GAC Trumpchi ES9

Model Overview

The GAC Trumpchi ES9 is an E-segment plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV positioned as a "full-size new energy touring SUV", officially launched in October 2023. Serving as a crucial strategic spearhead in Trumpchi's brand electrification transition, the ES9 is powered by GAC's in-house developed 2.0T plug-in hybrid system. Championing "anxiety-free extended touring range" alongside "flagship-grade cabin space", the SUV is tailored primarily for quality-conscious family buyers seeking a versatile daily urban commuter and capable long-distance holiday tourer.

In July 2024, the line-up was expanded with two new variants, PRO+ and MAX+, priced at RM229,800 and RM249,800 respectively. The current 2024 model year range is officially priced between RM229,800 and RM269,800, with showroom discounts across retail dealerships averaging around RM20,000. In the competitive RM250,000-class PHEV SUV segment, key rivals include the BYD Tang DM-i, AITO M7, and Li Auto L7.

Design Language

The Trumpchi ES9 is available in two distinct styling guises: "Dragon Scale Wing" and "Traveller", offering distinct front fascia designs to cater to different aesthetic tastes. The Dragon Scale Wing edition sports an imposing dot-matrix front grille accented with chrome scale inserts for maximum road presence, while the Traveller edition adopts a rugged horizontal chrome slat layout geared towards outdoor enthusiasts. Up front, the headlamp clusters carry over the "Eye of the Conqueror" motif from the GS8, housing multi-lens LED units that deliver high visual recognisability. A lower satin-silver front skid plate further accentuates its muscular SUV credentials.

In profile, the ES9 exhibits a boxy, squared-off silhouette with blacked-out B-, C-, and D-pillars creating a sleek floating-roof effect. Flush roof rails come standard alongside 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/50 R20 tyres, lending the vehicle an assertive stance. At the rear, the Traveller edition features a tailgate-mounted external "gear box" storage compartment, highlighting its rugged lifestyle persona. Vertically stacked LED tail lamps provide an eye-catching lighting signature at night.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the Dragon Scale Wing edition measures 5,015 mm long, 1,950 mm wide, and 1,780 mm tall, whereas the Traveller variant stretches to 5,110 mm in length and 1,976 mm in width due to its dedicated body kit. Both variants share an identical 2,920 mm wheelbase with an unladen ground clearance of 171 mm. These generous proportions give the ES9 a notable footprint advantage in its class, unlocking substantial cabin space. Available exterior paint finishes include Elegant Black, Moonlight Grey, and Blade Shadow White.

Inside, the cabin features a wraparound cockpit layout available in two colour schemes: Brown and Black. The dashboard is anchored by a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment display, complemented by an AR-HUD augmented reality head-up display on top-spec trims. Running on the ADiGO smart cockpit operating system powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, the infotainment suite supports intelligent voice control, 4G telematics, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and Gaode navigation. Other highlights include an electronic shift-by-wire gear selector and a four-way adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, with extensive soft-touch upholstery and premium microfibre suede door card inserts elevating overall cabin luxury.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the skin, the Trumpchi ES9 is driven by GAC's proprietary 2.0T plug-in hybrid powertrain, uniting a 2.0TM Miller-cycle turbocharged petrol engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, paired with a GMC400 two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) in a front-wheel-drive configuration.

Internal Combustion Engine: The 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and a peak torque of 330 Nm. Incorporating Miller-cycle combustion, 350-bar direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and low-pressure cooled EGR, the engine achieves impressive thermal efficiency and is compatible with RON 92 petrol.

Electric Drive Motor: The front motor produces 134 kW (182 PS) and 300 Nm of instant torque.

Total System Output: Combined performance figures stand at 274 kW (373 PS) and 630 Nm. The official 0–100 km/h acceleration sprint takes 8.0 seconds, on to a top speed of 180 km/h.

Battery & Range: Energy is stored in a 25.57 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) battery pack supplied by Jiangsu Zenergy, complete with liquid-cooling thermal management. Pure electric range is rated at 143 km (CLTC) and 110 km (WLTC), while total combined driving range reaches 1,215 km (CLTC) and 1,016 km (WLTC).

Charging & Energy Consumption: The vehicle supports DC fast charging, juicing from 30% to 80% SoC in just 0.36 hours (around 22 minutes), while AC slow charging takes approximately 3.5 hours. Depleted-battery fuel consumption is rated at 6.18 L/100 km (WLTC) and 5.23 L/100 km (CLTC). Standard features across the range include 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power supply and 5.5 kW Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities for camping and emergency power sharing. The petrol tank capacity is 56 litres.

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the Trumpchi ES9 rides on an all-independent suspension setup consisting of front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link suspension, a proven configuration designed to deliver balanced cornering poise and pliant ride comfort.

Steering duties are handled by a Rack-mounted Electric Power Steering (R-EPS) system featuring speed-sensitive variable assistance for light low-speed manoeuvrability and reassuring high-speed stability. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, supported by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. Chunky 255/50 R20 tyres on 20-inch alloy wheels ensure confident road adhesion and composure across diverse driving conditions.

