Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV

Model Overview

The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV is a mid-size D-segment plug-in hybrid SUV from Chery's Tiggo 8 lineup, first officially launched on 22 March 2023. At launch, 3 variants were offered, with post-subsidy prices ranging from RM159,900 to RM179,900. On 8 August 2023, the Champion Edition was introduced, bringing the entry price down to RM137,900 and further lowering the barrier of entry for mid-size PHEV SUVs. Slotted between the Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9, its key rivals include the BYD Song Pro DM-i and Geely Galaxy L7. In terms of dimensions, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV measures 4,745 mm long (4,722 mm for certain overseas markets), 1,860 mm wide, and 1,747 mm tall, with a 2,710 mm wheelbase. A five-door, five-seater layout comes standard with an optional seven-seater configuration across all variants; boot capacity stands at approximately 889 litres in five-seat guise and can be further expanded by folding flat the third row. The 2025 Champion Edition is priced between RM137,900 and RM198,900 depending on the variant. As of 2026, the model has undergone several model-year updates, adding upgrades like CDC electromagnetic adaptive suspension and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system on higher-spec variants.

Design Language

The exterior design of the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV carries over the styling of the petrol-powered Tiggo 8 Pro, featuring a prominent polygonal blackened front grille with an internal radiating mesh matrix, framed by full-width chrome trim connecting the headlight clusters on either side. Distinguishing it as a PHEV, NEV-exclusive blue accent strips are integrated into the front bumper, fog lamp surrounds, and side skirts, with a charging port on the front wing and a "DP-i" PHEV emblem on the left of the tailgate. At the rear, full-width LED taillights feature an array-style light signature, complemented by lower chrome surrounds mimicking dual exhaust exits, a roof spoiler, and a rear diffuser garnish that enhance visual depth and a sporty stance. Inside, the cabin features a blue-and-beige dual-tone scheme with the NEV "Blue Sky" interior package, featuring a wraparound cockpit layout with a 24.6-inch dual curved display and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel to deliver a tech-centric driving environment.

Powertrain & Performance

The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV is powered by Chery's Kunpeng DHT super hybrid powertrain, engineered around a "3-engine, 3-speed, 9-mode, 11-speed scenario" architecture: pairing a dedicated 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid engine with dual front permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, mated to Chery's in-house 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) to handle 11 all-scenario driving conditions. The 1.5T four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. Combined electric motor output is 125 kW, delivering a total system output of 240 kW (approx. 326 PS) and a peak system torque of 545 Nm. It completes the century sprint (0-100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, with 30-70 km/h mid-range acceleration taking just 3.0 seconds. Power is supplied by a 19.27 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) battery pack, providing a pure electric driving range of 80 km under WLTC (around 75 km under NEDC), a battery-depleted fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km (WLTC), and a combined total cruising range exceeding 1,000 km on a full tank and full charge. Charging-wise, it supports 29 kW DC fast charging, taking around 25 minutes for a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC), and features a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power discharge function as standard for outdoor activities. A large 60-litre fuel tank effectively eliminates range anxiety on long-distance road trips. Three selectable driving modes are available: EV Pure Electric, HEV-Normal, and HEV-Sport, allowing seamless switching to match driving conditions.

Chassis & Handling

Under the skin, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV rides on an all-round independent suspension setup, comprising MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link independent setup at the rear. The multi-link rear suspension incorporates optimised linkages, dampers, and coil springs to enhance ride comfort and composure under acceleration and braking, whilst delivering stable straight-line tracking and poised cornering control. It features a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with Electric Power Steering (EPS). Post-2025 high-spec variants are upgraded with CDC electromagnetic adaptive damping and an intelligent AWD system, improving cornering body control by roughly 30% and wet-weather traction by around 45%. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold as standard. In real-world driving feedback, the suspension provides commendable roll suppression during high-speed cornering with a distinctly sporty setup; however, initial damper travel is on the firmer side over speed humps and potholed roads, offering modest bump compliance. NVH suppression is respectable, though some wind noise is noticeable around the windscreen at highway speeds, remaining well within acceptable limits.

