At a global summit in China yesterday OMODA showed off its OMODA X concept giving us clues to their new design direction.
The Chery group sells the OMODA, Jaecoo, Chery and LEPAS brands in the U.K., with their iCAUR brand launching here next year. But, OMODA needs to stand apart from other brands in the group as they are in danger blurring the lines between the brands, and the OMODA X concept shows exactly how Chery International might change that.
With iCAUR seen as the rugged off-roader brand, and LEPAS as the premium brand, the battle for the middle between OMODA, Jaecoo and Chery needs more distinction.
OMODA’s all-new concept explores how they might define an SUV giving it a confident, less generic stance, with plenty of space for people and their luggage, and adding in some versatility which might hint at pinching some off-road trickery from iCAUR. The danger for OMODA is to not tread on the toes of it’s off-road focused sister brand.
OMODA X Concept
OMODA says that “on OMODA X, that language is applied to a wider body with broad shoulders and a tightly sculpted waistline. The concept was shown in silver and green, each paired with a contrasting black roof.”
Inside, OMODA are trying to add a more personable interior, anchoring the OMODA brand as unique in the group by designing a twin-wing dashboard and X-shaped floating centre console frame for a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch central touchscreen. Some physical controls will be retained for quick access functions such as temperature and fan controls for the air conditioning as well as drive modes.
For those with ability to sing (or not) will be pleased to know that a microphone system with four independent sound pickup zones will allow passengers to sing along to in-car karaoke without handheld microphones.
However, more importantly is safety and an infrared thermal imaging night vision system will identify potential hazards up to 90 metres ahead, which was a technology preserved only for luxury cars not so long ago.
The aim of the concept is to have a ground clearance of 200 mm, a 75 kg roof load capacity and 39 storage spaces, as well as a towing capacity up to 1,800 kg.
OMODA says the OMODA X is a concept vehicle, so specifications will be announced at its official reveal event and are subject to change. UK availability has not been confirmed.
About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
