New Omoda X Debuts With Rugged Design, Physical Controls, Electrified Powertrains

Omoda Jaecoo continues to expand its growing family of crossover SUVs, this time with the launch of the new Omoda X. The Omoda X follows the Omoda 4, which was unveiled about six months ago at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. The Omoda X isn’t just a new crossover SUV, as this model sets the tone for what future Omoda vehicles will look like.

The Omoda X debuts a “mecha-inspired” design language that eschews flowing lines and soft curves for one that looks blunt and more edgy. Omoda says that the design was heavily inspired by Gundam, and that is reflected in the sharp, contrasting lines at the front end, featuring an upright fascia with LED headlights and daytime running lights that give off an aggressive tone. There’s an active grille shutter up front, which hints at what kind of powertrains it will likely have–which are likely electrified.

At the sides, the Omoda X features geometric surfacing for its broad shoulders and character lines. This is where you’ll also notice is 200-mm ground clearance, which is good enough for a crossover SUV with off-road intent. It also seems that three-spoke wheels are making a comeback, and these are wrapped in all-terrain tires. There’s a black contrasting roof, while the solely painted C-pillar helps in giving the Omoda X a more distinct silhouette. Lastly, the rear end has an upright tailgate, with LED taiillights that mimic the daytime running lights up front.

Hop inside the Omoda X, and you’ll see an interior that draws inspiration from fighter jets, which, in turn, somehow reminds us a lot of Lamborghini’s interior layout. Though this is a pre-production car, the overall interior quality feels upmarket, thanks to the generous use of soft-touch materials and leatherette surfaces. Thankfully, despite the presence of a 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen, physical controls are making a comeback. Yes, guys, we can both have a large screen and physical controls for a truly ergonomic interior.

Other tech features and interior highlights include a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, power-adjustable front seats, a large panoramic glass roof with heat rejection, four microphone zones for the built-in karaoke, and a heavy reliance on AI as part of Chery’s initiative to make its vehicles learn your routines and preferences. There’s also a powered tailgate, plus heating and cooling for both rows, and one of its highlights is the thermal imaging capability, which makes nighttime driving a breeze.

The Omoda X’s powertrains have not yet been revealed, but it is likely to have a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and perhaps a fully electric drivetrain. Based on the “engine start” button inside, however, it could be a sign that it may have a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) version as well. What Omoda has revealed are some of its capability specs, such as its 1,800 kg towing capacity.

Omoda Jaecoo has not yet provided a timeline on when the Omoda X will go on sale, but it is likely that production will begin either before the year ends or in early 2027. For now, the Omoda X serves as the brand’s flagship model that targets buyers who want a bit of rugged capability from their tech-focused crossover SUV, but an even more upmarket model has been promised in a couple of years from now.