Omoda is about to make a bold entrance into South Africa’s electrified SUV market with the new C9 PHEV.
Arriving in June 2025, this plug-in hybrid flagship blends high performance with fuel efficiency and everyday usability, offering a luxury experience with serious muscle.
A small engine and four electric motors
The Omoda C9 PHEV pairs a 1,5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with four electric motors to produce a total system output of 440 kW and 915 Nm of torque. These figures are impressive for any vehicle, but even more so for a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV.
Compared to the German elite?
To understand its significance, consider the benchmarks. The BMW X5 M Competition (R3,3m) puts out 460 kW and 750 Nm. The Mercedes-AMG G63 (R4,46) delivers 445 kW and 850 Nm. The Audi RSQ8 quattro performance, with its R3,3m price tag? A ‘mere’ 471 kW and 850 Nm.
Even the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid (R3,9m) only slightly edges the Omoda out with 544 kW and 950 Nm. The C9 PHEV is in elite company, and it delivers that kind of power without sacrificing economy or breaking the bank.
That said, the C9 PHEV is not quite as quick from 0 to 100 km/h as some of the ultra-expensive performance cars mentioned earlier. Still, according to Car2Day, it completes the sprint in an impressive 4,9 seconds.
A usable electric-only range
Unlike many plug-in hybrids that offer minimal battery range, the C9 PHEV includes a 34,5 kWh battery capable of providing up to 150 km of electric-only driving. That means most daily commutes can be completed without using a drop of fuel.
It also has a total range of up to 1 100 km when using both electric and petrol power, making it just as suited to long road trips as it is to weekday school runs. The battery can be topped up from 30 percent to 80 percent in a leisurely 25 minutes when using a DC charger.
Luxury inside and out
The C9 PHEV will be offered in South Africa in the high-end Explore trim. While final local specifications will be confirmed closer to launch, the model is expected to have 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, heated seats for both rows, and power-adjustable front seats.
A bold move by Omoda and Jaecoo
The C9 PHEV is part of the expanding product range under Brand O&J (Omoda & Jaecoo). Several new models are expected to launch locally in 2025, including the Omoda C7, the plug-in Jaecoo J7 SHS, and Jaecoo J5.
Shannon Gahagan, brand and marketing manager for Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa, said:
“The C9 PHEV is a testament to our commitment to providing discerning drivers with more choice, combining the performance of a powerful SUV with the efficiency of electrification, all in a luxurious package.”
What it means for South African buyers
The Omoda C9 PHEV proves that performance, price, and and efficiency no longer need to be at odds.
Add to that a genuinely useful electric range and a comprehensive set of luxury features, and it could well be the relatively affordable plug-in hybrid that finally ticks all the boxes for South African drivers. Hopefully, it lands below the R1,3 million mark.
