Rewriting the Premium SUV rulebook: Meet the C9 by JAECOO

In a market dominated by safe bets and inflated price tags, the C9 premium off-road SUV Coupé bursts onto the scene with a mission: to redefine what "premium" means without demanding a small fortune.

It’s the kind of disruptor that makes you pause and wonder, why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?

Well, a certain Japanese brand starting with an "L" gave it a shot back in the ’90s, but they brought it to our market with a price tag that was about RM100k higher than the OMODA C9. Makes you wonder—why didn’t anyone crack this formula sooner?

Crafted by JAECOO Malaysia, the C9 aims to elevate the luxury off-road SUV experience—the OMODA C9 is not just another D-segment SUV.

This is a vehicle that seems to have been meticulously designed to blur the lines between attainable and aspirational. With its sleek coupé-inspired silhouette and diamond-matrix grille, it turns heads as effortlessly as it redefines expectations.

The price for this new breed of SUV starts at RM168,800 for the 2WD variant, while the AWD model sits at RM188,800. And no, these aren’t mere entry-level numbers; they’re deliberate statements that premiums can be accessible.

Measuring 4,775 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,671 mm tall with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the OMODA C9 strikes a good balance between elegance and practicality.

Whether you’re navigating urban avenues or embarking on a weekend getaway, its confident stance—amplified by 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin e-Primacy tyres—signals a commanding presence. Its 660-litre boot capacity (expandable to a whopping 1,783 litres) ensures no compromise between style and substance.

Power That Moves You

Under the hood lies a robust 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 261 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Coupled with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, it provides effortless acceleration and a smooth, confident drive.

The 2WD model comes with three selectable driving modes, while the AWD variant boasts seven, unlocking a world of off-road capability for those who dare to venture beyond the asphalt. Thanks to its Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension, the OMODA C9 isn’t just about speed—it’s about mastering every journey.

There needs to be a special conversation about the OMODA C9’s CDC Suspension because, at this price point, it’s a rare gem among vehicles. This advanced system, typically reserved for out-of-reach premium cars, delivers a remarkable blend of comfort and control by adapting to road conditions in real-time.

It’s easy to take such technology for granted, but the whole reason why it stands out is its ability to elevate the driving experience, ensuring superior ride quality, sharper handling, and enhanced stability—qualities that are usually found in vehicles costing significantly more.

For the OMODA C9 to offer this at such a competitive price is once again JAECOO Malaysia’s attempt to rewrite the premium SUV rulebook. 

A Cabin That Feels Like Home

Step inside, and you’ll understand the heart of this SUV’s premium promise.

The 24.6-inch combined HD display panel serves as the digital command centre, while the Sony 14-speaker audio system—including innovative headrest speakers—delivers an immersive soundtrack to your travels.

The cabin is a sanctuary of comfort. Ventilated front seats, complete with 8-way power adjustability and memory functions, ensure optimal support, while rear passengers are treated to electrically reclining seats.

The 3-zone climate control with B-pillar vents and an integrated fragrance system offers a tailored environment, whether you’re stuck in traffic or cruising along coastal highways.

And then there’s the lighting—a rhythmic ambient lighting system that dances to your music, creating an interior mood that feels alive and vibrant.

Tech Meets Intuition

If the OMODA C9’s push-button door release doesn’t grab your attention, its treasure trove of convenience features definitely will. A 540-degree surround view camera, built-in digital video recorder, and head-up display?

That’s just the warm-up. Add in an auto-sensing tailgate and pop-out door handles, and you’ve got a cocktail of luxury and practicality served on a silver platter.

But here’s the kicker—powered reclining rear seats. In an SUV under RM300k? Now that’s a flex. Most brands cut corners and skip features like this to pad their profit margins, but JAECOO clearly had a different playbook.

They’ve cherry-picked the best features and thought, “Why hold back? Let’s bring the good stuff to the masses.”

Designed for Malaysian Roads—and Beyond

Safety too hasn’t been forgotten about, and the C9 delivers Level 2.5 autonomous driving capabilities. Features like blind spot detection, lane departure prevention, and emergency lane keep assist work in concert with eight airbags to keep you and your passengers secure. 

Level 2.5 autonomous driving is one of those features you might not think about often, but when you need it, it's incredibly reassuring to have. It’s like owning an umbrella—you don’t always need it, but when the rain comes, you’re thankful it’s there.

In Malaysia, with unpredictable drivers and varying road conditions, this technology can be especially helpful. Stuck in traffic? The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist take some of the stress off, keeping a safe distance and holding your lane even during stop-and-go situations.

On highways, it helps ease the fatigue of long drives by managing the little adjustments for you. And in tricky parking situations, automated parking is a welcome hand.

Even if you’re someone who prefers manual control most of the time, it’s good to know that this tech is ready to step in when the situation calls for it. It’s a practical feature that adds safety and convenience, especially for dealing with Malaysia’s unpredictable drivers and roads.

The Malaysian market launch also showcased the nation’s first CKD matte paint finish—an attention to detail that exemplifies the C9’s approach to standing out, even in a crowd of competitors.

Why the OMODA C9 Matters

The OMODA C9 isn’t just an SUV; it’s a statement. It’s a reminder that premium doesn’t have to mean unattainable, and that luxury can be grounded in practicality.

Much like certain pioneers in the 1990s set a new benchmark for luxury SUVs, the OMODA C9 aims to do the same today—without the excessive price tag in the modern era.

This is more than an SUV; it’s an invitation to rethink what your money can get you. And come December, it might just make you question why you ever settled for anything less.

OMODA C9 Coupé SUV Specification 

Category	Specifications
Model	Omoda C9 Coupé SUV
Positioning	D-segment SUV
Estimated Price	2WD: RM168,800 AWD: RM188,800
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L Turbocharged Petrol, Inline-4
Transmission	8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain	2WD and AWD options
Performance
Power	261 PS (257 hp)
Torque	400 Nm
Drive Modes	2WD: 3 modes AWD: 7 modes (enhanced off-road capabilities)
Suspension and Wheels
Front Suspension	MacPherson Struts
Rear Suspension	Multi-link
Adaptive Suspension	Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
Wheels	20-inch alloy wheels
Tyres	245/50R20 Michelin e-Primacy
Water Wading Depth	Up to 450 mm
Interior Features
Display	24.6-inch combined HD display panel
Audio	14-speaker Sony system with headrest speakers
Seats	Front: Ventilated, 8-way power-adjustable (driver’s seat with 6-position memory) Rear: Electrically reclining
Air-Conditioning	3-zone climate control with B-pillar vents
Fragrance System	Integrated cartridge system (three scents)
Materials	Soft-touch leather on console and dashboard
Ambient Lighting	Active rhythmic lighting system
Steering Wheel	Multi-function with paddle shifters
Head-Up Display	Included
Convenience Features
Push-button Door Release	Included
Built-in DVR	Included
Surround View Camera System	540-degree
Exterior Features
Grille	Diamond-matrix design
Lighting	Adaptive LED headlights LED tail lamps ‘Sigma’ DRL
Door Handles	Pop-out design
Tailgate	Auto-sensing function
Safety
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)	Level 2.5 Autonomous driving capabilities Blind spot detection Door opening warning Lane departure warning Lane departure prevention Lane change assist Emergency lane keep assist Driver monitoring system
Passive Safety	8 airbags