First Drive in the Omoda 7: What Chery’s Mid-Size SUV Offers for Europe

Things are moving in Wuhu: Chery’s plans for Europe are becoming more concrete, and the model line-up for its expansion westward is taking shape. CEO Zhu Shaodong is initially focusing on the Jaecoo and Omoda brands and, in light of current market uncertainties, does not plan to rely solely on fully electric models.

The most recent example of this approach is the Omoda 7, which made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show this spring and is expected to arrive in Europe sometime after the summer. While earlier models such as the Omoda 5 or Jaecoo 8 were primarily rebadged Chinese vehicles with some reengineering via Chery’s European development centre in Raunheim, the Omoda 7 is the brand’s first vehicle developed specifically for export – and it will be offered exclusively with hybrid powertrains.

At 4.66 metres long with a wheelbase of 2.72 metres, the Omoda 7 is similar in size to the Kia Sportage or Toyota RAV4. It has a relatively understated design that only becomes more distinctive after dark: the daytime running lights, concealed in the front bumper, form a pattern of glowing hexagons, while the rear lights become illuminated spiral elements, leaving a lasting impression.

Inside, the Omoda 7 draws attention only upon closer inspection. The seating is comfortable, with ample space in the front and adequate room in the rear. The materials are solid, and the cabin layout is typically minimalist for this segment in China: a small display behind the steering wheel, a larger central screen, and as few physical buttons as possible. Only the steering wheel features two rotary dials and two switches for essential functions.

A prolonged tap on the touchscreen reveals one of Chery’s more innovative features: As with BYD’s rotating screen, the Omoda’s display can slide half a metre to the right, shifting into the front passenger’s line of sight and control zone.

Standard equipment aligns with the expectations for the upper mid-range segment. Alongside common – and sometimes intrusive – driver assistance systems for lane keeping, speed regulation and driver attention, the vehicle includes a 360-degree camera system, ventilated seats and wireless integration for mobile charging and connectivity.

Chery is launching with a conventional powertrain first. Although the Chery group has all drivetrain options available, including battery-electric, and even operates a Tesla competitor under the Exlantix brand in Wuhu, the initial offering for the Omoda 7 starts just above €30,000. It features a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with around 110 kW and 275 Nm, paired with a dual-clutch transmission. The 0–100 kph acceleration takes 11.1 seconds, and the top speed is 190 kph, placing it ahead of several rivals in this category.

For those looking for more future-proof technology, a plug-in hybrid version will likely follow in the higher €30,000 range. This variant uses a 150 kW electric motor, prioritises electric driving where possible, and offers a total system output of 265 kW and 530 Nm. The result is a 0–100 kph time of 8.5 seconds. Notably, the PHEV features an 18.3 kWh buffer battery using BYD Blade cells, which can be DC charged and delivers an electric range of up to 100 kilometres. Including fuel range, Chery claims a total range of over 1,000 kilometres, reducing concerns over charging infrastructure and long-distance travel.

The name may be unremarkable, the design attractive but conventional, and the technology mainstream. While brands like Nio or Xpeng seek to stand out, Chery’s Omoda 7 takes a more subdued approach. According to strategy chief Shaodong, this is a deliberate move: “Those who polarise and cater to extremes cannot achieve high volumes,” he says, citing Wolfsburg and Seoul as strategic reference points.