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“The stereotype has deflated at the speed of our sales”

These were the words of  Charlie Zhang , vice president of Omoda and Jaecoo, in an interview my colleague  Javier Lacort  attended during the  Beijing Auto Show . These  sales figures  in Spain are particularly striking. Omoda has registered 4,737 sales within the first five months of the year, with just a single model. While it might be argued that all direct competitors combined exceed this figure, a different perspective emerges when we consider brands like Jaecoo and Ebro, which have an extremely limited vehicle offering in the market.

The three brands, representing the investment that the  Chery Group  has made in Spain, together account for over  11,000 units  sold. These are respectable figures, especially considering that Omoda entered the European market with  2024  already underway, Jaecoo only launched in the latter half of the year, and Ebro has merely been trading its vehicles for a few months.

Before the introduction of the  Ebro S800  or the  Omoda 9 SHS , the trio collectively had only three models available. Yet, collectively they boast the same registration numbers as established names like  Opel  or  Cupra , and they are starting to look closely at  Ford  or  Citroën , whose sales hover between 3,000 and 4,000 units above them.

The Omoda 9 SHS arrives not just to broaden the catalog, but primarily to attract a wider range of potential clients. This model targets a wealthier clientele seeking everything—including a car with a  Zero emissions sticker —but tired of spending a fortune on traditional car brands.

Technical Specifications of the Omoda 9 SHS

I Want It All

The feeling that  Chery  is offering much more than Western competitors for less money is a sentiment voiced by owners of  Ebro  and  Omoda  vehicles. These customers do not seek the cheapest car on the market; instead, they wish to feel they are getting a great deal for their investment.

Aside from the Omoda 5, which impressed with its dynamic capabilities, neither the  Jaecoo 7  nor the  Ebro S700  convinced us during our drive. Upon entering the  Omoda 9 SHS , however, it is easy to understand why it has attracted its audience and what those customers demand.

At the helm of the Omoda 9 SHS, it feels like a premier vehicle. The quality of materials is evident, with padded surfaces where hands typically rest, while the physical controls, although plastic, simulate aluminum convincingly and are well-fitted. The same can be said for the knobs and door buttons, including controls for electrically adjustable seats.

Before us lies a dashboard featuring two matching 12.3-inch screens. Above them is a high-quality Head-Up Display that provides real-time information. We found no essential data lacking on these screens.

The camera quality—front, rear, and side—was surprisingly high. Such details  set the Omoda apart  when customers sit in a dealership, as many European models have much poorer camera quality.

However, the infotainment system falls short in comparison. Unlike competitors like  BYD , Omoda allows users to choose between  Apple CarPlay  and  Android Auto , a decision that is generally beneficial for most users. Still, we noted a lack of fluidity in certain transitions and inconsistencies in refreshing information from mobile sources, particularly affecting navigation in specific situations.

The screen resolution could also benefit from improvement; a greater effort in this area would elevate the overall quality of the interior.

When it comes to cruising and comfort, the Omoda 9 SHS gives off positive impressions. Its extensive equipment includes heated and ventilated electrically adjustable seats, equipped with a massage function, and a  Sony sound system  with 14 speakers, two of which are in the front seat headrests. Additionally, an enormous panoramic sunroof measuring 1.3 meters is included as standard.

The  only optional feature  available is a matte green color, which adds 800 euros to the final bill.

On the move, the car impresses again with its extensive equipment. It comes with  19 ADAS  driving assistance systems, along with a  plug-in hybrid system  that promises impressive results. It boasts a combined output of 537 HP and 650 Nm of torque, meaning no competitor offers such power and performance at this price point.

The vehicle utilizes a  complex system  consisting of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine providing 143 HP, working alongside two electric motors on the front axle with outputs of 102 and 129 HP. The Omoda 9 SHS employs a three-speed transmission equipped with three clutches.

One of these clutches allows for the independent engagement and disengagement of the 102 HP motor from the other electric motor and the gasoline engine. This feature enables the vehicle to operate using just one electric motor, both electric motors, or a combination of all of them (including gasoline) in up to  11 different configurations .

Additionally, there is a rear motor providing 238 HP, which is activated only when the vehicle loses traction or when in off-road mode. This means that while this power is ready to assist in challenging conditions, it conserves energy by primarily remaining inactive.

The electric motors are powered by a  CATL LFP battery  with a capacity of 34.46 kWh, which, according to homologation data, provides a range of 145 km of electric driving. In practice, this figure may be slightly reduced during highway driving, yet urban commuting makes meeting this range fairly manageable.

So, what does this translate to in practical terms? It means we have a vehicle that rolls quietly, is well-insulated, and has the presence of a larger car. Overall, the feel of the steering and brake pedal is good without reverting to the unnatural responsiveness found in other systems.

Such a complicated transmission and  interaction among the motors  do not produce discomfort when driving. The vehicle maintains smooth mobility, chiefly focused on prioritizing comfort—with a suspension system that some may find overly soft.

In urban environments, it glides over obstacles comfortably. On the highway, it remains pleasant; however, the body feels somewhat loose, leading to noticeable side-to-side movement on winding country roads, which can be exacerbated by its weight.

The sense of extreme comfort extends alongside its capable acceleration; however, it doesn’t feel as fast as the  537 HP  would suggest. This is likely because the 238 HP rear motor is engaged only when maximum performance is required and remains in  standby  most of the time.

As for the driving assistance systems, we do not have many details to share, having not had the opportunity to test them extensively. We briefly experienced the adaptive cruise control and found it performed reasonably well, although further testing would be necessary for validation.

Similarly, we could not substantiate consumption figures, but we noted an electrical consumption of about  21-22 kWh/100 km , aligning with the  145 km  estimated electric range. These findings would require confirmation under long-term testing conditions.

In conclusion, the  Omoda 9 SHS  has left us with a highly favorable impression, especially for those prioritizing comfort and an extensive  suite of features  in their vehicle. The starting price of  49,777 euros  can be even lower for those who qualify for the Plan MOVES III aid, offering discounts of up to  7,000 euros  when trading in an older vehicle and potential tax deductions of up to  3,000 euros  on income tax.

When compared with competitors, no one offers as much  equipment  or  power  for a similar price, not to mention its  145 km  electric range. For perspective, a  BYD Seal U DM-i  is priced significantly lower but does not qualify for similar subsidies. The  Skoda Kodiaq  with similar features matches the price but has only 200 HP. In terms of performance, the closest alternative is essentially a  Porsche Cayenne , priced at over  120,000 euros .

Photos | Xataka

For further insights on Omoda and Jaecoo’s mission to provide feature-rich vehicles at competitive prices, see our article that explores their plans for hybrids and electric models.

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