Since coming to the UK in 2024, Omoda has taken the market by storm along with its sister brand Jaecoo. Last month, the two brands sold more than 10,000 cars, bringing their 12 month total up to over 30,000, an impressive figure for new entrants to the market. The Omoda 9 is the company’s flagship SUV model which shares the same Super Hybrid System (SHS) plug-in hybrid powertrain as seen on the Jaecoo 7.
Omoda and Jaecoo are owned by the Chinese manufacturer Chery which has also just launched in the UK. All three brands are targeting slightly different market segments with Omoda focusing on technology-forward crossover SUVs. Models are competitively priced and feature distinctive styling for that all-important curb appeal.
What Is The Omoda 9 Like To Drive?
When it comes to powertrain technology, the Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 7 share, undoubtedly, one of the best setups. Official maximum electric-only range is quoted at 93 miles which means if you spend most of the time doing local trips, you’ll barely ever need to call on the engine. Better still, if you don’t have access to charging at home or work, the hybrid system can charge itself, meaning you’re not lugging around a 34.5kWh battery for no reason.
Omoda reckons that using the battery and engine, drivers will be able to achieve a range of more than 700 miles before needing to refuel. For drivers that want to make the switch to electric but can’t quite let go of long range capability at the drop of a hat, the Omoda 9 seems to be the ideal transitional hybrid.
A suite of 20 ADAS systems come with the Omoda 9 with the goal of supporting the driver. Although the safety systems mean well, they can be annoying and most drivers will want to turn things like the driver monitor off before starting their journey. The suspension setup feels well suited to motorway driving and for more local driving you’ll likely forget there’s an engine under the hood since the electric motors do all the work.
What Is The Omoda 9 Like Inside?
The interior feels well appointed with comfortable quilted synthetic leather seats and door cards. A sweeping display is perched on the dash with the infotainment screen and digital driver’s display integrated into the same unit.
Although it looks impressive, for shorter drivers, it can be a little hard to reach on the move and I found the huge iPad-style screen in the Jaecoo 7 much easier to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included in the specification, so it’s relatively easy to connect your phone and personalize the experience.
The centre console feels like it sits quite high but its position makes room for a large amount of storage beneath. The cooled wireless charging pads also extend back far enough to fit two phones underneath the three physical dials. Omoda includes heated and cooled seats for front and outer rear passengers and the rear seats also recline.
Despite only being available with a black interior color scheme, it feels light inside thanks to the 1.3m sunroof. Rear passengers get plenty of leg and headroom and the Omoda 9 has a large boot for this SUV category. Due to the way the rear window is angled, the boot is better able to handle shallow loads rather than tall items.
How Much Does The Omoda 9 Cost?
There’s very little variability in the Omoda 9’s pricing since the goal is to include everything as standard. Its base price is £44,990 ($60,000) with the only optional extras being paint colors other than white which range from £750 to £1000 ($1000 to $1350). All versions come with a black interior and 20-inch wheels. The standard package also includes a seven-year or 100,000 mile warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.