The automotive landscape in Australia is about to welcome a formidable new contender in the seven-seat SUV segment. The 2025 Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV has been spotted undergoing final testing on Australian roads, signaling the Chinese automaker’s ambitious push into the premium large SUV market. This flagship model represents Chery’s commitment to establishing a strong foothold in a segment currently dominated by established players like the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento.
A New Flagship for Chery Australia
The arrival of the Tiggo 9 marks a significant milestone for Chery Australia, which has been steadily expanding its local lineup since its re-entry into the market. Positioned above the already successful Tiggo 8 Pro Max, the Tiggo 9 will serve as the brand’s pinnacle offering, embodying the company’s latest advancements in design, technology, and sustainable mobility.
Lucas Harris, Chery Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, has confirmed that the new model is slated for an Australian launch in mid-2025. “It’s a much bigger car than the Tiggo 8… for us it’ll be a real flagship and be quite luxurious inside,” Harris stated in a recent interview. The timing could not be more strategic, as consumer interest in plug-in hybrid vehicles continues to surge across the Australian market.
Impressive Dimensions and Design
The Tiggo 9 PHEV makes a bold statement with its imposing proportions. Measuring 4,820mm in length, 1,930mm in width, and standing 1,712mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,820mm, it’s approximately 100mm longer than the Tiggo 8 Pro Max and just 10mm shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe. These dimensions ensure generous interior space across all three rows of seating.
Design-wise, the Tiggo 9 PHEV presents a distinctive and somewhat European-inspired aesthetic. The front fascia features an eye-catching octagonal grille that has drawn some comparisons to Audi’s design language, particularly the Q7. Narrow, sophisticated headlights flank the grille, while dynamic body lines and 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels enhance the vehicle’s premium positioning. Some automotive journalists have noted that the PHEV variant sports a unique look compared to the standard combustion model, with a larger, more prominent grille treatment.
Cutting-Edge Hybrid Powertrain
At the heart of the Tiggo 9 PHEV lies an impressive hybrid powertrain that combines performance with exceptional efficiency. The system pairs a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The combustion engine alone delivers 175kW of power and 385Nm of torque, while the electric motor contributes an additional 165kW.
This sophisticated setup achieves a remarkable fuel consumption rating of just 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTC). More impressively, the combined range extends beyond 1,400 kilometers on a full tank and charged battery, effectively eliminating range anxiety for long-distance travelers.
While the exact battery capacity hasn’t been officially disclosed for the Australian-spec model, the combined system output positions the Tiggo 9 PHEV as one of the more powerful offerings in its class. The vehicle is expected to feature all-wheel drive capability, enhancing its appeal for buyers seeking versatility alongside efficiency.
Luxury Interior and Advanced Technology
Stepping inside the Tiggo 9 PHEV reveals a cabin designed to impress with its blend of luxury appointments and cutting-edge technology. The centerpiece is a massive 15.6-inch 2.5K high-definition touchscreen that dominates the dashboard, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Both displays are freestanding, contributing to the modern, tech-forward ambiance.
The interior creates what Chery describes as a “warm and tech-savvy space,” with an integrated multifunctional console enhancing operational ease. The seating arrangement accommodates seven passengers across three rows, with specially crafted seats featuring distinctive 3D stitching patterns. Premium leather upholstery is expected to be standard, while front seats will likely offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
Other noteworthy interior features include a premium 14-speaker Sony audio system, ambient lighting, and an advanced voice control system. The cabin architecture prioritizes both driver engagement and passenger comfort, with thoughtful touches throughout.
Comprehensive Safety Package
Safety has been emphasized as a core value in the development of the Tiggo 9, with Chery stating that “safety is the ultimate luxury.” The vehicle’s structure incorporates 85% high-strength steel, including 21% hot-formed steel, providing a robust safety cell for occupants.
The Tiggo 9 PHEV is expected to come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. These features should help the vehicle compete favorably with established rivals in terms of safety credentials.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Tiggo 9 PHEV enters a competitive segment where it will face established players like the Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Kia Sorento PHEV, and Hyundai Santa Fe. However, Chery appears confident in the value proposition of its flagship SUV.