Cabin & Equipment

The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV is equipped with Chery's Lion 5.0 AI smart digital cockpit, anchored by a 24.6-inch (12.3-inch on early batches) integrated curved dual display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. The infotainment system supports GPS navigation, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/HiCar), connected car services, 4G connectivity, Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates, and voice command. Mid-to-high-spec variants also feature a W-HUD head-up display projecting key driving data, dynamic ADAS status, and navigation cues onto the windscreen. For comfort and convenience, a panoramic sliding glass roof, automatic/manual climate control (manual on base trim), rear air conditioning vents, and a PM2.5 cabin air filter come standard across the range. Seating-wise, the entry variant gets synthetic leather upholstery, while higher trims feature what Chery calls the "Queen Passenger Seat" with integrated SPA-grade massage functions. A SONY sound system is standard, featuring an 8-speaker setup on base models and a 10-speaker premium surround sound system with dynamic rhythmic ambient lighting on flagship variants. Device charging needs are served by a 50W Qi wireless charging pad and Type-C fast-charging ports. The Champion Edition and higher trims introduced since 2018 further add heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, alongside power-adjustable front passenger seating with an electric ottoman leg rest.

Safety & Advanced Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV is built on a high-strength steel safety cell, incorporating hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel with a tensile strength of up to 1,500 MPa in critical structural areas. Airbag counts vary across trims: entry-level models feature front, side, and curtain airbags (4 to 6 airbags), while flagship variants add a driver's knee airbag. Active safety essentials including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) are standard across the board, alongside Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

In terms of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV comes equipped with Level 2 (L2) semi-autonomous driving features, powered by millimetre-wave radars and surround-view cameras. Core functionalities include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Mid- and high-spec variants step up to Level 2.5 capability, adding Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and Adaptive High Beam Control (IHC). For parking assistance, a 360-degree surround-view camera is standard, while top-spec variants upgrade to a 540-degree panoramic imaging system with a transparent chassis view, providing added safety when navigating tight parking spots.

Market Performance & Verdict

Since its introduction, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV has had to navigate an intensely competitive Chinese NEV SUV landscape. While the petrol-powered Tiggo 8 family consistently logs over 10,000 monthly sales, market adoption of the plug-in hybrid model has lagged behind expectations. Industry analysts point to several contributing factors: established NEV rivals such as the BYD Song Pro DM-i enjoy strong first-mover brand equity and massive market mindshare, creating substantial competitive pressure; Chery's Kunpeng DHT hybrid architecture is relatively newer in the retail market, requiring time to build consumer awareness; additionally, the styling leans conservative, and marketing for its smart cockpit and ADAS capabilities has been less aggressive than its peers. The arrival of the Champion Edition in August 2023 brought the entry price down to RM137,900, achieving price parity with conventional ICE models, which reignited showroom interest, though it fell short of sparking a major sales breakthrough.

In terms of owner feedback, praised attributes include: immediate off-the-line electric torque response, serene EV refinement, and substantially lower running costs in hybrid mode compared to pure petrol counterparts; the large 60-litre fuel tank paired with the PHEV drivetrain delivers effortless long-haul cruising range; and the lifetime vehicle warranty (inclusive of the battery, motor, and electronic control system) offers substantial long-term ownership peace of mind. Common owner gripes include: real-world fuel consumption when running on a depleted battery hovering around 6.0 L/100 km, slightly above official claims; actual EV range being susceptible to ambient temperatures and driving styles, with the WLTC-rated 80 km settling around 70-75 km after two years on the road; and occasional transmission hesitation/jerkiness from the dual-clutch hybrid unit in the 60-70 km/h speed bracket. Quality complaint registries also note isolated reports of uneven tyre wear, 12V auxiliary battery drainage, and intermittent drivetrain power loss on select model years. On the export front, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV leverages Chery's established global distribution footprint, recording steady sales in markets like Russia. Overall, with its Kunpeng DHT powertrain as the core highlight, coupled with a commodious cabin, low running costs, and versatile 7-seater practicality, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV presents a compelling value-driven package in the mid-size SUV segment, even if brand prestige and smart NEV tech continue to have room for growth.