Australians are hungry for change on the road. We’ve embraced the electric revolution, but as prices climb and charging infrastructure is still building, a new kind of hero is emerging: the hyper-capable Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Enter the 2025 Omoda 9, a sleek, powerful, and tech-laden five-seat SUV that’s not just playing in the sandbox—it’s throwing down a gauntlet to titans like Tesla, BYD, Zeekr, Mazda, and Volvo.
Priced sharply from $61,990 plus on-road costs, the Omoda 9 is the Chery Group’s most ambitious push yet. It’s the flagship model for their new premium Omoda sub-brand, and with a staggering claimed power output and a game-changing electric-only range, it promises to bridge the gap between pure EV excitement and petrol-powered practicality.
🔌 Power Play: The ‘Super Hybrid System’ that Rewrites the Rules
Forget everything you think you know about traditional PHEVs. The Omoda 9 arrives with a powertrain Chery dubs the “Super Hybrid System” (SHS), and the specs are pure dynamite.
Under the skin is a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors—two up front, one at the rear—all managed by a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The claimed combined system output is an eye-watering 395kW. That’s not a misprint. It means a blistering claimed 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds, putting it in a bracket with performance-focused full-electric vehicles.
The Range That Changes the Commute
The most compelling figure for Aussie buyers is its electric-only range. Thanks to a sizeable 34kWh battery, the Omoda 9 boasts a WLTP-rated EV range of 145km (NEDC figures suggest up to 169km).
Crucial context for Aussie drivers: This EV range smashes rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (84km) and Mazda CX-60 PHEV (76km). For most Australians, 120km to 145km of real-world EV range means completing the vast majority of their weekly urban driving without touching the fuel tank. This is where the Omoda 9 transitions from a PHEV to a genuine electric daily driver with a petrol failsafe.
And for the long-haul holiday drives? The petrol engine and 70L tank give it a claimed combined range of up to 1100km, silencing any range anxiety for those trips up the coast or across the country.
🇦🇺 The Aussie Face-Off: Taking on the Top Brass
The Omoda 9’s positioning is deliberately aggressive, targeting the sweet spot in the premium mid-to-large SUV segment. Here’s how it stacks up against the rivals it’s directly challenging on Australian shores:
| Competitor | Powertrain | Price (Approx.) | EV Range (Claimed WLTP) | Omoda 9 Advantage |
| Tesla Model Y | Pure BEV | Higher base price | N/A (Full EV) | Petrol safety net, premium interior tech, better long-haul versatility. |
| BYD Sealion 7 / Seal U | BEV / PHEV | Similar/Lower | Competitive | Significantly more power (395kW), far superior PHEV range. |
| Mazda CX-60 PHEV | PHEV | Higher | 76km | Almost double the electric-only driving range. |
| Volvo XC60 Recharge | PHEV | Significantly Higher | ~80km | Superior value proposition, double the EV range, more power. |
| Zeekr 7X | Pure BEV | Similar | N/A (Full EV) | PHEV flexibility for those not ready for pure EV charging commitment. |
💎 First Impressions: Premium Features Without the Premium Price Tag
Stepping inside the Omoda 9, the premium push is undeniable. It’s packaged as a single, highly specified ‘Virtue’ variant, meaning you get the lot for that $61,990 price tag:
- Twin 12.3-inch Digital Displays: A seamless, curved screen housing the instrument cluster and infotainment.
- Next-Level Comfort: Heated and ventilated seats for both front and outboard rear passengers, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.
- Audio Excellence: A 14-speaker Sony sound system, which even includes speakers integrated into the driver’s headrest for clearer phone calls and navigation instructions.
- Practicality: A roomy back seat with a flat floor and a large 660-litre boot (expanding to 1783L).
While some reviewers note that the interior materials aren’t quite the same tactile quality as a genuine top-tier German luxury SUV, for the price point, the sheer volume of technology and luxury features is unmatched. Think high-end tech, minimalist design, and an integrated fragrance system to top off the ‘luxury’ feel.
🛣️ The Drive: Is It All Go and No Show?
The big question for any high-powered SUV is how it translates that power to the bitumen.
Reviewers have confirmed the Omoda 9 delivers on its speed claims, with a seamless, strong surge that pushes occupants back in their seats, particularly in Sport mode (where the full 395kW is accessible, provided the battery is topped up). Around town, the vehicle operates primarily like a pure EV, with the petrol engine only occasionally and quietly engaging to act as a generator or for maximum acceleration. This gives the Omoda 9 the desirable, refined EV-like driving experience with smooth power delivery and low noise.
However, the driving dynamics are not perfect. Some Australian reviews note that while the sophisticated powertrain and impressive grip from the 20-inch Michelin tyres are highlights, the steering can feel numb and lifeless at times, and the adaptive suspension, while good at absorbing urban bumps, can feel a “tad wallowy” when pushed hard on demanding roads.
Local Tuning Matters: Chery has reportedly implemented a local tune for the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the Omoda 9 following criticism of their previous models. Despite this, some reviewers found the Lane Keep Assist to still be a little overbearing, a common complaint with new-to-market Chinese-sourced vehicles.
⚖️ The Verdict: A Value Proposition That Can’t Be Ignored
The 2025 Omoda 9 is more than just another Chinese SUV—it’s a calculated, compelling assault on the established EV and premium PHEV order in Australia.
For the Aussie buyer who:
- Wants blistering performance (0-100km/h in under 5 seconds).
- Needs a massive EV-only range for daily commutes to save on fuel.
- Demands a vast list of premium features like heated/ventilated rear seats and a Sony sound system.
- Requires the safety net of petrol power for long holiday trips.
