British car buyers will welcome a new mid-size SUV contender in January 2026 as Omoda confirms its latest model, the Omoda 7, will join the competitive UK market. However, the newcomer faces the challenging task of matching the remarkable success achieved by its own sibling, the Jaecoo 7.
Following in Successful Footsteps
The pressure is firmly on the Omoda 7 to replicate the momentum of its glamorous relative. The brand's sister marque, Jaecoo, has stormed into UK sales charts this year, with the Jaecoo 7 becoming Britain's sixth best-selling car in October. This impressive achievement sets a high benchmark for the incoming Omoda model.
Sharing much of its underlying technology with the successful Jaecoo 7 gives the Omoda 7 a solid foundation. However, the newcomer must establish its own identity in a crowded marketplace while capitalising on proven engineering.
Competitive Pricing and Powertrain Options
Omoda has positioned the 7 competitively in terms of pricing, potentially giving it an advantage over its sister model. Prices will start from £29,915 for the petrol version and £32,000 for the plug-in hybrid. This undercuts the Jaecoo 7, which costs £30,115 for petrol and £35,165 for plug-in hybrid variants.
The Omoda 7 slots between the compact Omoda 5 and flagship Omoda 9, giving the brand a true mid-size option as part of its growing UK line-up. Since its UK launch in August 2024, Omoda has captured 1.45% of the market according to SMMT data.
Lavish Specification and Advanced Features
Buyers can choose between two trims – Knight and Noble – with both petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains available. The Knight trim focuses on delivering strong value with heated eco-leather steering wheel, dual-zone air-conditioning, 19-inch alloys and a six-speaker Sony audio system all included as standard.
Moving up to the Noble trim introduces significant luxury upgrades, including a 12-speaker Sony system, heated and ventilated gaming-inspired front seats, power tailgate and a panoramic sunroof stretching 1.45 metres. The Noble also introduces fragrances and four-zone voice control – both firsts for UK-delivered Omoda models.
The headline powertrain option is the Super Hybrid System (SHS) – Omoda's plug-in system that pairs an 18.3kWh battery with a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The claimed figures are impressive: over 700 miles of total range, 56 miles of EV-only driving, 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds and CO₂ emissions as low as 23g/km.
Fast-charging capability of up to 40kW enables a 30%-80% battery top-up in just 20 minutes, while Vehicle-to-Load capability allows owners to power external devices from the car.
The entry-level petrol variant features a 1.6-litre TGDI engine producing 147PS and 275Nm, achieving 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds.
Design Philosophy and Practical Considerations
Although the Jaecoo models have garnered attention for their attractive styling, Omoda emphasises that design remains a cornerstone of its brand identity. The Omoda 7 incorporates the company's Art in Motion and O-Universe design philosophies, featuring a borderless diamond grille framed by slim LED matrix headlights at the front, while lightning-bolt-style taillights at the rear echo the treatment seen on the new Omoda 4.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by a central 15.6-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8155 chipset. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over-the-air updates all come as standard.
Practicality hasn't been overlooked, with three ISOFIX points and a 639-litre boot providing family-friendly utility. Safety equipment is generous across the range, featuring 21 driver assistance systems and a 540-degree camera with transparent chassis view.
Chassis tuning comes courtesy of the brand's German R&D team, promising European driving dynamics. All Omoda and Jaecoo models come with a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard, along with an eight-year battery warranty for hybrid versions and RAC Home Start cover for the warranty's duration.
The Omoda 7's arrival in January 2026 represents another significant step in the Chinese brand's UK expansion, offering British buyers another compelling option in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.
