Omoda 9 And Jaecoo’s New EVs: Chery Group’s Expanding UK Lineup 2025.
Key Insights:
The Omoda 9 debuts as a premium flagship PHEV with a groundbreaking hybrid system, delivering 449 hp, 93 miles of electric range, and a 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds,
Chery Group expands UK presence with Omoda and Jaecoo brands, introducing five new models and planning 130 dealerships by the end of 2025,
Competitive pricing and comprehensive warranties (seven-year vehicle, eight-year battery) position these Chinese brands as value-driven alternatives in the UK automotive market.
The Chery Group is making significant strides in the UK automotive market through its Omoda and Jaecoo brands. Both brands are sub-brands of Chery Automobile, one of China's largest manufacturers, but are positioned differently to appeal to distinct market segments.
Omoda focuses on sleek, contemporary design with an urban appeal, while Jaecoo adopts a more rugged, adventure-oriented approach with its vehicles. Despite their different brand identities, they share underlying technology, powertrains, and platforms as part of Chery's strategic expansion into international markets.
Following the introduction of the Omoda 5 and its electric E5 variant late last year, along with the recently launched Jaecoo 7, 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year with several new models on the horizon. The two brands are sold alongside each other in the UK, with plans for a shared network of 100 dealerships by the end of 2025. Let's explore what's coming from these ambitious Chinese brands.
Omoda 9: The Premium Flagship SUV
Leading the charge in May 2025 is the Omoda 9, a large flagship coupe SUV that represents the brand's most premium offering to date.
The Omoda 9 offers a more refined design compared to the smaller Omoda 5, with a striking front end featuring a full-width light bar that melds into vertical LED daytime running lights. The narrow headlights sit above a Peugeot-inspired body-coloured honeycomb grille, complemented by a clamshell bonnet for a premium look.
While the sides remain relatively clean, the SUV comes with intricate alloy wheels and flush door handles. The back of the car has a quad-exit exhaust, full-width light bar, and a roof spoiler. At 4,774mm long, 1,932mm wide, and 1,686mm tall with a 2,800mm wheelbase, it's positioned as a spacious family SUV with presence on the road.
Impressive Hybrid Performance
The standout feature is undoubtedly the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which Omoda has branded its "Super Hybrid System" (SHS). This combines:
A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine,
Twin electric motors (one on each axle) provide all-wheel drive capability,
A substantial 34.4 kWh battery pack from CATL (larger than some fully electric cars),
Combined output of up to 449 hp and claimed 700 Nm of torque,
Three-speed automatic transmission.
This powerful system delivers impressive performance metrics:
0-62mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds (matching a BMW M135i xDrive),
Up to 93 miles (149km) of pure electric range,
Fast-charging capability at up to 70kW, providing a full charge in around 30 minutes,
Total driving range exceeding 700 miles when using both power sources,
CO2 emissions of just 40g/km.
Premium Interior And Technology
Based on early prototype viewings, the Omoda 9 offers a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and solid build quality. Standard features include:
A sleek interior with a 24.6-inch display (two screens under a single piece of glass,
Chrome-accented design elements throughout,
Three premium dials for climate control,
Heated and ventilated front AND rear seats,
Panoramic sunroof,
360-degree camera system,
Sony-branded premium audio system,
Reclining rear seats,
Advanced air filtration system.
The company has placed particular emphasis on interior refinement, incorporating:
coustically-oriented Michelin tyres,
Double-glazed windows,
Magnetorheological dampers for enhanced ride quality,
Six driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, and Off-road.
Simple Pricing And Warranty
The Omoda 9 will be priced at £44,990, with essentially no options except paint color. This positions it below premium PHEV alternatives while offering more equipment than similarly priced mainstream models. For peace of mind, Omoda offers:
A seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the vehicle,
A separate eight-year warranty is specifically for the battery.
Jaecoo J5: The Compact Contender
Set to arrive in August 2025, the Jaecoo J5 will position itself below the current J7 in the lineup. This compact SUV will feature:
Squared-off, upright design language sharing family resemblance with the larger J7,
Both hybrid and fully electric powertrain options,
Advanced technology including a 13.2-inch touchscreen,
Sophisticated air filtration system,
Exact specifications and pricing remain to be announced, but the J5 will compete in the popular B/C-segment SUV category.
Adventure-Ready Capabilities
The J5 is designed for those with active lifestyles, incorporating several practical features for outdoor enthusiasts:
Impressive towing capacity of 1,250 kg,
Integrated camping lights,
Factory-installed hooks in the cargo area,
Dedicated charging port to accommodate accessories for camping and outdoor trips.
