Omoda C9 review: Powerful hybrid SUV delivers impressive performance and efficiency

Blasting onto South African shores with 440kW and 915N.m, the C9 PHEV spearheads Omoda's local new-energy vehicle offensive. CAR Magazine samples the new C9 flagship in Gauteng. First impressions here…
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Fast facts: Omoda C9 PHEV
Price: R999 000
Powertrain: 1.5l, four-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric motors
Transmission: three-speed DHT
Driven wheels: Four
Power: 440kW
Torque: 915N.m
Top speed: N/a
0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds*
Fuel consumption: 1.4l/100km
CO
2 emissions: N/a
*Claimed figures
What are we driving?
Launched alongside the Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), which we sampled before its official South African launch, we are driving the Omoda C9 PHEV. Positioned as the new flagship in Omoda SA's C9 lineup, the PHEV derivative spearheads the Chinese marque's new-energy vehicle (NEV) offensive.
The C9 PHEV (or SHS, the namesake that will replace 'PHEV' to align with the plug-in hybrid Jaecoo's) employs a 1.5l, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine and a quartet of electric motors. The PHEV arrangement produces a total system output of 440kW and 915N.m. Delivered to all four corners via a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), the automaker says these figures allow the C9 PHEV to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
Omoda claims an average fuel consumption of 1.4l/100km when the battery is replenished and a still-impressive 6.9l/100km when the 34.5kWh item is discharged. Capable of accepting up to 70kW at a DC fast charging station, the firm says a 30 to 80% DC charge takes between 20 and 25 minutes. Noteworthy, the PHEV setup offers claimed electric-only driving of up to 150km and a combined operating range of 1 100km.
Exclusively available in top-tier, Explore level of specification, the C9 PHEV is generously equipped as standard. The package includes such items as (deep breath) 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment, the latter incorporating Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen mirroring; 50W wireless smartphone charging; a 12-speaker Sony sound system; dual-zone climate control with rear air-con; electrically adjustable heated/ventilated front pews; heated rear seats, replete with reclining function, and multifunction steering wheel; a surround-view camera array supplemented by fore and aft park distance sensors; and a panoramic sunroof.
Safety items include seven airbags, Isofix child-seat anchorages and a bouquet of advanced driver assistance systems. The latter includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-change assist and automatic emergency braking, among other features.
The cabin is spacious, with fore and aft occupants afforded plenty of head- and kneeroom. Omoda claims a luggage capacity of 660l, which expands to 1 783l when folding down the rear seatbacks. However, it is worth mentioning that the 2.0TGDI 400T AWD derivative, which has the same claimed boot/utility capacity, swallowed 328/1 068l worth of our ISO blocks when evaluated for our December 2024 road test.
Related: Review: Jaecoo J7 SHS (PHEV)
What are the Omoda C9 PHEV's rivals?
The new-energy C9's PHEV rivals come in the shape of the (SA-built) BMW X3 30e xDrive, which we sampled at the local launch in 2025, and Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge, priced from R1 260 000 and R1 314 000, respectively.
As a reminder, the plug-in hybrid X3's petrol-electric powertrain comprises a 140kW/310N.m, 2l, four-cylinder turbopetrol and 135kW/250N.m electric motor for a combined system output of 220kW and 450N.m. The X3 30e's average fuel consumption and electric-only operating range are a claimed 1.1l/100km and 90km. BMW quotes a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.2 seconds and 215km/h top speed for its new-generation new-energy X3.
The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge's 233kW/400N.m, 2l, four-cylinder super- and turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine is assisted by a 107kW/309N.m electric motor. The Gothenburg-based brand's midsize plug-in hybrid SUV produces peak power and torque outputs of 340kW and 709N.m for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, making it one-tenth of a second quicker to the three-figure marker than the car driven here, and 180km/h top speed.
Related: Review: BMW X3 30e xDrive
What is the Omoda C9 PHEV like to drive?
Stepping inside (via standard-fitment keyless entry), the C9 PHEV's Nappa leather-upholstered cabin is a comfortable place sit. Perceived interior build quality is good and contributes to the Omoda's impressive levels of NVH suppression.
The C9 PHEV is a comfortable drive, with its suspension setup soaking up most road imperfections with aplomb. The steering is generally direct. However, the calibration of the setup would benefit from more weight as it feels a touch too light and void of feedback at low-speed manoeuvring and when pushing on.
Noteworthy, the C9 PHEV doesn't seem to suffer from the throttle calibration issues we've previously experienced in several other Chinese vehicles. The drivetrain delivers power to all four corners in a smooth fashion.
A brief stop at Gerotek allowed us to test this C9's straight-line performance. Admittedly, this is not what the C9 PHEV was built for. Yet, considering its performance SUV-matching outputs and claimed 0-100km/h sprint time, we were keen to test just how it performs in the acceleration stakes.
The powertrain exhibited some latency off the line and, as impressive as the C9 PHEV's outputs are on paper, it curiously didn't quite feel like there's 440kW/915N.m on hand. However, the Omoda is plenty quick and overtaking on the motorway is fuss-free.
Related: Review: Omoda C9 AWD Explore
Verdict
Featuring a solidly constructed, capacious and tech-laden cabin, easy-to-drive characteristics, road-holding manners and admirable fuel economy, the C9 PHEV ticks a lot of boxes. Though, from first impressions, it doesn't feel as powerful as the outputs on its spec sheet would suggest. However, that's not what it was built for; it was made to offer the driver and occupants an exceptionally comfortable driving experience. And the Omoda majors in this.
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The post Review: Omoda C9 PHEV appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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