user collision mitigation systems earned full marks from ANCAP. On the passive safety front, 6 airbags (comprising dual front, side, and curtain airbags) come standard across the range, with selected trims gaining an additional driver's knee airbag and a front centre airbag.

The vehicle is also equipped with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) , and Hill Descent Control (HDC) , further enhancing all-round driving stability.

Market Performance and Verdict

Domestically, sales of the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV (sold in China as the Tiggo 7 PLUS New Energy) have been relatively subdued, typically hovering in the hundreds of units monthly. Monthly registrations stood at 3,456 units in September 2025 before settling at 2,265 units in October, representing a 26.3% year-on-year contraction; total sales from January to October 2025 reached approximately 27,600 units. This trails behind segment heavyweights like the Qin PLUS DM-i, primarily because BYD's first-mover advantage with its DM-i hybrid tech has built formidable brand recall, whereas Chery's C-DM hybrid system is a newer entry still establishing market recognition. Additionally, some owners have pointed to scope for improvement in infotainment responsiveness and entry-trim equipment levels. That said, looking at overall engineering, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV maintains strong competitive merits courtesy of its composed chassis tuning, 5.95 L/100 km depleted-battery fuel efficiency, and the practical short-to-medium commute utility provided by its 19.27 kWh battery pack.

The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV plays an even more significant role in Chery's 'global strategic model' playbook. Across export destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, it serves as a direct technical benchmark against established tier-one competitors, spearheading the brand's push to build a premium reputation for Chinese PHEVs overseas. Furthermore, first-hand non-commercial owners benefit from a lifetime vehicle warranty policy, offering considerable peace of mind and substantially lowering long-term ownership concerns.

In summary, as an important vehicle for trickling Chery's C-DM hybrid tech down to broader segments, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV delivers a compelling package in the RM100,000–RM150,000 PHEV SUV segment with its 1.5T + dual-motor + 3-speed DHT powertrain, 80 km pure EV range, 5.95 L/100 km charge-depleted fuel economy, and L2 ADAS suite. In engineering terms, it punches toe-to-toe with mainstream rivals; as brand equity matures and its value proposition becomes clearer, it stands in good stead to win over pragmatists and family car buyers alike. Its key rivals include mainstream PHEV SUVs such as the BYD Song Pro DM-i and the Haval Fierce Dragon.