It's not only Western automakers that have taken the 2024 Beijing Auto Show by storm with multiple premieres, either local or international, but several Chinese brands, too. Chery is one of them, and their latest product is called the Tiggo 9 PHEV.
Wait a minute, haven't we already seen this model? Well, we sure have, albeit without the PHEV part, and as the suffix reveals, we are looking at a plug-in hybrid version of the mid-size crossover.
Fortunately, details about the powertrain aren't scarce, as is often the case with numerous Chinese cars. The automaker says power comes from a 2.0-liter engine with forced induction, which works in concert with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Chery says the Tiggo 9 PHEV has 235 hp (238 ps/175 kW) and 284 pound-foot (385 Nm) of torque, and the electric motor assisting the internal combustion lump generates 221 hp (224 ps/165 kW). There is no word about the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) sprint time or the top speed. Instead, the company claims the new Tiggo 9 PHEV returns the equivalent of 45.2 US mpg (5.2 l/100 km) on the local cycle and has a total driving range of over 870 miles (1,400 km) under WLTC*.
Photo: Chery
From a visual standpoint, the new Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV stands out from the other versions by featuring a few design tweaks. The most important one is the new grille, which has a closed-off styling as no internal combustion engine is behind it. It has a pair of side vents, an air intake in the lower part of the front bumper, flush-mounted door handles, discreet roof rails, and some plastic cladding on the lower parts for the body to make it look a bit more utilitarian.
According to Chery, the partially electrified crossover sports "dynamic body lines" and rides on 20-inch alloys with a multi-spoke pattern. The model is said to showcase "state-of-the-art" technology that will "launch Chery into a sustainable future." It has a 15.6-inch high-definition infotainment system integrated into the dashboard, 3D-stitched seats for a boosted "visual appeal" that also "ensure unmatched comfort," and a few other bits and bobs.
The car manufacturer didn't have anything else to say about the new 2024 Tiggo 9 PHEV, but we will remind you that the Tiggo 9 series comes to life at the Wuhu factory in Anhui, China. It is a mid-size crossover with front- or all-wheel drive, depending on the specification, which measures 189.8 inches (4,820 mm) in length, is 76 inches (1,930 mm) wide, and 66.9 inches (1,699 mm) tall, with a 111 inches (2,820 mm) long wheelbase. This makes it about as big as the latest Hyundai Santa Fe. So, would you want it in our market?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News