Every luxury success story starts with doubt. From Chanel to Bentley, the world’s most revered brands once navigated scepticism before commanding admiration. In the automotive world – an arena known for loyalty, legacy and prestige – Chinese car brands have often been dismissed by purists. I’ll admit it: I, too, was once guilty of this bias. But as with all great paradigm shifts, it takes just one encounter to begin a change of heart.
That moment came with the new Omoda C9 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). What began as a routine test drive, thanks to the team at Omoda South Africa, quickly evolved into a revelation. Over a week, the C9 PHEV didn’t just earn my respect – it quietly redefined what emerging luxury looks like.
First Impressions: A Familiar Face, A New Heart
Earlier this year, I tested the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Omoda C9. Stylish, yes. Show-stopping, even. But while the design tugged at my appreciation for aesthetics, the 2.0 TGDI petrol engine left me wanting more. Fast forward to the launch of the C9 PHEV, and the experience is entirely transformed.
This time, Omoda brings serious firepower to the table: a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine paired with three electric motors that deliver a combined output of 440 kW and 915 Nm of torque. Translation? A powertrain so potent it catapults the C9 PHEV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds – quick enough to embarrass some performance-bred rivals. Its Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) ensures the ride is smooth, controlled and remarkably refined.
Luxury That Goes the Distance
Then there’s the range – a crucial metric in today’s electrified landscape. The C9 PHEV boasts a WLTP-estimated electric range of 150 km, making it one of the longest all-electric ranges available in South Africa for a plug-in hybrid. Add the petrol engine, and you’re looking at a combined range of over 1 100 km.
Over 800 km of my week-long drive was completed almost entirely in EV mode, with minimal petrol use. At one point, the fuel consumption averaged just 1 litre per 100 km – a mind-blowing stat for any luxury SUV.
Charging the vehicle at the Chargify station in Steyn City was a learning curve. As with many EVs, DC fast charging was quick (just 25 minutes from 30 to 80 per cent), but AC charging required more patience. A lesson learned: always double-check that your car is charging before you relax over coffee or a meeting.
Design That Commands Attention
Beauty remains one of Omoda’s strongest assets. The C9 PHEV retains its ICE sibling’s show-stopping silhouette, crafted under the Golden Ratio philosophy. Its proportions are generous yet athletic – think next-gen Range Rover Evoque but with a sharper edge.
Details matter. From its 134-element LED daytime running lights, borderless diamond-pattern grille, to seamlessly integrated door handles, this SUV speaks the design language of modern elegance. My test unit wore a stunning Quantum Grey metallic finish and sat confidently on 20-inch multi-spoke alloys – a picture of restrained opulence.
The One Quibble?
The only letdown was the radio system, which struggled to hold signal across various stations – a minor flaw in an otherwise compelling package.
A New Contender in the Premium Space
Is the Omoda C9 PHEV ready to rival segment heavyweights like the BMW X1 and X3 xDrive30e, Lexus NX 350h, Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge, Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV or even the fully electric BYD Sealion 7? In my view, absolutely.
It brings an impressive range, bold styling, and performance that speaks for itself. It’s also an ideal family car – refined, spacious and forward-thinking.
Would I buy it? Without hesitation. This is a brand on the rise, and the C9 PHEV proves that new luxury doesn’t need a legacy to leave a lasting impression.
Pricing starts at R999 000, including a 5-year/150 000 km factory warranty.
