Chery Tiggo 8 PRO New Energy

The 2026 Chery Tiggo 8 PRO New Energy is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of Chery's mid-size SUV, the Tiggo 8 PRO. Officially launched on 22 March 2023, the model serves as a cornerstone in the Tiggo lineup's drive towards electrification. Unlike its pure-petrol siblings sold alongside it, the Tiggo 8 PRO New Energy caters specifically to buyers seeking both strong performance and low running costs. As of June 2026, the lineup primarily comprises the 2024 Champion Edition, with official pricing ranging between RM159,900 and RM179,900. The core highlight of the vehicle is its potent Kunpeng DHT hybrid powertrain, available in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations to balance punchy performance with family-friendly practicality.

Model Overview

Positioned as a D-segment mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV, the Tiggo 8 PRO New Energy represents a flagship electrified offering under Chery's "Hero Product" strategy. The range consists of 3 variants, priced from RM159,900 to RM179,900. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,745 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,747 mm (1,745 mm) tall, with a 2,710 mm wheelbase, offering a choice of a 5-seater or a "2+3+2" 7-seater layout. Boot capacity stands at 889 litres in 5-seater mode, expanding to a cavernous 1,930 litres with the rear rows folded down, supported by up to 34 storage compartments throughout the cabin. The model targets the RM150,000-bracket family PHEV segment with its blend of long overall range, low fuel consumption, and generous cabin space.

Design Language

While retaining the familiar silhouette of the standard petrol model, the Tiggo 8 PRO New Energy incorporates bespoke styling cues exclusive to the electrified range. Up front, it features Chery's signature "Space Matrix" design language, highlighted by an imposing blacked-out geometric matrix grille that delivers an assertive road presence. Blue accents are subtly integrated into the lower bumper trim and headlamp clusters to denote its PHEV identity. Down the flanks, the profile is defined by clean, dynamic body lines, paired with gloss-black wing mirror caps and front fender garnish. At the rear, full-width LED tail lights take centre stage, complemented by a distinctive "DP-i" badge on the tailgate and twin dual-exit chrome exhaust garnishes, while the functional exhaust system is neatly concealed beneath the underbody.

Inside, the cabin is swathed in a dual-tone blue and beige colour scheme, dubbed the "New Energy Blue Sky Kit". The dashboard is dominated by an expansive 24.6-inch integrated curved dual-screen display, housing a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. High-touch areas are generously trimmed in soft-touch leatherette, contrasted with piano black accents and metallic trim inserts. Blue detailing on the steering wheel and electronic shift-by-wire gear lever further accentuates its electrified character.

Powertrain and Performance

The powertrain is the crowning achievement of the Tiggo 8 PRO New Energy. The entire lineup is driven by a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with front-mounted dual electric motors. The internal combustion engine produces 115 kW (around 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, bringing total system output to a formidable 240 kW (around 326 PS) and 545 Nm of peak torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via Chery's in-house 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The SUV completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds, with mid-range 30-70 km/h overtakes taking just 3 seconds. An onboard 19.27 kWh ternary lithium battery pack delivers an all-electric range of up to 80 km under the WLTC test cycle. Battery-depleted fuel consumption is rated at a frugal 5.9 L/100 km (WLTC), which, alongside a large 60-litre fuel tank, yields a total combined cruising range exceeding 1,000 km. Charging is supported by a 29 kW DC fast charger, taking 25 minutes from 30% to 80% SoC, alongside a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse-charging function.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the chassis employs a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, engineered to strike a well-judged balance between ride comfort and body control. The suspension is tuned primarily for ride compliance, effectively soaking up road imperfections while remaining composed with minimal body roll during high-speed lane changes and cornering. The electric power steering (EPS) setup delivers precise directional response and reassuring straight-line stability at highway speeds. Drivers can toggle between three standard drive modes—ECO, Comfort, and Sport—while selected variants also offer 6 terrain modes, including Snow, Mud, and Off-Road. On the road, ECO mode ensures silky-smooth take-offs, whereas Sport mode sharpens throttle response for brisk, effortless acceleration.

Cabin and Equipment

In-car infotainment is powered by the Lion 5.0 AI smart cockpit system, driven by a 7nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive-grade chipset. Feature highlights include the "Xiao Qi" AI voice assistant, FOTA over-the-air firmware updates, telematics, Apple CarPlay, and Huawei HiCar integration. On higher-grade variants, creature comforts extend to a "Queen Co-Driver" seat (with heating, ventilation, and pneumatic massage functions), a W-HUD head-up display, multi-colour rhythmic ambient lighting, a CN95 cabin air filter, and the RICSCS remote active cabin air purification system. Audiophiles can enjoy a premium SONY sound system, available in 8-speaker or 10-speaker setups depending on the trim. Dual-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear air vents comes standard, with mid-to-high-spec models gaining a rear-seat digital climate control panel and active noise cancellation (ANC).

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS)

Safety is engineered around C-NCAP five-star crash performance, utilising a high-strength steel cage body structure with ultra-high-strength thermoformed steel reinforcing critical load paths like the A/B pillars and side-impact door beams. Passive safety includes standard front, side, and full-length curtain airbags across all variants, with top trims adding a driver's knee airbag. For active safety, a full Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is fitted as standard across the range. The sensing suite comprises 1 monocular camera, 4 surround-view cameras, 3 millimetre-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic parking sensors. Key ADAS features include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Intelligent High-Beam Control (IHC). Furthermore, a 540° HD panoramic view monitor (incorporating a "transparent chassis" function) is standard, providing clear visibility of the terrain beneath the car and eliminating blind spots.

Market Performance and Verdict

Since its debut, the Tiggo 8 PRO New Energy has gone toe-to-toe with established PHEV heavyweights such as the BYD Song Pro DM-i / Song PLUS DM-i, Geely Xingyue L Hi·P, Haval H6 DHT-PHEV, and Changan CS75 PLUS iDD. On the sales front, the Tiggo 8 PRO PHEV has yet to match the volumes of its pure-ICE counterpart. Market analysts point to several contributing factors: rivals possessing broader brand equity and larger dealer networks; internal cannibalisation across the sprawling Tiggo 8 lineup (ICE vs PHEV, PRO vs PLUS); and less distinct visual and tech differentiation relative to class benchmarks. Nonetheless, on pure engineering merit, the Tiggo 8 PRO New Energy remains a formidable contender—delivering a 7.2-second century sprint, 5.9 L/100 km depleted fuel economy, over 1,000 km of total range, and the smooth refinement of its 3-speed DHT gearbox, all of which place it at the upper end of its segment. As a brand-building pioneer spearheading the Tiggo family's electrification push, its strategic role outweighs raw volume metrics. As of June 2026, the model continues primarily in its 2024 Champion Edition guise, retaining the solid mechanical foundation and core equipment introduced at launch.