The wait for the Omoda C9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is nearly over, as the new model is scheduled to debut less than a month from now in June 2025.
The C9 is one of two hybrid models the Chinese automaker intends to launch this June alongside the Jaecoo J7 SHS.
As a reminder, Omoda and Jaecoo (O&J) is a sub-brand of Chery that specializes in luxury vehicles, with the former designing sleek crossovers while the latter is centred around off-road SUVs.
The new C9 PHEV and J7 SHS are the first in a series of launches that O&J has planned for South Africa, as the manufacturer will later add the brand-new Omoda C7 and Jaecoo J5 to its expanding roster later this year.
What to expect
The C9, which made its local debut in late 2024, is Omoda’s flagship SUV in South Africa and is currently available in two specifications – the Inspire and the Explore.
Both of these units are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 192kW and 400Nm.
The incoming PHEV takes a different approach, as it is equipped with a smaller 1.5-litre turbo plant.
Of course, this is offset by the fact that the hybrid has no less than four electric motors placed over each wheel.
The end result is that the C9 PHEV can generate a staggering 440kW and 915Nm.
Omoda claims that this gives the C9 acceleration on par with a performance sedan or SUV, though it did not disclose what the vehicle’s 0 to 100km/h time is.
The enormous torque figure is not the only benefit of the hybrid, though, as the plug-in model also features a 34.5kWh battery.
This energy source, which powers the electric motors, has enough juice to allow for an all-electric driving range of 150km, which contributes towards a total range of 1,100km.
Assuming you use a DC fast charger, it’s possible to top up the battery from 30% to 80% in as little as 25 minutes.
The benefit of the electric driving mode is that owners will be able to perform most day-to-day trips without using any petrol, provided they remember to charge the battery in the evenings.
For this reason, the C9’s claimed fuel consumption figure is just 1.4l/100km, though this figure will be more in line with the non-hybrid models if you mostly rely on the combustion engine.
Omoda has yet to disclose the specifications for the PHEV, but it will presumably come with most, if not all of the same kit as the models already on sale in South Africa.
As a reference, the base C9 comes standard with automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, flush door handles, 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and keyless entry and start.
It also features a leather multifunction steering wheel, electric front seats, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a fragrance system, ventilated front seats, and heated seats for both the front and back row.
On the dashboard, you’ll find a heads-up display, as well as two 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment functions with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Furthermore, the luxury SUV has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite with adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward and rear-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, door-opening warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a 540-degree camera.
More information on the Omoda C9 PHEV, including its price tag, will be announced when it goes on sale in June 2025.
Loading ...
