The 2027 Exeed Yaoguang, also known as the Omoda C9. Source: Chery Understand China EV’s Market Real-time notifications when critical EV data is released All important data in one place 2,000,000+ data points Become a member Chery‘s Omoda has launched the 2027 refresh of the C9 SUV. Marketed as the Yaoguang under Chery’s Exeed sub-brand in China, this mid-size SUV offers a 2-litre turbo ICE or a 1.5-litre turbo PHEV with 120km CLTC EV range. Pricing starts at 124,900 yuan (18,400 USD) and tops at 139,900 yuan (20,600 USD). What’s new with the C9 The C9 was first introduced in 2023 as a pure combustion SUV, and its PHEV variant, the C9 (Yaoguang) C-DM, was launched in 2024. The 2027 refresh introduces slight cosmetic changes, with Chery claiming a coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.307. In comparison, Xiaomi’s YU7 claims 0.245 Cd, and Tesla’s Model Y Juniper goes further with 0.220 Cd. The C9 (Yaoguang) C-DM. Source: Yiche The refresh also introduces a Night Edition for petrol-powered C9s. The cosmetic pack includes Michelin tyres, red-accented brake callipers, and a black suede roof liner. The rims receive a smoky black makeover too, to complete the package’s sporty look. The C9 Night Edition. On the inside, Chery claims to have improved the C9’s cabin air quality, likening the interior to a “forest oxygen bar”. The automaker guarantees that the vehicle meets the “four zeros”: zero formaldehyde, zero odours, zero allergens, and zero benzene. These are common components in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and are commonly referred to as the “new car smell”. The interior of the C9. In terms of safety, Chery says the 2027 refresh introduces several tweaks and that over 85% of the C9’s chassis is now made of high-strength steel. The automaker claims that the C9’s roof can sustain loads of up to 10 tons and can better withstand rollovers and impacts with heavy vehicles. The C9 C-DM’s battery receives a glow-up as well, and it’s now a “Rhino Cleaver” LFP pack rated for over 5000 cycles. Chery claims that its cells can survive extreme deformation and multiple penetrations, and the pack can discharge normally even after being damaged and submerged. More on the Omoda C9 / Exeed Yaoguang The C9 measures 4,781 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, 1,671mm in height, and has a 2,815 mm wheelbase. It is equipped with McPherson struts up front and multi-link suspension at the rear. Chinese 2027 models are no longer optionable with AWD or adjustable suspension. Petrol-powered C9s come with a 192 kW (257 hp) 2-litre turbo four cylinder engine, coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch auto transmission (DCT). PHEV C9s pair a 115 kW (154 hp) 1.5-litre turbo four cylinder engine with a 150 kW (201 hp) front motor, with total power rated at 265 kW (355 hp). The PHEVs now get a 19.5 kWh LFP pack, giving a CLTC EV range of 120 km. The C9 C-DM supports DC fast charging, with a 30-80% charge taking 17 minutes, according to the manufacturer. Exeed’s domestic deliveries, May 2025 to April 2026. Source: China EV Datatracker While Omoda and Jaecoo are handling the bulk of Chery’s exports, Exeed is an exceedingly obsolete brand in China. China EV Datatracker shows the brand delivered only 1,504 units domestically in April 2026, and sold only 53,056 cars in 2025. The brand is seeing consistent year-on-year reductions of 60-70% in monthly sales, underscoring its outdated, marginalized product lineup. The C9’s refresh will lay the groundwork for Chery’s ongoing overseas expansion, but it remains to be seen whether it can help arrest Exeed’s downward spiral. Source: Chery, Exeed & Yiche
