Chery Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM

Model Overview

The Chery Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV under Chery Automobile, serving as the new energy branch of the Tiggo 8 PLUS family. On 10 September 2024, the all-new Tiggo 8 PLUS dual ICE and hybrid range was launched globally in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, with the C-DM plug-in hybrid variant introduced alongside. The 2025 Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM is available in 3 trim levels (Comfort, Luxury, and Premium) with a choice of 5-seater and 7-seater layouts, priced between RM129,900 and RM155,900. As a core electrified model in the Tiggo 8 stable, it is powered by Chery's Kunpeng Super Hybrid technology, competing directly against segment plug-in hybrid rivals such as the BYD Song PLUS DM-i.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM remains largely faithful to its petrol-powered sibling, built on Chery's "Art in motion" design philosophy that embraces dynamic, feline-inspired aesthetics. Up front, it sports a broad tooth-blade matrix grille with dense chrome pin detailing, flanked by Lingxi LED daytime running lights and split LED headlamp assemblies for an assertive, athletic stance. The side profile features crisp, sculpted character lines with a continuous shoulder line running from the front fenders to the rear lights. Over at the rear, it gets full-width LED taillights that deliver high visual recognition after dark. The C-DM version adds a dedicated charging flap on the rear passenger side and unique "C-DM" rear badging to signify its PHEV powertrain. Dimensions measure 4,715 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,747 mm in height, with a 2,710 mm wheelbase. Several exterior colour options are offered, paired with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard (with 19-inch sports wheels available on selected variants).

Inside, the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM features a Cloud-Rest wraparound cockpit layout, boasting an impressive 78.9% soft-touch material coverage across all primary touchpoints. The cabin is available in two colourways: Brown and Black. The dashboard is anchored by a 12.3-inch floating digital instrument cluster alongside a 15.6-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen. An electronic steering column gear shifter is adopted, freeing up valuable storage space across the centre console.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM is driven by Chery's Kunpeng Super Hybrid system, pairing a fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI dedicated hybrid engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The engine churns out 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 220 Nm of torque, achieving a thermal efficiency of 44.5%. The electric motor delivers 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 310 Nm of torque. Combined, the hybrid powertrain produces a total system output of 265 kW (approx. 360 PS) and 530 Nm. Power is delivered via a 1-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is clocked at 7.0 seconds, with a top speed of 175 km/h.

For electric driving range, the vehicle is equipped with an 18.66 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack sourced from CALB. It yields a CLTC pure electric range of 116 km (90 km under WLTC). Under the WLTC cycle, combined fuel consumption is rated at just 1.3 L/100 km. DC fast charging takes the battery from 30% to 80% in only 19 minutes. With a full tank of petrol and a fully charged battery, total driving range exceeds 1,200 km. The vehicle runs on RON 92 petrol and has a 60-litre fuel tank capacity.

Chassis and Handling

On the chassis side, the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension system. The suspension tuning is clearly calibrated for family-oriented comfort, soaking up road imperfections with ease and handling speed bumps in a supple, composed fashion. It is configured with front-wheel drive (FWD). Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system. Braking duties are managed by ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB). Tyre specifications are 235/55 R18. Kerb weight is rated at 1,879 kg for the 5-seater (1,907 kg for the 7-seater), with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 2,275 kg (2,451 kg for the 7-seater).

Cabin and Equipment

For in-car connectivity, the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM features a 15.6-inch 2.5K floating central touchscreen powered by an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. The infotainment operates on the Lion OS 4.0 (HMI 4.0) interface, offering customisable themes and seamless menu transitions. Smartphone integration supports Apple CarPlay and Huawei HiCar. Higher-spec variants gain a windscreen head-up display (W-HUD).

Comfort-wise, synthetic leather upholstery comes standard across the range. Top-tier variants add a zero-gravity Queen co-driver seat, complete with 10-point massage, electric leg rest support, and 5 selectable massage modes. Audio is delivered via a 12-speaker Sony surround sound system, including headrest speakers. Practicality is well catered for with 32 storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin. Boot capacity is rated at 889 litres, expanding to 1,930 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. Other amenities include Chery's C-PURE green clean cabin system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 64-colour ambient lighting.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of safety, the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM adopts Chery's Rock Body construction, with aluminium alloy crash beam coverage increased to 84% for superior structural integrity and impact absorption. Passive safety is elevated by a class-leading 10 airbags, including rear side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and a segment-exclusive front-row far-side centre airbag. The model is engineered to meet Euro NCAP 5-star safety standards.

Active safety and driver assistance come courtesy of a Level 2.5 ADAS suite integrating 18 smart driving functions. These include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC, operational up to 150 km/h), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Driver Fatigue Monitoring. It also comes equipped with a 540-degree HD panoramic camera system featuring a transparent chassis view, alongside automated parking assist.

Market Performance and Verdict

The introduction of the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM completes the Tiggo 8 PLUS model family, complementing the pure petrol variants (1.6T/2.0T) with a diversified powertrain lineup. Attractive purchasing perks include trade-in rebates of up to RM10,000, a lifetime warranty on the electric drive system (battery, motor, and electronic control units) valued at RM6,000 for the first individual owner, and a complimentary home wallbox charger with installation worth RM3,000. In August 2025, monthly sales of the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM reached 138 units. Market reviews highlight several strong selling points in the RM120,000 to RM150,000 PHEV SUV bracket: its 90 km pure EV range comfortably covers daily zero-emission commutes; the 2,710 mm wheelbase with versatile 5- or 7-seat options provides rare 7-seater practicality in this price segment; and the frugal 1.3 L/100 km fuel consumption coupled with a total range exceeding 1,200 km significantly lowers long-term running costs. The main compromise lies in the third row of the 7-seater, which is better suited for short hops or occasional use rather than long-distance trips with adults. On the whole, with its Kunpeng Super Hybrid powertrain, 116 km pure EV range, Level 2.5 ADAS suite, and 10 airbags, the Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM delivers a strong and compelling value proposition in the sub-RM130,000 PHEV SUV space.