Selectable drive modes are managed via the AVDC Shadow Driver intelligent dynamic system, providing Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport settings. Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill-Start Assist (HHC) are also standard, boosting driver confidence when tackling unpaved terrain and steep gradients.

Cabin & Features

Smart cockpit technology is a headline attraction in the Trumpchi ES9. The SUV comes standard with a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with higher variants adding a full-colour AR-HUD. The ADiGO smart cabin setup runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, supporting natural voice recognition (controlling infotainment, navigation, telephony, air-conditioning, and sunroof), 4G connected services, OTA software updates, and smartphone app remote controls.

A comprehensive suite of luxury and convenience appointments is equipped across the range:

Seating Specifications: Ergonomic genuine leather upholstery; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with 4-way lumbar support, cushion extension, and memory function; 4-way power front passenger seat with lumbar support and rear "boss button" controls; ventilated, heated, and massaging front seats; heated second-row seats with backrest recline; and power-folding third-row seatbacks.
Climate Control: Tri-zone automatic climate control system incorporating a plasma ioniser air purifier, PM1.0 cabin filter, and Air Quality System (AQS).
Convenience Features: Qi wireless smartphone charging, powered tailgate, keyless entry with push-start and walk-away auto lock/unlock, all-round one-touch power windows with anti-pinch, panoramic sunroof with power sunblind, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Audio System: 10-speaker Alpine premium sound system delivering high-fidelity audio reproduction.

Buyers can choose between 6-seater and 7-seater interior layouts. The 6-seater variant features individual second-row captain chairs fitted with airline-style headrests, extensive multi-way adjustments, and a "Queen Recliner" mode capable of tilting up to 131 degrees for first-class passenger relaxation.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Passive safety is underpinned by a high-strength cage body structure. Standard across all variants are front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags, with the flagship MAX+ trim adding a driver's knee airbag. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchor points, and rear door child locks are standard factory inclusions.

Active safety suites cover standard electronic aids including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) come in the form of a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving package, leveraging an array of cameras, millimetre-wave radars, and ultrasonic sensors. Key functions include:

Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA)
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Door Open Warning (DOW), and Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) and Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISL-ACC)
540-degree HD panoramic parking camera (with transparent chassis view) and built-in 360-degree driving video recorder (DVR)

Market Performance & Reception

The Trumpchi ES9 presents a classic case of "strong on paper, sluggish in showrooms". While boasting impressive powertrain credentials and a generous standard equipment list, commercial sales have struggled to hit expectations. Industry tracking reveals that the ES9 recorded cumulative deliveries of just 800 units in the first half of 2025, with monthly volume tumbling to a modest 37 units in June—standing in stark contrast to segment leaders such as the Li Auto L7 and AITO M7.

Market analysts attribute the ES9's sluggish showroom traction to several key factors:

Fierce Segment Competition: The RM250,000 hybrid SUV category is fiercely contested by heavyweight incumbents such as the Li Auto L7, AITO M7, and BYD Tang DM-i, making it challenging for a newcomer like the ES9 to quickly capture consumer mindshare.
Brand Electric Identity Deficit: While GAC Trumpchi enjoys commanding brand equity in the internal combustion MPV space (via the M8 Master series), its new energy brand prestige is still maturing and lags behind specialist EV marques like NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto.
Marketing Resource Allocation: Reports highlight that GAC Trumpchi's promotional spend has historically skewed toward its core petrol line-up (Empow, GS4 MAX, and M8), resulting in muted marketing reach and lower visibility for the ES9.
Key Product Metric Disparities: Against benchmarks like the AITO M7, the ES9 offers a shorter electric range (143 km vs 240 km CLTC), while consumer brand awareness also favours rivals' CATL battery packs over the ES9's Zenergy units.

Owner feedback recorded on automotive consumer platform 12365auto highlights:

Key Strengths: Cavernous interior space, comfortable seating ergonomics ("Queen Recliner" mode), seamless dual-fuel touring capability, and convenient DC fast charging.
Areas for Improvement: Elevated wind and tyre roar at motorway cruising speeds, alongside relatively slow Qi wireless phone charging output.

Consumer complaints logged on 12365auto point to occasional issues including steering wheel vibrations, inner tyre sidewall bulging, and software hiccups in the smart driving assist suite, indicating room for refinement in production quality control and manufacturing consistency.

In summary, the GAC Trumpchi ES9 is an engineered-to-impress E-segment PHEV SUV. With its robust 2.0T DHT plug-in hybrid setup, 2,920 mm wheelbase, versatile 6/7-seater cabin, standard Level 2 ADAS suite, and competitive RM229,800 entry price, it packs compelling value on paper. However, headwinds in brand electrification prestige, promotional reach, and aggressive rival competition have prevented it from converting product merit into market share. For family buyers prioritising space, powertrain smoothness, and value-for-money without demanding cutting-edge autonomous driving tech, the ES9 remains an attractive option. For those placing a premium on brand cachet and cutting-edge digital ecosystems, cross-shopping with class rivals is advisable. The ES9's long-term market trajectory will depend heavily on future product refreshes and revised marketing strategies.