Jaecoo Omoda 9: Look how far we've come

The Jaecoo/Omoda 9 SHS is the flagship electrified SUV from the Chery-owned Omoda & Jaecoo brands, designed to compete with mid-size premium plug-in hybrids from Europe and Korea. Positioned above the smaller Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7, the model combines substantial performance, an unusually long electric range, and a high level of specification at a relatively accessible price point.

If ever I needed a reminder just how much automotive technology has evolved, I just get behind the wheel of one of the most advanced Chinese hi-tech vehicles like the Jaecoo Omoda 9 SHS.

Not only is this impressive vehicle packed with the latest technology and creature comforts, but it’s also bursting with a whole new lexicon of terminology. For me, at least. 

Let’s start with the term SHS. It stands for Super Hybrid System, and as the name suggests, it involves a complex confluence of electric and internal combustion power. When I first tested hybrid vehicles of the likes of Lexus more than 10 years ago, the technical leap seemed enormous. With motive power shared by two powerful motors, one conventional internal combustion, the other a high-torque electric device, it all seemed like science fiction. 

Cutaway view of the SHS system (supplied)

Now the Chinese manufacturers have snatched the baton, creating computerised propulsion systems that would be at home on Jean-Luc Picard’s interplanetary starship. Jaecoo’s SHS, for example, employs a sophisticated plug-in hybrid setup pairing a lively 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine with multiple electric motors and a sizeable battery pack of around 34 kWh. When working with all three electric motors, the Omoda 9 delivers 395 kW and 650 Nm on tap. That’s plenty of grunt in anyone’s book, and can see the chunky SUV rocket to 100kmh in under five seconds. 

Omoda 9 enjoying the view of Victoria's Grampians

Apart from its spritely performance, this clever combo also delivers remarkable range, easily completing a Melbourne-to-Sydney or Sydney-to-Brisbane trip without refuelling or recharging. We tested the Omoda 9 over a week of combined urban, highway and backroad (unsealed) driving and found to our delight that it performed capably in each circumstance. I say ‘capably’ because the Omoda 9 is not designed to outperform a Porsche Cayenne or compete with a LandCruiser off road. Instead, it straddles these sectors very neatly, giving regular drivers ample leeway within their normal driving environment.

Out on the B and C roads, the suspension does a good job of absorbing typical road imperfections. Long highway stretches are handled confidently, with minimal wind or tyre noise, hence our overall impression was one of relaxed cruising rather than aggressive driving.

Omoda 9 tackling some mild unsealed tracks (Ces DeSouza)

Steering feel is competent but not particularly communicative. Enthusiastic drivers may find it somewhat detached, and the car’s 2.2-tonne weight becomes apparent when tackling tight bends. Grip levels are respectable thanks to the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, but the chassis prefers a calm, measured pace rather than spirited cornering. Remember, it’s not a Porsche. You’ll need to find at least another $100k for that kind of excitement.

To make you feel more at home behind the wheel, the Omoda 9 offers a set of six terrain- and performance-based driving modes that adjust throttle response, hybrid power delivery, traction control, steering feel and AWD torque distribution. These modes are controlled via a rotary dial and cover everything from ECO to OFF-ROAD, yet I hasten to remind you that this doesn’t bestow magical powers; rather, it optimises the system for changes in road surface and range requirements.

Omoda 9 interior (supplied)

Inside the comfy cocoon of a cabin, the design is modern, featuring ambient lighting and soft-touch surfaces, giving the car a premium feel overall. The drivers’ interface is satisfyingly intuitive, even for non-tech folks, with a mix of touchscreen controls and physical rotary dials for key functions like climate control. Standout features include a 14-speaker Sony sound system, a panoramic glass roof, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, autonomous parking, and advanced driver-assistance systems. And yes, you can disable the annoying lane guidance nagging. 

With all that fancy kit and tech, you’d expect a six-figure price tag, but Australian buyers can driveaway in an Omoda 9 for not much more than 60 grand, making the flagship product something of a bargain. Given that the vast majority of Omoda 9s sold in Australia will likely rarely leave the tarmac or embark on Leyland Brothers-style adventures, the Omoda 9 is perfectly suited to its probable role as an advanced urban SUV easily capable of fetching schoolchildren or carting the weekly booty from Woolworths.

Key Specifications

• Powertrain: 1.5T engine + 3-motor DHT system.
• Performance: 
  

  $395\text{kW}$
   (
  

  $449\text{PS}$
  ) / 
  

  $700\text{Nm}$
   torque, 
  

  $0\text{-}100\text{km/h}$
   in 
  

  $4.9$
   seconds.
• Electric Range: 
  

  $169\text{km}$
   (NEDC) / 
  

  $145\text{km}$
   (WLTP).
• Battery: 
  

  $34\text{kWh}-34.5\text{kWh}$
   NCM, with 70kW DC fast charging (
  

  $30\text{-}80\%$
   in 
  

  $25$
   mins).
• Dimensions: ~4.7m+ length (5-seater).
• Suspension: Continuous Damping Control (CDC).

Driveaway prices in Australia typically range from $63k to $68k when on-road costs are included.

Official website for more details: www.omodajaecoo.com.au