Chery Tiggo 9 C-DM

Model Overview

The Chery Tiggo 9 C-DM is a plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV under Chery Auto, representing the new energy vehicle (NEV) arm of the Tiggo 9 range. On 25 September 2024, the 2025 Tiggo 9 alongside the Tiggo 9 C-DM made their official debut at the Xi'an "Dual Petrol & Electric" Global Launch Event. The Tiggo 9 C-DM is offered in 3 variant trims, with official retail prices ranging from RM165,900 to RM185,900. As the flagship PHEV SUV of the Tiggo family, the model is powered by Chery's Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM system, positioned as "China's ultra-comfortable flagship SUV", with primary rivals including the BYD Tang DM-i and other mid-size plug-in hybrid SUVs in the segment.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the Tiggo 9 C-DM carries over the overall design silhouette of its petrol sibling. The front fascia adopts a "tiger-poised" bionic aesthetic, headlined by a large vertical-slat waterfall grille flanked by triangular headlamp clusters with adaptive high and low beam assist, delivering a commanding and authoritative road presence. Along the sides, clean horizontal lines are paired with flush pop-out door handles, while the rear features full-width LED tail lamps complemented by a broad silver garnish that visually broadens the vehicle's stance. Dimensions-wise, it measures 4,820 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,712 mm in height, with a 2,820 mm wheelbase. Exterior paint options include Pearl White, Graphite Black, Flowing Silver, Moonlit Cloud White, and Cangshan Green. Inside, the cabin adopts a wraparound wide-body floating cockpit layout, available in Elegant Ink Black and Twilight Purple colour schemes, accented by wood-grain trim, an ultra-soft suede headliner, and premium soft-touch padding to deliver an upscale, luxurious ambience.

Powertrain and Performance

The Tiggo 9 C-DM is powered by the Chery Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM powertrain, comprising a 5th-generation ACTECO 1.5 TGDI dedicated hybrid engine and a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The petrol engine produces a maximum output of 115 kW (approx. 156 PS/hp) and 220 Nm of torque, adopting Miller cycle technology and a VGT turbocharger to achieve a thermal efficiency of 44.5%. The electric motor outputs 165 kW (approx. 224 PS/hp) and 390 Nm of torque, delivering a combined system output of 280 kW (approx. 381 PS/hp) and 610 Nm of torque. Power is sent through a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) utilizing a P2+P2.5 dual-motor setup. The official 0-100 km/h century sprint is completed in 8.8 seconds. For energy storage, two battery options are available: an 18.67 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack offering a CLTC pure electric range of 106 km, and a 34.46 kWh ternary lithium pack offering a CLTC pure electric range of 210 km. Its total WLTC cruising range exceeds 1,400 km. Under battery-depleted conditions, the WLTC fuel consumption is rated as low as 5.65 L/100 km, with real-world tested fuel economy dipping into the 4 L/100 km territory. With DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% state of charge takes 25 minutes (106 km variant) and 18 minutes (210 km variant) respectively. The vehicle also supports a 6.6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function.

Chassis and Handling

On the chassis front, the Tiggo 9 C-DM features front MacPherson struts (with anti-roll bar) and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup (with anti-roll bar). High-spec variants are equipped with a CDC "magnetic levitation" active damping suspension system, which utilizes 5 vehicle status sensors, 4 electromagnetic dampers, and an ECU to scan the road in real time and adjust damping rates within milliseconds. This setup swiftly settles body roll and absorbs road vibrations over rough surfaces, while providing solid cornering support to balance plush ride comfort with driving stability. The SUV employs a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration paired with Electric Power Steering (EPS). The suspension offers three selectable driving modes: Standard, Comfort, and Sport.

Cabin and Features

The high-tech cockpit of the Tiggo 9 C-DM comes equipped with a dual-screen display combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment unit. Top-tier variants offer an optional 24.6-inch curved screen and a 50-inch AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display). The infotainment system is driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive-grade processor, supporting intelligent voice control, 4G in-car connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot, online navigation, mobile app remote control, Apple CarPlay, Huawei HiCar smartphone integration, and full-vehicle FOTA firmware updates. Gear shifting is operated via a column-mounted electronic shift stalk. The centre console features a 50W wireless smartphone charging pad. Sound is handled by a premium SONY audio system with 8 to 14 speakers depending on the trim. The vehicle comes standard with a 5-seater layout, with an optional 7-seater (2+3+2 configuration, priced at RM4,000). Seats are finished in synthetic leather, with power-adjustable front seats and heated front and second-row seats standard across all variants; higher trims add front seat ventilation and massage functions, driver's seat memory, and a zero-gravity Queen front passenger seat. Boot capacity starts at 717 litres, expanding to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The vehicle is also fitted with a 540° surround air-conditioning system, C-PURE clean air cabin, and an intelligent fragrance system.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of safety, the Tiggo 9 C-DM is underpinned by Chery's Mars Architecture - Super Hybrid platform. The body shell utilizes an energy-absorbing space-capsule concept and a 10-ring structural design, with high-strength steel making up 85% of the architecture and 1,500 MPa hot-stamped steel incorporated into key crash structures. Passive safety includes up to 10 airbags on top-spec variants. Battery safety is managed by the Guardian Battery Safety System, featuring global standard cells, 5-layer structural protection, IP68 water resistance (48 times the national standard), and Non-Propagation (NP) technology that enables a 2-millisecond high-voltage cutoff following an impact. For active safety, a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is standard across the range, with high-spec trims upgraded to Level 2.5 to Level 2.9 ADAS packing up to 21 driver assist functions. Highlights include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Centring, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Door Open Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking. A 360° panoramic camera system and a 180° transparent chassis view are also standard.

Market Performance and Reception

The launch of the Tiggo 9 C-DM completes Chery's dual ICE and PHEV powertrain strategy for the Tiggo 9 lineup, strengthening its presence in the mid-size SUV market. The 2025 model delivers substantial upgrades in equipment and aesthetics while maintaining a sharper, more competitive price point. In terms of sales, cumulative deliveries in 2025 reached 4,609 units, with monthly sales in March 2026 recording 1,684 units. Various promotional packages and purchase entitlements were made available during its launch window. Overall, underpinned by the Kunpeng Super Hybrid system (280 kW / 610 Nm), 106–210 km EV range, over 1,400 km total range, CDC active damping suspension, an 85% high-strength steel body, and Level 2.9 ADAS, the Tiggo 9 C-DM establishes solid market competitiveness in the RM160,000 to RM180,000 plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV segment.