Move over, BYD: Australia has a new cheapest PHEV, but only for a limited time


Chery has put BYD in check, slashing the price of its most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) for a limited time and therefore claiming the mantle of Australia’s cheapest PHEV.

The model year 2026 (MY26) Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Urban is being offered for $34,990 until February 28, 2026, a reduction of $5000; the flagship Ultimate is also being offered for $38,990 drive-away, also down $5000.

Pricing for purely petrol-powered Tiggo 7s is unchanged, and the offer sees the premium for plug-in hybrid power slashed from $10,000 to $5000.

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Chery says the deal applies to vehicles ordered from participating dealers and isn’t available to fleet, government or rental buyers.

Rival BYD announced in December it was launching its Sealion 5 with a price tag of $33,990 in entry-level Essential guise, though this excludes on-road costs. Based on a New South Wales postcode, this PHEV SUV is priced from $36,831 drive-away.

The Sealion 5 Essential combines a 72kW/122Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 145kW/300Nm electric motor and a 12.9kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. It has 71km of electric range under the NEDC cycle.