Soueast S06 DM

Vehicle Overview

The Soueast S06 DM is a C-segment plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV under the Soueast marque, serving as the electrified counterpart to the petrol-powered S06. Unveiled alongside the ICE S06 in early 2025, it made its global debut in Dubai, UAE. Following Chery Group's acquisition of Soueast Auto, the S06 DM forms part of the brand's initial export SUV lineup alongside the petrol S06, S07, and S09, serving as a key showcase for the brand's plug-in hybrid powertrain technology in overseas markets.

Built upon Chery Group's proven platform architecture, the Soueast S06 DM shares its core underpinnings with the Jetour Shanhai L6. Tailored for daily urban commutes and family getaways, the SUV highlights an ultra-long total driving range, a potent PHEV powertrain, and a tech-centric cabin. As of June 2026, the S06 DM has not gone on sale in mainland China, with its market focus concentrated on the Middle East (including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait) alongside an entry into Mexico.

Design Language

The Soueast S06 DM carries over the overall styling of the petrol S06, incorporating dedicated electrified design cues to signal its eco-friendly credentials. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4.6 metres in length with a 2,720 mm wheelbase, sitting right in the sweet spot for a modern C-segment SUV. Up front, it features smart LED headlamps flanking a sculpted bonnet and a bold front grille, complemented by functional aerodynamic air curtains at both corners. The profile is defined by a sleek fastback roofline for a dynamic crossover stance, paired with 19-inch or 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels wrapped in either 235/55 R19 or 255/45 R20 tyres. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar and concealed twin exhaust outlets beneath the rear bumper deliver a clean, contemporary finish.

Inside, the S06 DM features a driver-oriented wraparound cockpit layout. Taking centre stage on the dashboard are a 15.6-inch 2K floating central touchscreen and a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster, powered by a Qualcomm processor for slick, responsive operation. The cabin makes extensive use of soft-touch materials and leather upholstery, complemented by ambient lighting strips across the door cards and dashboard to elevate the interior ambiance.

Powertrain and Performance

The Soueast S06 DM runs a front-wheel-drive (FWD) plug-in hybrid setup. At its core is a SQRE4T15C 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (1,498 cc) paired with a front-mounted electric motor and a dedicated 1-speed hybrid transmission (DHT). Combined, the system produces a muscular 265 kW (approximately 355 hp) and 530 Nm of peak torque. This allows the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, on to a top speed of 180 km/h.

Juice is supplied by a 19.43 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. Under NEDC test cycles, it achieves a pure electric range of 114 km, easily covering typical daily urban motoring. In hybrid mode with a full tank and full charge, the total combined cruising range reaches up to 1,000 km, placing it among the upper tier of PHEV SUVs in its class. In battery-depleted mode, fuel consumption is rated at approximately 5.2 L/100 km, with a WLTC combined figure of 5.7 L/100 km (equivalent to around 17.5 km/L on MIIT combined cycles). The vehicle supports both AC charging and DC fast charging; while official charging times have not been specified, early user feedback highlights respectably quick turnaround times.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Soueast S06 DM features front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, engineered to balance daily ride comfort with composed body control through corners. Steering is assisted via an electric power steering (EPS) system, while braking hardware consists of ventilated front discs and solid rear discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Kerb weight is rated at 1,742 kg.

In terms of drivetrain, the SUV is exclusively front-wheel driven across the range with no all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, which has been cited as a limitation in certain Middle Eastern road tests. Drivers can choose from multiple driving modes, including Pure Electric, Hybrid, and Petrol Priority, depending on traffic conditions and battery levels. Real-world feedback from overseas owners suggests predictable, composed handling, though some noted that the petrol engine can feel slightly stretched during high-speed highway cruising. Nevertheless, its smooth acceleration and confident road manners have garnered positive remarks from reviewers.

Cabin and Features

The smart cockpit is a standout highlight of the Soueast S06 DM. The 15.6-inch 2K touchscreen serves as the infotainment hub, driven by a responsive Qualcomm chipset and supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice command controls (for climate control, sunroof, and more). Air-conditioning is handled by a dual-zone automatic climate control system equipped with a CN95-grade cabin air filter. For comfort, the front seats come with power adjustments (6-way for the driver, 4-way for the front passenger), heating, ventilation, and memory settings, while the rear bench gets dedicated AC vents and a centre armrest with cup holders. The cabin offers up to 32 practical storage compartments, including a centre armrest box with heating and cooling functions suitable for long road trips. Entertainment is handled by a 9-speaker Sony audio system with crisp acoustics, complemented by a powered tailgate, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a panoramic sunroof, and remote engine start.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Soueast S06 DM is built around a high-strength body structure and comes standard with front, front side, and rear side airbags, providing comprehensive passive safety protection. Active safety and driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), giving the SUV Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Additional driver aids include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), and a reverse camera. Notably, Soueast Auto backs the SUV with a 10-year or 1,000,000 km manufacturer warranty—an exceptional package in its price segment that reflects the carmaker's confidence in its build quality and powertrain durability.

Market Performance and Reception

As a key strategic entry in Soueast's electrification push, the S06 DM targeted overseas markets right from the start. In early 2025, Soueast Auto inked an exclusive distributorship with Elite Group Holding in the UAE, staging its global launch at the iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai. In the UAE, the SUV carries a starting price tag of approximately AED 109,900 to AED 120,000 (approximately RM209,000 to RM228,000). Beyond the UAE, expansion plans cover Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, and Mexico. As of June 2026, the S06 DM has yet to be introduced in the Chinese domestic market.

In terms of media reception, UAE-based automotive portal Drive Arabia gave the SUV positive reviews following a test drive, commending its 1,000 km range, generous tech kit, and refined ride quality against its competitive price point, while noting the lack of an AWD option and tight rear headroom as minor trade-offs. In markets like Kuwait, long-term reliability records are still developing, but early owners have praised its real-world fuel economy and cabin design. Against direct rivals like the BYD Song PLUS DM-i and MG HS PHEV, the Soueast S06 DM holds on-paper advantages in power output and total range, though expanding brand recognition and aftersales dealer networks remains its foremost challenge abroad.