Omoda C9 PHEV

Model Overview

The Omoda C9 PHEV is the flagship plug-in hybrid SUV from Chery's premium brand Omoda, serving as the spearhead for its global electrification strategy. Based on the petrol-powered C9, it debuted across overseas markets throughout 2025 before officially launching in Malaysia on 18 March 2026. Positioned as a "high-performance electrified SUV", the C9 PHEV features the brand's latest Super Hybrid System (SHS), churning out a combined 537 hp and completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds—propelling its performance into supercar territory. In Malaysia, the C9 PHEV is priced at RM208,800 (approximately RMB 340,000), with the initial batch of 50 units offered in fully imported (CBU) form before switching to local assembly (CKD). It goes up primarily against rival high-performance PHEV SUVs in its segment.

Design Language

Exterior-wise, the C9 PHEV retains the futuristic styling of its ICE sibling, featuring an expansive front grille paired with signature "Sigma" full-width LED daytime running lights and split headlamp units to deliver an imposing, high-tech aesthetic. The side profile adopts a sleek coupe-SUV silhouette with flush pop-out door handles and 20-inch alloy wheels, keeping aerodynamic drag to a minimum. Around the back, it gets full-width LED taillights alongside dedicated light blue "PHEV" badging and "C9" emblems to denote its electrified powertrain. Dimension-wise, it measures 4,775 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,671 mm tall with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, firmly placing it in the D-segment five-seater SUV category.

Inside, the C9 PHEV is headlined by dual 12.3-inch curved displays with "Hello Omoda" voice command support. The premium cabin is generously wrapped in soft-touch leather and equipped with tri-zone automatic climate control, a built-in fragrance system, a negative-ion air purifier, and a 50W Qi wireless smartphone charging pad. The front seats feature ventilation, heating, and memory functions, with the rear bench also gaining heated and ventilated functions. Audiophiles are treated to a 14-speaker Sony premium sound system (max output of 390W), complete with dedicated driver's headrest speakers.

Powertrain & Performance

Powering the C9 PHEV is Omoda's Super Hybrid System (SHS), which pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors (twin motors on the front axle and a single motor at the rear) to form an electric all-wheel drive (AWD) setup. The petrol mill produces 143 hp and 215 Nm of torque, pushing total system output to an immense 537 hp (approx. 395 kW) and 650 Nm of peak torque. Power is routed through a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), enabling seamless transitions between pure electric and hybrid drives, as well as direct engine drive at lower speeds. It darts from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 179 km/h.

Juicing the powertrain is a 34.46 kWh lithium iron phosphate (CATL M3P LFP) battery pack. It delivers a pure electric range of 145 km under the WLTP cycle (169 km on NEDC), catering to most daily commutes with zero fuel burn. With a full 70-litre petrol tank and full battery charge, the combined cruising range reaches up to 1,100 km. On the charging front, it supports 70 kW DC fast charging, taking just 25 minutes to go from 30% to 80% SoC, while 6.6 kW AC charging requires around 5.5 hours to replenish from 30% to 100%. Combined fuel economy is rated as low as 1.4 L/100 km (NEDC cycle).

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the C9 PHEV sits on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension layout, fitted as standard with a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) active suspension system. The system adjusts damping stiffness in milliseconds based on road conditions with four selectable modes—Soft, Medium, Hard, and Auto—striking a balance between dynamic composure and supple ride quality. The electric AWD system features a dedicated rear motor that dynamically shifts torque split between the front and rear axles on the fly. Drivers can toggle between six drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sand, Off-Road, Snow, and Sport—alongside three selectable levels of regenerative braking.

Cabin & Practicality

The C9 PHEV adopts a 5-seater configuration, offering a generous 660 litres of boot space that expands up to 1,783 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Creature comforts include a panoramic glass sunroof, hands-free powered tailgate with kick sensor, NFC smart key card, keyless entry with push-start, a head-up display (HUD), a 12V power outlet in front, and multiple USB ports. The infotainment suite supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a 540-degree surround-view monitor with a transparent underbody view.

Safety & ADAS

In terms of active safety, the C9 PHEV comes equipped with a comprehensive Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), including full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Auto Parking Assist. Passive safety is well covered with 8 airbags as standard. The bodyshell is constructed using 85% high-strength steel, helping it secure a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Market Performance & Warranty

The C9 PHEV made its first public appearance in Malaysia in the second half of 2025, with order books opening in September 2025 ahead of its official launch on 18 March 2026. In Malaysia, it is backed by a 7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/200,000 km warranty on the high-voltage battery, drive motor, and motor controller, plus an exceptional 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty. The model is also available in South Africa, retailing at ZAR 999,000 (approx. USD 56,000) with a 150 km pure EV range and an 1,100 km combined range.

Motoring media have praised the C9 PHEV for redefining the perception that "a PHEV is merely an eco-conscious commuter", successfully blending sports car-like punch, pure EV refinement, and luxury amenities at the RM200,000 mark. With its 4.9-second century sprint, 145 km EV range, and rich equipment list, it represents a compelling, high-value contender in the local D-segment SUV space.