OMODA 7: China’s latest premium player coming to UK

China's OMODA is set to challenge the UK mid-sized SUV market in 2026 with the new OMODA 7 — but can it bring premium tech without a hefty price tag?

It’s confirmed: Chinese brand OMODA is rolling out its new SUV, the OMODA 7, to UK roads in January 2026. Sat between the compact OMODA 5 and the flagship OMODA 9, the mid-sized offering promises a serious amount of tech and a dose of premium comfort, without a hefty price tag. 

So, what can we expect when it comes to the UK next year, and will it be able to compete with established competitors, or even its Chery compatriots?

Under the bonnet

The OMODA 7 is offering two powertrain options at launch.

First up is a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine, capable of delivering a serviceable 145 bhp, taking you from 0-62 mph in an also serviceable 10.4 seconds. And, if you opt for this straightforward, pure combustion engine, you’ll find it available from £29,915.

And for the other option: what’s better than a hybrid engine? A super hybrid engine, of course. OMODA’s plug-in Super Hybrid System (SHS) pairs a 1.5-litre engine with an 18.3-kwh battery for an even more serviceable 201 bhp. And — hold on to your hats — there’s a speed boost too, with the hybrid option hitting 62 mph in 8.4 seconds. But the real star here is the powertrain’s efficiency, capable of 403 mpg and a total driving range of over 700 miles, with 56 of those being purely electric powered. Not too shabby at all.

Above standard technology?

With its aim to bring a premium offering at a low-level price, the OMODA is clearly out to make a statement with the 7’s technology. 

With the entry-level Knight trim, you get a heated eco-leather steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, and a six-speaker SONY audio system. Tick some more boxes to unlock the Noble trim, and you get upgraded to a 12-speaker SONY setup, heated and ventilated seats, and a 1.45-metre panoramic sunroof. It even introduces a few novelties for the UK market, like an air-conditioning fragrance system and four-zone voice control.

Across both trims, the tech-focused cabin features a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver display. This is all powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset, allowing for a ‘fast and fluid’ experience. Throw in wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and you’ve got a forward-thinking, modern cabin environment.

Standing out from the crowd?

It’s safe to say SUVs have a bit of a reputation for following fairly generic styling cues, leading to our enjoyment of disrupters like BMW’s snouty new iX3. And while perhaps not on the same level, we reckon the OMODA 7 has achieved a unique design of its own. 

Guided by what the brand calls ‘Art in Motion’ and an ‘O-Universe’ philosophy, the mid-sized SUV comes with an upright stance, punctuated by flowing lines, angular accents, and a borderless honeycomb grille. And — our personal favourite feature — the rear houses some distinctive lightning bolt-shaped lights, adding a fun, futuristic flourish.

It’s not just about looks, though. Underneath this stylish exterior is a chassis optimised by OMODA’s German R&D team. This promises a responsive, comfortable ride, with safety clearly a cornerstone thanks to a high-strength steel structure and an energy-absorbing 'space capsule' body design. Oh, and there is also room for a practical 639-litre boot and three ISOFIX points, ready for the realities of British family life.

With its premium features, sharp looks, and competitive price, is the OMODA 7 the sensible new mid-size SUV UK drivers have been waiting for, or will you stick with the established players?

Hero image credit:  Newspress UK