The Australian automotive landscape just got a lot more interesting. Chery’s premium Omoda brand has thrown down the gauntlet with their new flagship – a vehicle that promises to rewrite the rules about what Chinese manufacturers can achieve. But with a price tag of $61,990 before on-road costs, is the Omoda 9 genuinely worth your hard-earned money?
What Makes the Omoda 9 Special?
Think of the Omoda 9 as Chery’s statement of intent. This isn’t just another budget-friendly option from a Chinese manufacturer – it’s a genuine attempt to compete with established premium brands on performance, technology, and refinement.
The numbers alone tell an impressive story. With 395kW of combined power and a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.9 seconds, this SUV is quicker than many sports cars. For context, that’s faster acceleration than a BMW X5 40i or Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, vehicles that cost significantly more.
The Hybrid Revolution Done Right
What sets the Omoda 9 apart is its sophisticated plug-in hybrid system. While many manufacturers are still figuring out how to make hybrids work seamlessly, Chery has created something genuinely impressive.
The setup combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors – two at the front and one at the rear. This configuration not only provides all-wheel drive capability but also delivers that stunning performance figure.
Real-World Practicality: More Than Just Numbers
Electric Range That Actually Matters
The 34kWh battery pack delivers 169 kilometers of electric-only driving under NEDC testing conditions. While real-world range will likely be lower, this still means most daily commutes can be completed without using any petrol at all.
For families, this translates to potential savings of thousands of dollars annually in fuel costs, especially with current petrol prices. The total combined range of up to 1100 kilometers means long trips won’t require constant charging stops.
Space Where It Counts
At 4775mm long and 1920mm wide, the Omoda 9 sits firmly in large SUV territory. The 2800mm wheelbase promises generous interior space, particularly for rear passengers. This makes it a genuine seven-seater alternative (though final seating configurations haven’t been confirmed yet).
The dimensions put it in direct competition with vehicles like the Mazda CX-60 PHEV, though the Omoda offers a longer wheelbase for potentially better interior packaging.
Technology and Features: Premium Expectations
What You Get for Your Money
Chery has loaded the single Virtue trim level with equipment that would be optional extras on many competitors. While the complete feature list hasn’t been fully detailed, early indications suggest comprehensive safety technology, premium audio systems, and advanced connectivity features come standard.
The approach of offering just one, fully-loaded trim level makes sense for a new brand trying to establish itself. It simplifies the buying process and ensures every Omoda 9 on the road represents the brand at its best.
The Style Statement
Unlike some Chinese vehicles that borrow heavily from established designs, the Omoda 9 appears to have its own distinctive character. The sleek SUV styling aligns with current trends while maintaining enough uniqueness to stand out in shopping center car parks.
However, buyers should note that color options are limited to white, grey, silver, and black – all paired with mandatory black interiors. This might disappoint those wanting more personalization options.
The Ownership Experience
Warranty Confidence
Chery backs the Omoda 9 with an impressive eight-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty covering both the vehicle and high-voltage battery. This level of coverage exceeds what most established premium brands offer and provides genuine peace of mind for buyers concerned about long-term reliability.
The inclusion of eight years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing further sweetens the deal. For budget-conscious buyers, knowing exactly what ownership will cost over the first several years removes a significant worry.
Service Network Considerations
The biggest question mark remains the service network. While Omoda Jaecoo dealerships are expanding, they’re not yet as ubiquitous as Toyota or Mazda outlets. Potential buyers should verify convenient service access before committing.
Who Should Consider the Omoda 9?
The Perfect Buyer Profile
The Omoda 9 makes most sense for buyers who want cutting-edge technology and performance without paying luxury car prices. If you’re attracted to the idea of a Tesla Model Y but prefer traditional SUV proportions, this could be your answer.
Early adopters who enjoy having the latest technology and don’t mind answering questions about their unusual choice will love the Omoda 9. The performance credentials mean it won’t disappoint those who occasionally want to have fun behind the wheel.
Environmentally conscious families who need genuine space but want to minimize their carbon footprint will appreciate the electric range capability. The ability to run solely on electricity for most daily drives while having petrol backup for longer trips offers the best of both worlds.
Who Might Want Alternatives
Conservative buyers who prefer established brands with proven Australian track records might feel more comfortable with alternatives from Mazda, Toyota, or Hyundai. While Chery has improved dramatically, they’re still building their reputation locally.
Those needing absolute maximum cargo space or towing capacity might find dedicated large SUVs or utes better suited to their needs. The Omoda 9 prioritizes performance and efficiency over maximum utility.
Market Position and Value
The Competition Reality
At $61,990 plus on-roads (likely around $68,000 drive-away), the Omoda 9 enters premium territory. This puts it against established players like the Mazda CX-60 PHEV, BMW X1 xDrive25e, and Volvo XC60 PHEV.
The value proposition becomes interesting when you consider the performance on offer. Few vehicles at this price point can match the acceleration, and none offer the combination of power, efficiency, and space with such comprehensive warranty coverage.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Omoda 9 represents a significant step forward for Chinese automotive manufacturing. It’s no longer about offering basic transportation at low prices – this is a genuine attempt to compete with established premium brands on their own terms.
Whether it succeeds will depend largely on buyer willingness to embrace a relatively unknown brand and Chery’s ability to deliver on quality and service promises. For those ready to take the plunge, the Omoda 9 offers compelling performance, efficiency, and features at a competitive price.
With availability starting in early August, potential buyers have time to research and test drive before making decisions. For anyone considering a premium hybrid SUV, the Omoda 9 deserves serious consideration – it might just surprise you with how far Chinese manufacturing has come.