• 4 mins read
  • Published

Test Drive of the Flagship Ebro S900 PHEV SUV in the Mountains and Deserts of Morocco

Frank Miller RUSSPAIN.com

Post by Frank Miller

Test Drive of the Flagship Ebro S900 PHEV SUV in the Mountains and Deserts of Morocco RUSSPAIN.com © russpain.com
Test Drive of the Flagship Ebro S900 PHEV SUV in the Mountains and Deserts of Morocco © russpain.com

Ebro S900 PHEV: 1,500 km Across Morocco on a Hybrid in Three Days. The Spanish hybrid SUV Ebro S900 PHEV with 426 hp completed a challenging route through the Atlas, Draa, and Dades. In three days, the vehicle covered 1,500 km across mountain passes, deserts, and rocky roads, demonstrating its capabilities in real-world conditions.

A 1,500-kilometer route, three days on the road, and a wide variety of landscapes — this is how the Ebro S900 PHEV put its capabilities to the test on Moroccan roads. The Spanish brand, part of the Chery Group, chose not only asphalt for the trial but also mountain passes, desert stretches, and challenging off-road terrain to showcase what its flagship hybrid SUV can do.

The S900 PHEV model is a seven-seater crossover with all-wheel drive, three electric motors, and a 1.5 TGDI gasoline engine. Combined output is 426 hp, torque is 580 Nm, and electric range reaches up to 140 km. The vehicle weighs 2,308 kg, which is noticeable behind the wheel, but there is enough power even on steep climbs.

Mountains and passes

The first day of the route began with an ascent to the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Here, the S900 PHEV performed confidently: steady power delivery, quick overtaking, and no power drop-offs. On winding roads and in heavy traffic, the hybrid system made it easy to keep pace, although the car’s weight was felt in the corners. Don’t expect sports dynamics, but for a family SUV this isn’t critical.

After descending to Aït Ben Haddou and stopping at Hotel Riad Ksar Ighnda, the car showed its comfort on the highway: good sound insulation, strong performance at speed, and the feeling of a large, solid vehicle. The journey continued through the Draa Valley and Kasbah Tamenougalt — here, the electric range proved useful: in slower zones and during maneuvers, the quiet and smooth operation stood out.

Desert and off-road

The second day began in the south, near M’Hamid, where the landscape became distinctly desert-like. On gravel and rocky sections, the S900 PHEV confidently held the road thanks to its 4x4 system and high-capacity suspension. There was no extreme off-roading, but on challenging stretches the suspension and four-wheel drive allowed for worry-free progress.

On the ascent to Saghro and en route to Auberge Kasbah Ennakhile, the car demonstrated its power reserve: acceleration was smooth and jerk-free, but on descents it required careful braking—the weight made itself known, and the pedal did not always provide perfect feedback. Its dimensions—4.81 meters long and 1.92 meters wide—required caution on narrow roads, especially when meeting trucks or passing sections with no shoulder.

Inside the S900 PHEV, long drives were easier thanks to thoughtful ergonomics, good soundproofing, and generous equipment: seat massage and ventilation noticeably improved comfort. By the end of the second day, the car was covered in dust but retained its sense of solidity.

Dadès Valley and the return

The third day started in the Dadès area—the route here ran through scenic gorges and valleys with red cliffs and sharp turns. On these roads, the S900 PHEV performed best with calm, smooth driving: it isn’t suited to aggressive driving, but at medium speeds the crossover remained predictable and stable. Some driver assistance systems could seem a little intrusive, but overall they did not interfere with control.

The final stretch to Marrakesh was a fitting conclusion: mountains, valleys, unpredictable traffic, and a constant change of pace. After such a route, it becomes clear that the S900 PHEV is not perfect, but its main strength lies in its ability to maintain comfort and control even when the road is far from easy.

Interestingly, competition is intensifying in the hybrid and electric SUV market. For example, sales of the Leapmotor B05 have recently started in Europe, and it is also drawing buyers' attention thanks to production in Zaragoza and an attractive price — you can read more about this in the article on the launch of the Leapmotor B05 in the European market.

As a result of the test, the Ebro S900 PHEV leaves the impression of a robust, technologically advanced, and practical SUV for long journeys. Its strengths are power reserve, comfort, and confidence on challenging routes. For those looking for a versatile family car with the ability to go beyond paved roads, this hybrid becomes one of the most interesting options on the market.

Geo:

Also read