Omoda and Jaecoo, backed by China’s automotive giant Chery, are targeting Europe with plug-in hybrid SUVs that offer extensive equipment and technology for their price. Both brands are owned by Chery International, which told Carwow: “They're all owned by Chery International.” The Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 7 are entering a market long dominated by established European manufacturers. Their strategy extends beyond battery-electric vehicles, with petrol models and hybrid options that include plug-in hybrids.
The Jaecoo 7, the more compact of the pair at 4.5 meters, takes inspiration from classic British off-roaders, information from its maker. Despite its recent arrival, it has already made waves in the UK, becoming the country’s top-selling car in January and March 2026. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) registration data cited in coverage also put the Jaecoo 7 at the top of the UK chart in March. Jaecoo pitches the 7 as a blend of urban practicality and off-road character, aiming to attract drivers who want versatility without sacrificing comfort.
The PHEV 4x2 1.5 TGDI version costs just above €40,000 and comes with an extensive set of standard features. These include a panoramic glass roof and head-up display, along with heated and ventilated seats and a Sony sound system. It also has playful touches, including an integrated karaoke player and a boot cover that doubles as a projection screen for outdoor cinema, powered by the vehicle’s own battery. In the UK, the PHEV has been reported at around £35,170. That compares with approximately £44,195 for the Toyota RAV4 PHEV. The Hyundai Tucson PHEV is around £40,000, while the Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV costs about £42,000.
Inside, the Jaecoo 7 stands out with a large, vertically oriented touchscreen, measuring 13.2 inches in the base model and 14.8 inches in higher trims. The infotainment menus are logically arranged, and the translation is clear, making the system easy to handle. Rear passengers get ample space. The boot offers a modest 340 liters, while the sliding rear bench adds flexibility for luggage or legroom.
Performance and Range
The Jaecoo 7’s hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 340 hp. Its 18.3 kWh battery enables up to 90 km of electric-only driving (WLTP), enough for most daily commutes. DC fast charging up to 40 kW is standard, though AC charging is limited to 6.6 kW. With a 60-liter fuel tank, the total range can reach 1,200 km. That makes long journeys feasible even when charging infrastructure is sparse. Official fuel consumption with an empty battery is 6 liters per 100 km, and the transition between electric and hybrid modes is impressively smooth. Petrol and hybrid alternatives broaden the lineup for buyers who do not want to rely exclusively on public charging.
Omoda 9: Flagship Ambitions
The Omoda 9 is larger and more powerful. At 4.77 meters, it offers generous space for five and a more potent hybrid setup: a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with stronger electric motors for a combined 537 hp (395 kW). It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Its larger 34.5 kWh battery extends electric-only range to 145 km, while total range is quoted at 1,100 km. Consumption with a depleted battery is 6.9 liters per 100 km. DC charging is faster than in the Jaecoo, reaching up to 65 kW, but AC charging remains capped at 6.6 kW. Both models are electronically limited to 180 km/h.
Starting at €52,900, the Omoda 9 comes with an extensive equipment list. It has LED headlights and 360-degree cameras. Electric front seats offer massage functions, while heated seats are fitted front and rear. A panoramic roof and premium sound system complete the list. Omoda openly targets high-end competitors such as the Volvo XC90, whose plug-in hybrid version starts at around €90,000. Independent automotive coverage also reports a 537 CV output, all-wheel lead and a 145 km WLTP electric range for the Omoda plug-in hybrid, highlighting its performance and potential for everyday electric driving.
Cabin Technology and Comfort
The Omoda 9’s interior is dominated by a sweeping 24.6-inch curved display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Its multifunction steering wheel and rotary controls keep operation straightforward; dedicated climate buttons handle temperature settings. The head-up display features augmented reality, projecting navigation and safety alerts directly into the driver’s line of sight. Thanks to its adaptive suspension and refined hybrid system, the Omoda 9 delivers a quieter, more composed ride than the Jaecoo 7. When the turn signal is activated, a live blind-spot camera feed appears on the instrument display, enhancing safety in city traffic.
Both vehicles emphasize comfort and technology, with value also part of the proposition. Their hybrid systems run with minimal noise and vibration, the result of deliberate engineering choices. This approach echoes the priorities of other recent premium SUVs, such as the Mercedes GLC 400 EQ 4Matic, which also emphasizes long-range capability and advanced features, as explored in our recent analysis of Mercedes' electric SUV.
Market Impact and Outlook
The Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 7 plug-in hybrids pair extensive equipment with range and competitive pricing, potentially unsettling established brands. Their relatively modest AC charging speeds are the clearest technical shortcoming. The Jaecoo 7’s UK sales figures show the scale of the challenge: reports on September 2026 registrations placed it at 10,814, ahead of the Tesla Model 3 at 9,929. That made it the UK’s top-selling car for a second month after March.
The European Union’s countervailing duties on Chinese battery-electric vehicles took effect on October 30, 2024, under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2754. They add duties to the standard 10% EU car-import tariff, with the additional rate varying by manufacturer and reaching 35.3% for SAIC. The measure targets battery-electric vehicles. The Jaecoo 7’s petrol and hybrid versions, including the plug-in hybrid, are not battery-electric models, giving Chery a broader range of powertrains with which to compete in Europe.
Chery, the parent company behind both brands, has been China’s top car exporter for 23 consecutive years, reflecting its global ambitions. As the European market continues to shift toward electrification, the arrival of well-equipped Chinese plug-in hybrids like the Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 7, priced to compete, signals a new phase of competition that established manufacturers can no longer ignore.
