Chery is continuing to expand its plans for the Indian market, and the latest development involves the Exeed EX6, a premium plug-in hybrid SUV that has now been patented in India. The patent filing is significant because the EX6 is closely related to the updated Omoda 9, giving a glimpse into another premium SUV that could eventually be considered for the Indian market.
The EX6 is not an entirely new model. It is essentially a facelift of the China-spec Exeed Yaoguang, which is sold internationally under names including Omoda 9 and Exeed RX. The updated model receives major styling changes and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Exeed EX6 Patent Filed in India
The India patent gives the model greater relevance for the local market, particularly as Chery prepares to enter India through a partnership with JSW Motors. However, a design or technology patent by itself does not confirm an India launch.
The EX6 joins a growing list of Chery and Exeed models associated with India through patent filings. The company has recently patented other new-energy models as well, indicating that it is evaluating a broader portfolio for the market.
Omoda 9 Facelift Gets a Completely Different Front
The most noticeable change on the Omoda 9 facelift is at the front. Compared with the outgoing model, the EX6 features a substantially redesigned fascia with a frameless grille and revised lighting elements.
The new design uses split-style headlights, a full-width upper light signature and redesigned lower lighting modules. The front-end treatment follows Exeed’s newer design direction and gives the SUV a more distinctive appearance.
The patent images also show newly designed aerodynamic alloy wheels, while the rear retains a connected taillight arrangement that remains visually related to the existing Omoda 9.
EX6 Remains Closely Related to Omoda 9
Although the front and several exterior details have been redesigned, the overall body structure remains familiar. The EX6 retains the same basic crossover-SUV proportions and roofline associated with the Yaoguang/Omoda 9.
The China-spec EX6 measures around 4.83 metres in length, with a wheelbase of approximately 2.8 metres. This puts it firmly into the premium midsize-to-large SUV category.
The model also features semi-hidden door handles and advanced driver-assistance hardware, including a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor on the China-spec version.
Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Could Be the Biggest Attraction
The Exeed EX6 PHEV is expected to use a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The China-spec model is associated with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while the existing Omoda 9 SHS-P powertrain produces a combined 443bhp and 756Nm in the specification reported by CarWale.
The existing Omoda 9 SHS-P is also claimed to deliver up to 145km of electric-only driving range. These figures are relevant to understanding the technology behind the EX6, although the exact powertrain specifications for any future India-spec version have not been confirmed.
0-100kmph in Under Five Seconds
Performance is another major part of the EX6’s appeal. The PHEV setup associated with the Omoda 9 produces enough output for a claimed 0-100kmph acceleration time of around 4.9 seconds.
That would give the SUV considerably stronger performance than many conventional petrol-powered vehicles in its segment. The combination of turbocharged petrol power and electric motors also provides the potential for strong instant torque.
However, India-specific specifications, including the final motor configuration and battery capacity, remain unconfirmed.
Advanced Safety Technology With LiDAR
The EX6 is also expected to offer advanced driver-assistance technology. The China-spec model features an ADAS setup along with a LiDAR array, indicating that the SUV is designed around a higher level of active safety technology.
The use of LiDAR could allow the vehicle to identify surrounding objects and road conditions with additional sensor information alongside cameras and other driver-assistance hardware.
Whether the complete system would be offered on an India-spec vehicle is not yet known.
Could the EX6 Come to India as an Omoda 9?
The international naming strategy makes the India possibility particularly interesting. The EX6 is positioned as the updated version of the model that is already known internationally as the Omoda 9 or Exeed RX.
If Chery and JSW Motors decide to bring the vehicle to India, the final branding could differ from the Chinese EX6 name. The patent therefore provides an important indication of interest in the model, but it should not be interpreted as confirmation of an India launch.
Premium SUV Competition Could Be Intense
If introduced in India, the EX6 would enter a premium SUV market where buyers increasingly have access to petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains.
Its PHEV technology could give it a distinctive position by combining electric driving capability with a petrol engine for longer journeys. The strong performance figures and advanced driver-assistance technology would further support its premium positioning.
The biggest challenge would be establishing the brand and service network in India, particularly against manufacturers that already have an established luxury or premium SUV presence.
Market Positioning
The Chery Exeed EX6 represents another interesting development in the company’s India strategy. Its patent filing shows that the facelifted SUV is being considered within Chery’s broader portfolio, while the connection to the Omoda 9 gives the model an established international identity.
The PHEV powertrain, premium cabin technology, LiDAR-based driver assistance and dramatic new front-end design could make the EX6 an interesting proposition if Chery and JSW Motors eventually decide to introduce it in India.
AutoXRoom Verdict
The Exeed EX6 is more than a simple cosmetic update to the Omoda 9 family. It brings a completely redesigned front end, updated technology and a powerful plug-in hybrid setup while retaining the core crossover proportions of the existing model.
The India patent is an important development, but there is currently no confirmed India launch date or official India-specification announcement. If Chery and JSW Motors eventually add the EX6 or its Omoda 9 equivalent to their Indian portfolio, it could become one of the more technologically advanced PHEV SUVs considered for the market.