Omoda and Jaecoo, two Chinese brands, have landed in Europe with plug-in hybrid SUVs packed with features and aggressive pricing. We compare the Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 7 to see if they can unsettle established European rivals.
On the streets of Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, two unfamiliar names are making a bold entrance: Omoda and Jaecoo. Both brands, backed by China’s automotive giant Chery, are targeting Europe with plug-in hybrid SUVs that promise a level of equipment and technology rarely seen at their price points. The Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 7 arrive with ambitions to disrupt a market long dominated by established European manufacturers.
The Jaecoo 7, the more compact of the pair at 4.5 meters, draws inspiration from classic British off-roaders, according to 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. Jaecoo positions the 7 as a blend of urban practicality and off-road character, aiming to appeal to drivers seeking versatility without sacrificing comfort.
Priced just above €40,000 for the PHEV 4x2 1.5 TGDI version, the Jaecoo 7 comes loaded: a panoramic glass roof, head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, a Sony sound system, and more are all standard. The car also features playful touches typical of Chinese models, such as an integrated karaoke player and a boot cover that doubles as a projection screen for outdoor cinema, powered by the vehicle’s own battery.
Inside, the Jaecoo 7 stands out with a large, vertically oriented touchscreen—13.2 inches in the base model, expanding to 14.8 inches in higher trims. The infotainment menus are logically arranged and the translation is clear, making the system easy to navigate. Rear passengers enjoy ample space, and while the boot offers a modest 340 liters, 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, making 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.
Omoda 9: Flagship Ambitions
The Omoda 9 steps up in size and power. 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). This allows the Omoda 9 to 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 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’s equipment list is extensive: LED headlights, 360-degree cameras, electric front seats with massage functions, heated seats front and rear, a panoramic roof, and a premium sound system. Omoda openly targets high-end competitors like the Volvo XC90, which starts around €90,000 for its plug-in hybrid version.
Cabin Technology and Comfort
The Omoda 9’s interior is dominated by a sweeping 24.6-inch curved display that merges the instrument cluster and infotainment system. A multifunction steering wheel, rotary controls, and dedicated climate buttons ensure intuitive operation. 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. Notably, activating the turn signal brings up a live blind-spot camera feed on the instrument display, enhancing safety in city traffic.
Both vehicles reflect a clear focus on comfort, technology, and value. The hybrid systems operate with minimal noise and vibration, a result of deliberate engineering choices. This approach echoes the priorities seen in 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 arrive with a compelling mix of equipment, range, and pricing that could unsettle established brands—especially given their relatively modest AC charging speeds are the only clear technical shortcoming. The rapid success of the Jaecoo 7 in the UK suggests that European buyers are open to new players if the value proposition is strong enough.
Chery, the parent company behind both brands, has been China’s top car exporter for 23 consecutive years, underlining its global ambitions. As the European market continues to shift toward electrification, the arrival of well-equipped, competitively priced Chinese plug-in hybrids like the Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 7 signals a new phase of competition—one that established manufacturers can no longer ignore.
