Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Ultimate PHEV Review

2025 Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Ultimate.

The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Ultimate is a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV aimed at buyers who want the flexibility of petrol power with a meaningful electric-driving capability. As the range-topping version of the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, it combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor driving the front wheels, supported by an 18.3kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery.

Its strongest appeal is the way the plug-in hybrid system suits urban driving. With a claimed electric range of up to 95km, the Tiggo 8 can handle a substantial amount of routine travel without relying on the petrol engine, provided the battery is regularly charged. The electric motor contributes 150kW and 310Nm, while the petrol engine produces 105kW and 215Nm. The result is responsive acceleration around town, quiet operation and a smooth delivery of power through the CVT.

Efficiency is a central part of the package. Chery quotes combined fuel consumption of 1.3L per 100km under its testing cycle, although real-world consumption rises to approximately 5.1-6.0L per 100km once the battery charge is depleted. The electric range claim proved relatively achievable in testing, with about 80 per cent of the stated figure reached. The battery can accept DC charging at up to 40kW, allowing a 30 to 80 per cent charge in around 20 minutes.

The Ultimate specification makes a strong equipment case. It adds a powered tailgate, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, puddle lights, heated and ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable front seating, passenger-seat massage and speakers integrated into the seat headrests. A large 15.6-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard and includes satellite navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. A 50W air-cooled wireless charging pad is also fitted.

Inside, the Tiggo 8 presents a clean, modern cabin with leatherette upholstery and useful storage beneath the floating centre console. The second row is a practical area, offering generous legroom, a near-flat floor, sliding and reclining adjustment, USB-A and USB-C ports, air vents and a folding armrest. The third row is less accommodating, working better as occasional seating for children than as a full-time adult space. With all seven seats in use, boot capacity is limited, but the second- and third-row seats fold close to flat to improve cargo versatility.

The driving experience is more mixed. Around town, light steering, a tight turning circle, quiet running and soft suspension make the Tiggo 8 easy to manoeuvre. On faster, uneven roads, however, the suspension can feel bouncy and unsettled, while the steering offers limited feedback. The friction brakes are sensitive and adjusting regenerative braking while driving is not especially intuitive. The column-mounted gear selector also proved fiddly to operate in tight manoeuvres.

Safety equipment is extensive, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and lane-change assistance, traffic-jam assist, driver-attention monitoring, tyre-pressure monitoring and a surround-view camera with front and rear parking sensors. Some driver-assistance systems require refinement, particularly the lane-keeping and attention-monitoring functions. The Super Hybrid had not received its own ANCAP rating at the time of review, although the petrol-powered Tiggo 8 Pro Max achieved five stars in 2023 testing.

• 18.3kWh LFP battery with claimed electric range of up to 95km
• 40kW DC fast-charging capability
• Seven seats with a more practical five-plus-two layout
• Front-wheel drive with CVT transmission
• Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty

Other highlights include Condition: New; Engine or motor: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motor; Seats: 7.