OMODA 9 SHS Crowned Plug-in Car of the Year in the UK

OMODA 9 SHS Crowned Plug-in Car of the Year in the UK

OMODA’s momentum in the UK has taken another decisive step forward, with the OMODA 9 SHS named Plug-in Car of the Year by Company Car & Van, the UK’s leading business and fleet motoring publication. The accolade places the flagship SUV firmly among the most accomplished luxury plug-in hybrids currently available, reinforcing its appeal at […]

By Breyten Odendaal20 January 20264 min read

OMODA’s momentum in the UK has taken another decisive step forward, with the OMODA 9 SHS named Plug-in Car of the Year by Company Car & Van, the UK’s leading business and fleet motoring publication. The accolade places the flagship SUV firmly among the most accomplished luxury plug-in hybrids currently available, reinforcing its appeal at a time when the PHEV market is regaining strategic importance for fleets and private buyers alike.

The award recognises more than headline figures. Judged by industry experts against criteria including efficiency, suitability for fleet use and real-world usability, the OMODA 9 SHS stood out for its ability to combine long electric driving capability with the comfort, refinement and safety expected in the premium SUV segment. With a five-star Euro NCAP rating and an electric-only range of up to 93 miles, the model delivers reassurance on both the balance sheet and the road.

At the heart of the OMODA 9 SHS is Chery International’s Super Hybrid System, a powertrain designed to bridge the gap between full electrification and traditional combustion. Its 93-mile EV range allows the majority of daily commutes to be completed without using fuel, while rapid-charging capability ensures minimal downtime between journeys. When operating as a hybrid, the transition between electric and petrol power is smooth and unobtrusive, creating a driving experience that feels polished rather than compromised.

This technical sophistication is matched by a premium interior that has clearly been designed with long-distance driving in mind. The cabin offers generous space, supportive seating and a high level of standard equipment, positioning the OMODA 9 SHS as a genuine alternative to established European rivals. For company car drivers, that combination of comfort and practicality is increasingly non-negotiable, particularly as vehicles are expected to serve both professional and family roles.

The recognition from Company Car & Van also reflects the model’s credentials beyond the specification sheet. In 2025, the OMODA 9 SHS completed a nine-country, 730-mile European grand tour on a single charge and one tank of fuel, surpassing its official WLTP range estimate of 700 miles. Powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, dual electric motors and a 34.46kWh MP3 battery, the SUV delivered its full 449PS and 700Nm output with ease, while maintaining its impressive electric-only capability in real-world conditions. The exercise served as a clear demonstration of how plug-in hybrids can still offer meaningful long-distance flexibility alongside low-emissions driving.

Safety remains a central pillar of the OMODA 9 SHS proposition. Its five-star Euro NCAP rating underlines a comprehensive approach to occupant protection and driver assistance, a critical consideration for fleet operators managing duty-of-care responsibilities. Combined with strong build quality and a reassuring on-road feel, the model projects confidence in a segment where trust is paramount.

Victor Zhang, UK Country Director of OMODA UK, welcomed the recognition as validation of the brand’s strategy. He noted that the award reflects how closely the OMODA 9 SHS aligns with the real-world demands of UK company car drivers, offering long-distance efficiency, thoughtful exterior design and a luxury-led interior in a package that works for both families and fleets. As the UK plug-in hybrid market continues to evolve, Zhang emphasised that OMODA’s focus on hybrid usability and everyday practicality is beginning to resonate.

Andrew Walker, Editor of Company Car & Van, echoed that sentiment, describing the OMODA 9 SHS as Chery International’s most complete vehicle to date. Praised for its desirability, practicality and generous standard specification, the SUV was also commended for driving and handling with the composure expected of a large European model. With its 93-mile electric range, Walker concluded, the OMODA 9 SHS has all the ingredients required for company car success.

From a financial perspective, the model’s appeal is further strengthened by a low Benefit-in-Kind tax rate of just 6 percent for the 2025/2026 financial year, made possible by CO₂ emissions of 38g/km. For drivers and employers alike, that translates into tangible savings without sacrificing performance or comfort.

The OMODA 9 SHS is available now through OMODA’s UK dealer network, priced from £44,990 OTR. Every model is supplied with a comprehensive 7-year or 100,000-mile warranty, eight-year battery cover and RAC Home Start as standard, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to long-term ownership confidence.

As plug-in hybrids reassert their relevance in a transitional market, the OMODA 9 SHS stands as a clear statement of intent. The Company Car & Van Plug-in Car of the Year award not only celebrates a single model’s achievements, but also signals OMODA’s growing influence in the UK’s competitive fleet and premium SUV landscape.

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