OMODA 9 review: Does this flagship Chinese SUV punch above its weight?

Join us as we take a closer look at the OMODA 9, the flagship Chinese plug-in hybrid promising premium kit and competitive electric range

When the OMODA 9 arrived at Carparison HQ, heads turned. And not just because of its sheer size — though make no mistake, this is a big car.

It's the full package that caught our attention: High-tech, competitively priced, impressive electric range, and refreshingly low fuss.

OMODA is a relatively new name on UK roads, sitting under the Chery umbrella alongside fellow newcomer JAECOO. This is a family of Chinese brands quietly making serious inroads over here.

But does the OMODA 9 live up to the promise? Join us to find out.

What we drove:

Model: OMODA 9 Noble SHS AWD Auto

Body Style: SUV

Power: Plug-in Hybrid Electric (449 PS)

Battery: 34.5 kWh

Range: Up to 93 miles (WLTP Comb)

Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds

Colour: Quartz White

Price from: £44,990

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Big, bold, and surprisingly elegant

We said it was a big car, and we meant it — it’s 4.8 metres long, to be precise.

But it wears its size well. Nothing feels disproportionate or overbearing, and put simply, it's an attractive package. That coupé-SUV silhouette feels modern and on-trend without being polarising.

OMODA's signature diamond matrix grille gives it a distinctive, premium-feeling front end that genuinely holds its own against established European rivals. Flanking it are active vents that look the part too. They earn their place, improving aerodynamics to help eke out those extra miles.

Around the back, "Energy Matrix" lettering is etched into the rear light bar. It’s a small but considered detail that adds a futuristic feel without tipping into gimmick territory.

The one caveat? At 1,920mm wide, it could feel like a handful on narrow country lanes or tight city streets. But get it onto an open road, and that presence feels entirely justified.

A premium cocoon: space, light, and clever touches

Step inside, and the OMODA 9 immediately feels spacious and utterly premium.

Front and rear passengers are well catered for, with a completely flat rear floor meaning three adults can sit comfortably side by side. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, giving the whole interior an airy, open feel that belies the car's size.

The materials match that first impression: Soft-touch surfaces, vegan leather, and plush seats that genuinely match rivals costing considerably more.

It all feels very minimalist, but OMODA has struck a good balance, retaining physical knobs and buttons where it counts. A dedicated hazard button? Praise be.

Above the controls sit twin 12.3-inch screens fused into a single panel — sharp, modern, and seriously impressive at this price point. Below them, a novel door release mechanism replaces the conventional handle with a small lever or a button. It adds to the futuristic feel, though it may take a drive or two to get used to.

If you get a call while driving, you’ll hear it through the headrests. This is a nice touch, providing you with clear audio, while not disturbing the rest of the car as much.

The rear seats recline electrically (a properly premium touch), plus you can fold down the middle seat to reveal a handy set of cupholders. A small thing, but families will love it. This is a retro feature that’s making a welcome comeback to our cars.

Boot space comes in at 660 litres, which is impressive for a plug-in hybrid, though given the sheer scale of this thing, perhaps not entirely surprising.

One minor flaw: The centre console is on the wide side, and does eat into legroom slightly on longer journeys.

Big car, surprisingly nimble

Hop in and put your foot down; it doesn't drive like the big car it is.

It's powerful, nimble, and the handling is genuinely impressive for an SUV of this size. It feels planted through corners, and soaks up bumps with ease — winner winner chicken dinner.

The raised driving position gives you proper command of the road too. King or queen of the road vibes? Absolutely.

The hybrid system is seamless, you can barely tell when it switches between petrol and electric, and gear changes are smooth throughout.

Regenerative braking does its job well, quietly clawing back extra electric miles on every journey. The trade-off is that braking can feel a touch harsh at times, though this is fairly characteristic of regenerative systems and something most drivers adjust to quickly.

The Driver Monitoring System (DMS) is well-intentioned, but sensitive.

Having a conversation? Distracted. Momentarily taking in the scenery? Also distracted. Over the course of a longer drive, it can get pretty grating, though it can easily be switched off if it becomes too much.

Overall, the OMODA 9 drives with a confidence and refinement that belies both its size and its price tag — and that's no small feat.

One of the longest-range PHEVs on sale

The OMODA 9 offers a whopping 93 miles of all-electric range (WLTP Comb): genuinely one of the longest of any PHEV on the market right now, which is no small achievement from a big SUV like this.

The real-world range holds up well too, and the regenerative braking helps it perform beyond expectations. On our 10-mile test drive alone, the battery climbed from 18% to 22%; the regen system quietly working its magic in the background.

The secret weapon is the large 34.5kWh battery, which most PHEVs simply can't match. Pair that with DC fast charging up to 70kW (taking the battery from 30-80% in around 25 minutes) and you've got a PHEV that takes charging seriously.

For home charging, a wallbox will have you fully charged in around 5.5 hours.

And thanks to OMODA's Super Hybrid System (SHS), the battery will never fully run flat, maintaining a minimum charge level at all times. Meaning full power is always there when you need it.

Even if it drops to that minimum reserve and you're running primarily on petrol, fuel economy settles at a respectable 45mpg.

Factor in over 700 miles of combined petrol and electric range, and long journeys become genuinely stress-free.

What's good, and what's not

The OMODA 9 impressed us in plenty of ways — but no car is perfect, and this one's no different.

The good bits:

• 93 miles of all-electric range (WLTP Comb), plus regenerative braking
• Generously equipped as standard: heated and ventilated seats, panoramic roof, twin screens, 360-degree cameras
• Smooth, seamless hybrid system
• Surprisingly nimble and planted to drive despite its size
• Seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty

The not-so-good bits:

• DMS (Driver Monitoring System) is oversensitive
• Centre console is wide which eats into legroom slightly
• Width (1,920mm) could feel challenging on narrow country lanes or tight city streets
• No all-electric version available if that's what you're after

What's the verdict?

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

The OMODA 9 has arrived in the UK and presents itself as a genuine alternative to the big, established brands we all know and love — and it makes a seriously compelling case for itself.

Electric range? It's got it in buckets. Tech normally reserved for a much higher price point? Plenty of that too. And a driving experience that belies its size? Tick.

Put simply, this is a lot of car for the money.

The unknown badge may give some buyers pause, and that's understandable.

But spend any time with the OMODA 9 and the substance is very much there to back it up.

With a seven-year warranty thrown in for good measure, OMODA is clearly confident in what they've built; and rightfully so.

Top 5 reasons to consider the OMODA 9:

1. Genuinely impressive 93-mile electric range (WLTP Comb)
2. Generously equipped as standard 
3. Smooth, refined Super Hybrid System with DC fast charging up to 70kW
4. Drives smaller than it looks — planted, nimble, and confidence-inspiring
5. Seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind

Would we recommend leasing an OMODA 9?

Absolutely! Especially if you're looking for a plug-in hybrid that punches way above its price point.

The 93-mile electric range (WLTP Comb) makes it a genuinely practical choice for daily commuting, the Super Hybrid System handles longer journeys with ease, and the cabin feels every bit as premium as cars costing considerably more.

Yes, the badge is unfamiliar. And yes, there are a few quirks to get used to. But for the right driver — someone who wants a lot of car for their money and can charge at home regularly — the OMODA 9 makes a very strong case for itself.