- Appreciates the peace of mind of an 8-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
…the Omoda 9 presents a value proposition that is extremely difficult to ignore.
It may not have the handling finesse of a European counterpart, nor the minimalist legacy of a Tesla, but it offers a package of power, range, and technology that resets the benchmark for the sub-$65k premium electrified SUV. The Omoda 9 has arrived, and the landscape of Australian electrified motoring will never be the same.
Omoda 9 vs. Tesla Model Y and Mazda CX-60 PHEV: In-Depth Specification Comparison
The Omoda 9, as a new and highly-specified Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), sits at a compelling cross-section of the market, competing with both established premium PHEVs and pure EVs. Below is a detailed comparison focusing on the Omoda 9 Virtue SHS, the Mazda CX-60 PHEV GT (as a premium PHEV rival), and the Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) (as a key EV benchmark).
🚘 Detailed Specification Comparison: Omoda 9 vs. Rivals
| Feature | Omoda 9 Virtue SHS (PHEV) | Mazda CX-60 PHEV GT (PHEV) | Tesla Model Y RWD (EV) |
| Price (Approx. AU) | ~$61,990 + On-Road Costs (ORC) | ~$72,300 + ORC | ~$55,900 + ORC |
| Drivetrain | 1.5L Turbo Petrol + 3x Electric Motors | 2.5L 4-Cyl Petrol + Electric Motor | Pure Electric (Single Motor) |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Combined Power Output | 395kW | 241kW (323 hp) | ~220kW (Estimated) |
| Combined Torque | 650Nm | 500Nm | ~350Nm (Estimated) |
| 0-100 km/h (Claimed) | 4.9 seconds | ~5.9 seconds | ~6.9 seconds |
| EV Battery Capacity | 34kWh (Lithium-Ion) | 17.8kWh (Lithium-Ion) | ~60kWh (LFP) |
| EV Only Range (WLTP) | 145 km | 63 km (Australia Spec) | 455 – 475 km |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 1.4 L/100km (Combined ADR) | 2.1 L/100km (Combined ADR) | N/A (Pure EV) |
| DC Fast Charging (Peak) | 70kW | N/A (AC only on some early specs) | 175kW (V3 Supercharger) |
| Length / Width / Height (mm) | 4775 / 1920 / 1671 | 4740 / 1890 / 1680 | 4750 / 1920 / 1624 |
| Boot Space (Seats Up) | 660 litres | 477 litres | 854 litres (plus 117L ‘frunk’) |
| Warranty (Vehicle) | 8 Years / Unlimited km | 5 Years / Unlimited km | 4 Years / 80,000 km |
| Features Highlight | Heated/Ventilated F&R Seats, Sony 14-Speaker Audio, Head-Up Display (HUD) | Leather Trim, Panoramic Sunroof, Driver Personalisation System, High-Quality Interior | 15.4″ Centre Screen, Standard Autopilot, Glass Roof, Over-the-air updates |
🎯 Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Omoda 9 Virtue SHS: The Value and Performance Challenger
- Power and Acceleration: The Omoda 9 stands out significantly with a claimed 395kW/650Nm combined output, making it the clear performance leader in this group (excluding the Model Y Performance variant).1 Its 4.9-second 0-100km/h sprint is genuinely rapid.
- EV Range: The massive 145km WLTP electric-only range from its large 34kWh battery is exceptional for a PHEV, far surpassing the Mazda CX-60 and allowing many commuters to drive entirely on electricity most days.2
- Value and Features: It offers a staggering array of premium features—including heated and ventilated seats (front AND rear), a high-end Sony audio system, and a comprehensive suite of safety tech—at a lower price than the equivalent Mazda PHEV.3
- Ownership: The 8-year/unlimited km warranty on the entire vehicle is best-in-class, providing excellent long-term peace of mind.4
Mazda CX-60 PHEV GT: The Premium and Refined Choice
- Drivetrain Philosophy: The CX-60 is built on a new longitudinal platform with a focus on rear-biased All-Wheel Drive dynamics, aiming for a more premium, driver-centric feel.5
- Refinement and Quality: Mazda generally delivers a higher perception of interior material quality and driving dynamics, focusing on a more established “premium” European-like experience.
- Practicality: Its boot space is significantly smaller than the Omoda 9, and its PHEV electric range is more modest, although suitable for shorter errands.
Tesla Model Y RWD: The Pure EV Benchmark
- Zero Emissions and Charging: As a pure EV, it offers zero tailpipe emissions and access to the excellent Tesla Supercharger network for long-distance travel, boasting the highest charging speed.
- Range: The RWD Model Y’s approximate 466km WLTP range is in a completely different league to the PHEVs’ electric ranges, making it the choice for those ready to fully embrace electric driving without a petrol engine backup.6
- Technology and Minimalism: The Model Y features a famously minimalist interior dominated by its single large touchscreen, relying heavily on software for most controls and continuous over-the-air updates for new features.7
- Practicality: It wins on sheer cargo volume with the largest boot and the benefit of a front trunk (frunk).
⚖️ Conclusion
- Choose the Omoda 9 Virtue SHS if: You want the absolute best blend of high performance, the longest PHEV electric range, and the most standard luxury features for your money, all backed by an outstanding warranty.
- Choose the Mazda CX-60 PHEV GT if: You prioritise a premium feel, more traditional driving refinement with a rear-biased AWD system, and are less concerned about outright electric range or the absolute lowest price.
- Choose the Tesla Model Y RWD if: You are ready to commit to pure electric driving, need the maximum electric driving range, and prefer a minimalist, software-driven user experience and access to the dedicated Supercharger network.
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