Juniper
Launched in Malaysia in March 2026, the Omoda C9 PHEV is arguably one of the most impressive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs around. It combines EV technology with the back-up of an ICE 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol to extend long-distance capability and therefore, dependability.
The standout feature is Chery’s Super Hybrid System (SHS) pairing EV propulsion in a three-DC motor configuration mated to a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. Producing a total output of 530 hp and a maximum torque of 650Nm, the C9 accelerates with effortless gusto, doing 4.9 seconds to the century, yet hardly feels lurchy, abrupt and ruffling the composure of its occupants. Power delivery is perceptibly smooth, punchy yet linear feeling exceptionally well calibrated. Brakes are progressively powerful too, well matched to to the C9 PHEV’s 2.3 tonne kerb weight.
Transitions between electric and petrol propulsion are virtually imperceptible. Even stopping at traffic lights in HEV mode, there is no genset-like rumble of its petrol engine. Never, not even once – at whatever state of charge (SOC) of its 34.4 kWh high-voltage LFP battery. Equally impressive is the hybrid system’s intelligent power management. Unlike many PHEVs that quickly start up the petrol engine once their small hybrid battery begins to deplete, the C9 is capable of operating as a full electric vehicle (EV mode) until the battery SOC falls to under 75%. This allows owners to enjoy pure EV driving for much of their daily commute while reserving the petrol engine for call-up duties. Over the weekend with the C9 PHEV, I have juiced up the LFP battery twice. Each time it was doing about 120km +/- before HEV mode is
necessitated at 75% or lesser SOC. Running on EV mode, fuel consumption can go as low as 1.5L/100km.
Range anxiety is non-existent. With a fully charged battery and a full tank of fuel – just like the Omoda J7 PHEV – achieving more than 1,100 km is entirely achievable in real-world driving, making the C9 an outstanding long-distance tourer. Comfort is another area where the Omoda C9 PHEV shines. The cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds, with excellent suppression of road, wind and powertrain noise creating a serene environment. The 14-speaker Sony premium sound system leaves a lot of its competitors gasping for auditory headroom.
Being a D-segment SUV, interior space is generous for both front and rear occupants, while the large, supportive seats provide outstanding comfort over extended journeys. However, the driving experience isn’t without hiccups. At lower speeds, the steering leaves an unfortunate first impression of a listless gaming joystick, lacking the reassuring centre “lock-down” conveying a somewhat loose feeling of “free-play” just that few degrees to the left and right. Masquerading as a softly sprung SUV at low speed, the C9 PHEV felt bouncy at low speed puttering of urban crawls and especially, when going over speed bumps. In short, the C9 conveys a deceptive sense of not being well tied down at low speed of say, below 40 – 50 km/h or so.
While I understand that a (fixed spring rates) suspension of any car may be tuned to perform best some specific speed range (low, mid and high speeds), the C9 exhibits a softness that reinforces the common stereotype of Chinese cars lacking that reassuringly solid, planted feel. Fortunately, this impression changes dramatically as speed catches up on the open highway. The chassis settles down beautifully while the steering tightens up. High-speed stability becomes genuinely confidence-inspiring, with the SUV tracking straight, also into sweeping corners – joyful to steer and remaining composed during motorway blasts.
The earlier floatiness largely disappears with much improved body control. Thus, revealing a Conti-like demeanour than its low-speed behaviour suggest otherwise. It becomes a beast of a sporty, premium SUV chomping up kilometres after kilometres of interstate commutes, effortlessly. One minor refinement issue is niggling though. Sometimes during initial take-off from standstill, the rear axle traction motor can emit an audible creaking sound before settling into silent drive. Although this does not affect performance, it detracts from what is otherwise an exceptionally polished drivetrain. More notably, the same issue has also been observed in the smaller sibling, the Omoda J7 PHEV, suggesting it may be a characteristic shared across Omoda’s PHEV drivetrains rather than an isolated gremlin.
Overall, the 2026 Omoda C9 PHEV represents a significant step forward for PHEV tech and engineering. Its phenomenal hybrid powertrain, genuinely useful EV capability, remarkable real-world range, and long-distance comfort make it one of the most convincing plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market today.
The Omoda C9 PHEV retails for about RM210,000 in Malaysia. I reckon one will be hard pressed to find something as powerful yet efficient and as invigorating to drive as this C9 PHEV, same segment or across.
Kuala Lumpur-based Dr. Long See Pin is a certified car enthusiast who has previously spent some two decades testing and writing about new cars. He is currently motoring correspondent at Junipers Journal, MotoAuto.com and can be found online @drlongspcars on Insta, FB and TikTok.
He was also a former member of the Malaysia Car of the Year (COTY) judging panel. As a medical doctor, he specialises in skin & aesthetics @drlongskinclinic.com