While official pricing hasn’t been announced, industry analysts expect the Tiggo 9 to start above the $50,000 mark for petrol-only versions, considering the smaller Tiggo 8 Pro Max’s price range between $41,990 and $47,990 drive-away. The PHEV variant will command a premium, potentially pushing into the $60,000-$70,000 territory.
Despite this pricing strategy, the Tiggo 9 PHEV is likely to offer a compelling equipment-to-price ratio compared to its competitors. Harris has previously stated that the Tiggo 9 will “be better value” than its key rivals, suggesting Chery’s continued commitment to the value-oriented approach that has served the brand well in Australia thus far.
Australian Market Expansion Strategy
The introduction of the Tiggo 9 PHEV aligns with Chery’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the Australian market across multiple segments. The brand currently offers three key SUV models: the small Omoda 5, the mid-sized Tiggo 7 Pro, and the larger Tiggo 8 Pro Max. The compact Tiggo 4 Pro has also recently joined the lineup.
Importantly, the Tiggo 9 PHEV represents just one aspect of Chery’s commitment to electrification in Australia. The company has confirmed plans to introduce several hybrid models in 2025, including the Tiggo 4 HEV and PHEV versions of both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8. This multi-pronged approach reflects Chery’s recognition of the growing consumer interest in electrified vehicles.
With more than 70 dealers now established across Australia, Chery has rapidly built the infrastructure needed to support its expanding model range. This dealer network provides the foundation for the brand’s ambitious growth plans in the coming years.
When Can You Get One?
According to the latest information from Chery Australia, the Tiggo 9 seven-seater is scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms by mid-2025. The PHEV variant may follow slightly later, potentially in the third or fourth quarter of 2025, though this timeline could change based on production and shipping logistics.
Interested buyers should keep an eye out for pre-launch announcements, as Chery may offer early-bird incentives or special launch editions to build momentum for this important model. Given the current supply chain challenges affecting the global automotive industry, securing an early reservation might be advisable for those keen to be among the first to experience Chery’s flagship SUV.
The Bigger Picture: Chery’s Global Ambitions
The Australian launch of the Tiggo 9 PHEV is just one element of Chery’s broader global expansion strategy. The Chinese automaker has committed to introducing 19 new hybrid models globally in 2025 alone, covering traditional series-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range electric vehicle configurations.
This aggressive push into electrified vehicles coincides with shifting consumer preferences in many markets, including Australia, where hybrid sales have been surging while pure electric vehicle adoption has temporarily slowed. Chery’s diversified approach—offering conventional petrol engines alongside various hybrid options—allows the company to meet customers where they are in terms of electrification readiness.
For the Australian market specifically, the introduction of sophisticated models like the Tiggo 9 PHEV helps elevate the perception of Chinese automotive brands, positioning them as legitimate competitors to established Japanese, Korean, and European marques in terms of technology, quality, and features.
A Serious Contender Emerges
The impending arrival of the 2025 Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV represents a significant milestone not just for Chery Australia but for the broader evolution of the local SUV market. With its impressive dimensions, sophisticated powertrain, luxury-oriented features, and competitive positioning, this flagship model has the potential to disrupt established patterns in the seven-seat SUV segment.
While some buyers may still approach Chinese automotive brands with caution, vehicles like the Tiggo 9 PHEV—with their compelling blend of advanced technology, generous equipment levels, and value-oriented pricing—are steadily eroding such hesitations. If the final production version delivers on the promises made by early specifications and sightings, the Tiggo 9 PHEV could well establish itself as a serious contender worthy of consideration alongside more familiar nameplate rivals.
As we await further details and the official Australian launch, one thing seems clear: the days when Chinese brands could be easily dismissed as mere budget alternatives are firmly in the rearview mirror. With the Tiggo 9 PHEV, Chery is making a bold statement about its capabilities and ambitions in the premium SUV space.
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