Exact UK specifications and pricing remain to be announced, but the J5 is positioned to compete in the popular B/C-segment SUV category when it arrives in 2025. It will be part of a broader expansion of the Omoda and Jaecoo brands in the UK, with plans for five new models and 130 dealers by the end of the year.
Jaecoo J7 PHEV: Efficiency Champion
The Jaecoo J7, already available in the UK and currently serving as the brand's flagship model, showcases the brand's approach to blending rugged capability with premium appointments. A PHEV variant is scheduled to join the lineup in winter 2025.
Advanced All-Road Intelligent System
One of the J7's standout features is its sophisticated terrain management system, which offers dedicated driving modes for various conditions:
Highway/Urban Area mode for everyday driving,
Off-road mode for general rough terrain,
Sandy Road mode for loose surfaces,
Wading/Muddy Road mode for wet and slippery conditions,
Snow Road mode for winter driving,
Suburb mode for mixed driving environments.
This versatility makes the J7 equally at home on city streets and challenging off-road trails.
Performance And Engineering
The current Jaecoo J7 offers impressive specifications that demonstrate its focus on both on-road comfort and off-road capability:
147 PS (145 bhp) power output,
275 Nm of torque,
37 MPG combined fuel economy,
Excellent aerodynamics with a 0.281 drag coefficient.
Powerful high-torque engine paired with a refined transmission system,
Durable body structure designed for safety and longevity.
When Will The J7 Be Released?
Building on the success of the standard Jaecoo J7 (currently priced from £29,435), a plug-in hybrid variant is coming in winter 2025. This PHEV version has already impressed in testing, with reported fuel economy of 3.3L/100km (85.6 mpg) during an 800-mile journey in China.
The J7 PHEV will compete in the C-segment SUV market, offering an eco-friendly alternative with the convenience of both electric and petrol power. Pricing is expected to be slightly higher than the current combustion-only models.
Jaecoo J8: Luxury Seven-Seater
Completing Jaecoo's lineup expansion in 2025 will be the range-topping J8, a luxury D-segment SUV positioned to be the most premium offering from the brand.
Positioning And Design
The J8 represents Jaecoo's entry into the premium large SUV segment:
Positioned as the flagship model above the J7, with more imposing dimensions and presence,
Expected to feature Jaecoo's distinctive bold design language but with elevated luxury elements,
The seven-seat configuration provides versatility for larger families or those needing more passenger capacity.
Likely to incorporate premium materials and finishes throughout the cabin.
While specific design details are yet to be officially confirmed, we expect the J8 to follow Jaecoo's established aesthetic of blending rugged capability with premium touches, scaled up to suit its flagship status.
Powertrain And Technology
The J8 is expected to launch with Chery Group's latest powertrain technology:
Plug-in hybrid system likely shared with other Chery Group models, but potentially with higher output befitting its flagship status.
Possible adaptation of the "Super Hybrid System" seen in the Omoda 9, combining a petrol engine with electric motors,
Strong focus on both performance and efficiency,
Comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features.
Given its positioning, the J8 is likely to showcase Jaecoo's most advanced technology features, potentially including larger displays, more sophisticated terrain management systems, and premium audio setups.
Additional Omoda Models on the Horizon
Beyond the Omoda 9, the brand is planning further expansion with:
Omoda 7: Arriving in September 2025, this mid-size SUV will target competitors like the Toyota RAV4.
Omoda 3: An entry-level model slated for reveal later in 2025, with details yet to be confirmed.
The Chery Group's UK Strategy
The rapid expansion of both Omoda and Jaecoo reflects the Chery Group's ambitious plans for the UK market. Following the introduction of the Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7, these new models will create comprehensive lineups spanning multiple segments. Both brands are focusing on value propositions that combine competitive pricing with generous equipment levels and warranty coverage. This approach aims to overcome the potential hesitation some buyers might have toward relatively new Chinese brands.
For UK consumers, this expanding presence means more choice and potentially better value in segments traditionally dominated by European, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers. The emphasis on plug-in hybrid and electric options also aligns with the UK's gradual transition toward electrified mobility.
With the expanding lineup of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from Omoda and Jaecoo, UK employers and employees using The Electric Car Scheme will soon have even more options to choose from. Through The Electric Car Scheme, EVs become 20-50% more affordable, supporting businesses in meeting their ESG goals while providing employees with new and used cars. As these models arrive in the UK, we'll evaluate their suitability for our salary sacrifice customers!
Last updated: 09.04.25
