The automotive landscape just got more interesting with the arrival of the 2026 Omoda 9, a plug-in hybrid SUV that’s making some bold promises about delivering premium experiences without the premium price tag. After diving deep into what this vehicle offers, here’s what you need to know before considering it for your driveway.
What You’ll Actually Pay
The Omoda 9 carries a starting price of £44,990 in the UK, while Australian buyers can expect to pay beyond $60,000. To put this in perspective, Omoda proudly claims to undercut the equivalent Volvo XC60 by ten grand, and Range Rover Velar by twenty. That positioning tells you everything about their strategy – they’re aiming for the premium segment while keeping costs more accessible for families who want luxury features without stretching their budgets to breaking point.
What makes this pricing particularly interesting is the “everything as standard” approach. Unlike many manufacturers who nickle and dime you with option packages, the Omoda 9 comes fully loaded from the factory. The SUV comes equipped with electromagnetic suspension, automatic parking assist, a 1.3-metre sunroof, plus heated and ventilated adjustable seating throughout, a companion app and a plethora of cutting-edge features.
The Technology That Actually Matters
Walking up to the Omoda 9, you’ll immediately notice the striking lighting signature. The SUV’s striking front lighting signature features 134 LED daytime running lights for optimal illumination, which light up upon unlocking for a ten-second welcome. It’s the kind of detail that makes you feel special every time you approach your car.
Inside, the technology story becomes even more compelling. The curved 24.6-inch high-definition display combines driver and infotainment functions, creating what reviewers describe as a panoramic effect across the dashboard. While some might worry about touchscreen overload, they’re supported by physical switchgear for key functions such as climate and drive modes, avoiding the fiddliness of some more expensive rivals.
The sound system deserves special mention. A headrest-equipped, 14-speaker SONY surround sound system creates what the company calls an immersive acoustic experience. Both the front and the rear outer seats include speakers built into the headrest, allowing the drive to take calls or listen to music in private, without disturbing the other occupants.
For those concerned about staying connected, intuitive features such as ambient lighting, a cooled wireless charging pad keep your devices powered and your cabin atmosphere customized to your preferences.
The Hybrid System That Changes Everything
Here’s where the Omoda 9 truly distinguishes itself from the competition. The Omoda 9’s sole powertrain is the Super Hybrid System (SHS) which combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and a giant 35kWh battery. The numbers are impressive: combined output of 443bhp and 516lb ft, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in less than five seconds.
But here’s what really matters for your daily life: the 9 is fitted with a 34.46kWh battery, which allows for an almighty electric range of 93 miles. That makes it the longest-range PHEV of any car on sale right now. Think about your typical daily driving – most people could complete their entire commute, school runs, and local errands without ever using a drop of petrol.
When the battery drops to about 20% charge, it fires up the petrol engine and the Omoda 9 starts to function just like a self-charging hybrid system. This means you’re never stranded, and the system promises a zero-emission range of more than 90 miles and a combined total driving range of as much as 700 miles.
Safety Features That Protect Your Family
Safety isn’t an afterthought with the Omoda 9. The independent safety organisation Euro NCAP has awarded the Omoda 9 a five-star crash test rating. More importantly for daily driving, this is one of only a handful of Chinese-built models that we feel has a set of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that have been tuned to European tastes.
The vehicle integrates 19 advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which elevate safety, reduce stress while driving and offer a more reliable and pleasant driving experience. These aren’t just marketing bullet points – they include practical features like lane-departure warning and emergency lane-keep assist, plus rear cross-traffic alert and a multiple collision-defence system.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that reviewers mention they didn’t once feel the need to switch off the lane-keeping aid, and only on one occasion did the car flash up a warning for its autonomous emergency braking system. This suggests the systems work naturally rather than being intrusive.
Living With the Omoda 9
The real test of any family vehicle is how it performs in daily life. The Omoda 9 is an excellent motorway car. Its comfort-oriented suspension comes into its own on the motorway, where the SUV settles into a nice rhythm. For family road trips, this is arguably the first Chinese-built car that feels like its advanced driver-assistance systems have been truly tuned for European tastes and UK roads.
Inside, comfort hasn’t been overlooked. Heated and ventilated seating is provided for all four outer occupants and in the rear there’s even electronically-controlled reclining seats. The practicality extends to storage, with the rear boot offering a generous storage capacity, ranging from 660 liters to 1,783 liters with the rear seats folded down.
What This Means for Your Wallet
Beyond the purchase price, the Omoda 9’s efficiency could translate into significant savings. With an official pure electric range of 93 miles and 70kW DC rapid charging as standard, you probably won’t need to trouble the petrol engine very often. Rapid charging allows you to have a 30-80% charge in around 25 minutes.
The vehicle also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, which means that you can plug in an adaptor to the car’s charging socket and then power your electrical devices from the high voltage battery. This could prove invaluable for camping trips or emergency situations.
The Reality Check
While the Omoda 9 offers impressive value and technology, it’s important to consider the complete picture. The ride can be unsettled at low speed, and some interior materials let the side down. Additionally, those cars – along with the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC – trade on reputation and status, which established luxury brands still hold over newer entrants.
However, if you’re not hung up on brand snobbery, the Omoda 9 is a smart buy in a very competitive part of the market. The combination of advanced technology, impressive electric range, comprehensive safety features, and competitive pricing creates a compelling package for families looking to embrace electrification without compromising on space or features.
The 2026 Omoda 9 represents a significant step forward in making premium hybrid technology accessible to more families, challenging established players to reconsider their value propositions in an increasingly competitive market.