When you first hear about a Chinese car brand launching their most expensive model ever in Australia for just under $62,000, you might raise an eyebrow. But the 2025 Omoda 9 isn’t just another budget option trying to undercut the competition – it’s actually packed with some seriously impressive technology that puts it toe-to-toe with established premium brands.
What Makes the Omoda 9 Special?
The Omoda 9 represents something quite significant in the Australian car market. It’s the flagship model from Omoda Jaecoo, which is Chery’s upmarket spinoff brand, and it’s arriving in showrooms this August with some eye-catching specifications that deserve your attention.
At $61,990 before on-road costs, you’re getting a fully loaded, medium-to-large SUV that’s actually slightly bigger than the popular Mazda CX-60. We’re talking 35mm longer, 30mm wider, and 4mm taller than its Japanese rival, yet it comes in cheaper than even the base plug-in hybrid CX-60, which starts at $63,290.
The Powertrain That Changes Everything
Tri-Motor Setup That Delivers
Here’s where things get interesting. The Omoda 9 comes exclusively with a tri-motor plug-in hybrid system that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors. The result? A combined system output of 395kW that can rocket this family SUV from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
That’s genuinely quick for any SUV, let alone one that costs less than many mid-spec conventional SUVs. The setup includes a front motor producing 75kW and 170Nm, plus two rear motors – one delivering 90kW and 220Nm, and another pumping out 175kW and 310Nm. The petrol engine itself contributes 105kW and 215Nm.
Range That Actually Works for Real Life
One of the biggest concerns people have about plug-in hybrids is whether the electric range is actually usable. The Omoda 9 addresses this with a substantial 34kWh battery pack that delivers 169km of electric-only driving range. That’s enough for most people’s daily commuting without using a drop of petrol.
When you do need to rely on both the electric motors and petrol engine, you’re looking at a combined range of up to 1,100km. That means you could drive from Sydney to Melbourne and still have fuel left over – pretty impressive for any vehicle, let alone a plug-in hybrid.
Living With the Omoda 9 Day-to-Day
Practical Considerations
The Omoda 9 offers 660 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,783 liters when you fold them down. That’s competitive with other SUVs in this class and should handle most family requirements without issue.
The vehicle weighs in at 2,203kg, which is substantial but not excessive for a vehicle with this much technology onboard. The all-wheel-drive system and multiple drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Sand, and Off-road) mean you’re well-equipped for various driving conditions.
Charging and Efficiency
When it comes to keeping the battery topped up, the Omoda 9 supports 6.6kW AC charging and 70kW DC fast charging. While the DC rate isn’t the fastest available today, it’s adequate for most users’ needs. The claimed fuel economy of just 1.4L/100km is impressive, though real-world figures will depend heavily on your driving patterns and charging habits.
Value Proposition and Competition
What You Get for Your Money
The Omoda 9 comes in just one trim level called “Virtue,” but it’s genuinely well-equipped. You’re getting features that would typically cost extra on other brands, and the overall package feels premium despite the competitive pricing.
The comparison with the Mazda CX-60 is particularly interesting because it highlights just how much value Omoda is offering. While the CX-60 has the advantage of an established reputation and dealer network, the Omoda 9 counters with more space, more power, and a lower price point.
The Warranty That Shows Confidence
Perhaps most importantly for potential buyers, Omoda Jaecoo is backing the 9 with an eight-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty for both the vehicle and its high-voltage battery. They’re also throwing in eight years of roadside assistance and eight years or 120,000km of capped-price servicing.
The service schedule is reasonable too, with intervals every 12 months or 15,000km. Service costs are capped at reasonable rates, starting from $299 for basic services and topping out at $750 for the major 8-year service.
Safety and Build Quality
While the Omoda 9 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP yet, it received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, which uses similar testing protocols. The vehicle comes loaded with modern safety technology, giving buyers confidence in its protective capabilities.
Should You Consider the Omoda 9?
The 2025 Omoda 9 represents a compelling proposition for buyers looking at the plug-in hybrid SUV market. It offers genuinely competitive specifications, impressive performance, and practical electric range at a price point that undercuts many established competitors.
However, as with any new brand, there are considerations around long-term reliability, resale value, and dealer network support. The comprehensive warranty goes some way toward addressing these concerns, but it’s still something to factor into your decision.
For buyers who prioritize value, technology, and performance over badge prestige, the Omoda 9 deserves serious consideration. It shows that the Chinese automotive industry has come a long way in terms of building genuinely competitive vehicles that can hold their own against established brands.
Whether it will win over Australian buyers remains to be seen, but on paper at least, the Omoda 9 looks like it could shake up the premium SUV market in some very interesting ways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to charge the Omoda 9’s battery?
The Omoda 9 can be charged using either AC or DC charging. With a 6.6kW AC charger (like a home wallbox), a full charge would take approximately 5-6 hours. Using 70kW DC fast charging, you can charge from 10-80% in around 30-40 minutes, making it convenient for longer trips.
2. What’s the real-world electric driving range of the Omoda 9?
While Omoda claims 169km of electric range (NEDC testing), real-world range will typically be 10-20% lower depending on driving conditions, weather, and usage of air conditioning or heating. Expect around 130-150km in mixed driving conditions, which is still excellent for daily commuting.
3. How does the Omoda 9’s warranty compare to other brands?
The Omoda 9’s eight-year unlimited-kilometer warranty is among the best in the Australian market. Most established brands offer 5-7 years with kilometer limits. The inclusion of battery warranty for the same period is particularly valuable for a plug-in hybrid, as battery replacement can be expensive after warranty periods expire.