Omoda 9 PHEV : you’re cruising silently through your neighborhood on electric power alone, knowing you’ve got enough juice for the entire daily commute. Then, when the weekend road trip calls, you seamlessly switch to hybrid mode and drive over 1,100 kilometers without breaking a sweat.
This isn’t some distant automotive fantasy – it’s exactly what the new Omoda 9 PHEV delivers at $61,990.
Why This Matters to You Right Now
The automotive landscape in Australia has been crying out for a vehicle that bridges the gap between budget-friendly family SUVs and premium luxury models. Most families find themselves stuck choosing between affordable vehicles that lack features or expensive European options that stretch the budget thin.
The Omoda 9 aims to solve this dilemma by offering Volvo XC60 or BMW X3-like levels of luxury, interior space, equipment and performance, but at the sort of prices you might expect to pay for a mid-spec Volkswagen Tiguan.
Landing in Australian showrooms this August, this isn’t just another SUV launch. It represents the debut of the standalone Omoda Jaecoo brand, separate from its parent company Chery. Think of it as the premium division, similar to how Lexus relates to Toyota or Genesis to Hyundai.
What Makes It Special
Under the hood lies something genuinely impressive: a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system that combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motors – two at the front and one at the rear. This setup delivers a combined 395kW of power and rockets from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds, making it the quickest vehicle Chery has ever brought to Australia.
But here’s where it gets really interesting for everyday use. The 34kWh battery provides up to 169km of pure electric driving range, which covers most people’s daily commuting needs without using a drop of petrol. For context, the average Australian drives about 40km per day, meaning many owners could potentially go days without the petrol engine kicking in.
When you do need to recharge, the system supports DC fast-charging from 30-80% in just 25 minutes. That’s barely enough time for a coffee stop during a longer journey.
Real-World Benefits for Australian Families
Size matters when you’re hauling kids, sports gear, or weekend camping equipment. Measuring 4775mm long, 1920mm wide and 1671mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase, the Omoda 9 is actually 35mm longer, 30mm wider and 4mm taller than a Mazda CX-60, with a significantly longer wheelbase that translates to more rear passenger space.
The financial benefits extend beyond the purchase price. With petrol prices continuing to fluctuate, having the ability to complete most daily driving on electric power alone represents substantial savings. Omoda claims over 1100km of total range is achievable in both electric and hybrid driving modes, meaning fewer stops at service stations during long trips.
The peace of mind factor is significant too. The Omoda 9 is backed by an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for both the vehicle and its high-voltage battery, along with eight years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing. This coverage surpasses what many established luxury brands offer.
Technology That Actually Works
Modern families expect their vehicles to seamlessly integrate with their digital lives. The Omoda 9 doesn’t disappoint, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats.
The hybrid system itself showcases intelligent engineering. The vehicle intelligently switches between four modes: Full Electric, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, and Energy Recovery (regen). You don’t need to be a tech wizard to benefit – the car handles the complexity while you enjoy the smooth, quiet ride.
Safety hasn’t been overlooked either. Safety systems include 8 airbags and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping, and Forward Collision Warning.
The Value Proposition
At $61,990 before on-road costs, the Omoda 9 positions itself strategically in the market. This makes it pricier than the current flagship from Chery’s namesake brand, the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Ultimate priced at $49,990 drive-away, and the previous Omoda Jaecoo flagship, the Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD at $54,990 drive-away.
However, when you consider the performance figures, luxury features, and advanced powertrain, it represents compelling value. Comparable European alternatives with similar power and electric range typically start well above $80,000, making the Omoda 9 an attractive proposition for buyers seeking premium features without premium prices.
What to Consider
No vehicle is perfect, and the Omoda 9 has some limitations worth noting. Color choices are limited to white, grey, silver and black exterior finishes, plus a mandatory black interior. While these options will suit most buyers, those seeking more vibrant color choices might feel restricted.
The brand itself is still establishing its reputation in Australia. While Chery has been present in the Australian market for several years, the Omoda Jaecoo brand represents new territory. However, the comprehensive warranty coverage helps mitigate concerns about long-term support.
Omoda 9 PHEV
The Omoda 9 PHEV arrives at a pivotal moment in the Australian automotive market. With increasing fuel costs, growing environmental awareness, and families seeking vehicles that don’t compromise on space or features, it addresses multiple concerns simultaneously.
For families currently driving conventional petrol SUVs, the potential fuel savings alone could offset much of the monthly payment difference. For those considering luxury European alternatives, the Omoda 9 offers similar performance and features at a significantly more accessible price point.
The vehicle launches in August 2025, giving interested buyers time to experience the model firsthand and compare it against established competitors. Given the comprehensive warranty coverage and the backing of Chery’s global manufacturing experience, the Omoda 9 represents a low-risk entry point into premium hybrid motoring.
Whether this model succeeds will ultimately depend on execution – how well it drives, how reliable it proves, and how effectively the dealer network supports customers. But on paper, the Omoda 9 PHEV offers a compelling combination of efficiency, performance, and luxury that addresses real needs for Australian families seeking their next vehicle upgrade.
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