Omoda 9 Review: The 530 HP PHEV That Challenges The Mainstream SUV Formula
- Alain Kuhn Von Kuhnenfeld
- 10 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Omoda 9 Review: The 530 HP PHEV That Challenges The Mainstream SUV Formula
Not Your Typical Plug-In Hybrid
The Omoda 9 is not just another plug-in hybrid family SUV. It is a PHEV that feels much closer to an EV with a gasoline engine in reserve. With its Super Hybrid System, all-wheel drive, a 34.5 kWh battery, and 530 hp (537 PS) from a 1.5-litre turbo engine combined with three electric motors, the Omoda 9 is playing in a very different performance league than most mainstream plug-in hybrids.
Porsche-Like Acceleration, Not Porsche-Like Handling
That becomes clear once you look at the numbers. The Omoda 9 is rated at 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, which puts it surprisingly close to the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, rated at 4.7 seconds with Sport Chrono. Naturally, the Omoda is not a Porsche dynamically, and it does not carry the same badge, chassis sophistication, or brand credibility. But in straight-line acceleration, the comparison is hard to ignore. This is a family SUV with the kind of performance that, not long ago, belonged mostly to expensive performance SUVs.
Fully Loaded At A Mainstream Price
Where the Omoda 9 makes its strongest case is in value. In Austria, the Premium-Line model is listed at €48,990, with almost everything included as standard. That price gives you all-wheel drive, 530 hp (537 PS), a claimed 145 km of electric WLTP range, DC charging up to 70 kW, V2L power output, a panoramic roof, heated and ventilated seats front and rear, front massage seats, a 14-speaker Sony sound system, a head-up display, and a 540-degree camera system. For context, that is the price territory of much less powerful mainstream PHEVs in Europe.
A Spacious Family SUV With A Useful Trunk
The trunk is also properly useful. The Austrian spec sheet lists 471 L under the strict VDA measurement, 660 L in the more practical loading configuration, and up to 1,783 L with the rear seats folded. That gives the Omoda 9 the cargo flexibility expected from a midsize family SUV.
Great Cabin, But Not Perfect For Tall Drivers
The front cabin is more complicated. The materials and presentation look premium at first glance, but the seating position will not work for everyone. For taller drivers, the front seats do not go low enough, creating a perched driving position instead of letting you sit properly in the vehicle. The centre console also takes up a lot of space. It looks dramatic and upscale, but it reduces the feeling of openness around the driver and front passenger.
Strong Tech, Software Still Needs Time
The infotainment follows the same pattern. The Omoda 9 gets two connected 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, connected services, voice control, and a 540-degree camera system. The screen layout looks modern, and the technology list is strong, but like many new vehicles from emerging brands, the interface can feel like it needs more time to become intuitive. The hardware is there. The question is whether the software experience feels natural in the long-term ownership of the vehicle.
A Comfort Cruiser With Serious Speed
On the road, the Omoda 9 is best understood as a powerful comfort cruiser. The acceleration is genuinely impressive, and the electric side of the powertrain gives it a smooth, quiet, effortless character in normal driving. It does not feel like an old-school PHEV constantly switching personalities. It feels more like an EV most of the time, with the gasoline engine helping when needed. That is one of its biggest strengths. It is not, however, a sporty SUV in the traditional sense. The Omoda 9 has the speed, but its personality is more comfort-focused than performance-focused. The steering is light, the suspension favours comfort, and the overall feeling is relaxed rather than sharp. That is not necessarily a problem, because this is still a large family SUV. It is quick, quiet, and confident, but it is not trying to be a Cayenne from behind the wheel. The Porsche comparison makes sense for acceleration, not for chassis feel.
What The Price Says About Its Positioning
This is where the Omoda 9 becomes interesting for Canada. In Austria, the Premium-Line model is listed at €48,990, with almost everything included. A direct conversion does not mean much because Canadian pricing will depend on tariffs, logistics, positioning, and launch strategy. But the message is clear: in Europe, the Omoda 9 is priced like a mainstream PHEV while offering performance closer to much more expensive SUVs.
Real-World Fuel Economy Matters More Than WLTP
The official 1.6 L/100 km figure looks impressive, but like every PHEV, the real number depends on how often you charge. In mixed driving, we saw the Omoda 9 return 5.7 L/100 km when used properly, while with a depleted battery, it still returned an impressive 7.1 L/100 km in hybrid mode. For a 530 hp (537 PS) family SUV, those are the numbers that make the Omoda 9 more than just a traditional PHEV.
EV First, But Not EV Only
The Omoda 9 lets you drive in electric mode, but it does not treat EV driving as the only answer. When the system feels hybrid operation is better, it can suggest switching into HEV mode. That can happen when the vehicle wants to manage efficiency, preserve battery charge, or give access to the full performance of the drivetrain. It is a useful reminder that the Omoda 9 is not trying to be a pure EV. It is trying to use its electric motors and gasoline engine where each one makes the most sense.
