Chinese Plug-In SUV Delivers Luxury Feel and Sports-Car Punch

Until about two years ago, buyers in Israel looking for a large, prestigious, well-equipped family crossover with a budget of up to about NIS 250,000 had to compromise. Today, nearly 10 models compete in this segment, most of them Chinese, and another wave of oversized Chinese crossovers is already on the way. One of the newest is the Omoda 9 from Chery, positioned as an accessible premium model.

The Omoda 9 is styled to project status, with design cues that closely echo Lexus SUVs, from the bold nose and slim headlights to the sloping roofline and rear. Inside, it is a five-seat, almost 4.8-meter crossover with a flat floor, wide rear bench for three adults, and a 660-liter cargo area. The cabin finish is described as impressive, with quality materials, good sound insulation, a large curved display, and a welcome set of physical controls, even though the software interface is cluttered.

Its plug-in hybrid system includes a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine, two electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a 34.6 kWh battery, one of the largest in the class. Chery claims 145 kilometers of electric range, while the test suggests 100 to 120 kilometers in spirited driving. Without charging, fuel consumption rises to 15 to 18 km per liter. Output is rated at 449 hp, 72 kgm of torque, and 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Performance is restrained in normal mode, but sport mode unlocks very strong acceleration, though it depends on a well-charged battery.

On the road, the nearly 2.2-ton SUV feels composed for its size, with good grip and balanced handling, though steering is not especially sharp and city bumps can be felt. The tested trim costs about NIS 230,000, rising to about NIS 245,000 for the top version. Rivals include the Chery Tiggo 9, priced at NIS 255,000, with seven seats and 422 hp, and the Lynk & Co 08, priced at NIS 230,000 to NIS 250,000, with a claimed electric range of up to 200 kilometers.