GAC ES9 review — Ultimate PHEV SUV (2025)

GAC ES9 review – Introduction and positioning (2025)

GAC ES9 review is our fast, honest review of fresh PHEV-SUV, which closes three tasks: quiet city on electric motor, confident track and reasonable economy. Appearance without screeching tools, but the seat is muscular; the salon is spacious, the second row – just «sat down and went». In the Chinese market, the model sometimes goes as GAC Trumpchi ES9 – do not be scared, it is the same hero. If you are looking for «family» hybrid without pain with charging, GAC ES9 review is the right entry point.

According to the DNA, it is a «smart» crossover: plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with an electric mode for daily tasks and gasoline supply on long distances. Chips – driving assistants, normal multimedia and practical organization of the trunk. GAC ES9 review will tell you which trio to watch, if you drive your family more often, and what – if you plan track marches-throws with full luggage and bike mounts.

Who is suitable? Those who need a large body, clearing, silence in the city and saving on fuel without worrying about «where is charging». Who does not go? Lovers of extreme dynamics and fans of ultra-light sneakers. Next in the material – numbers, Table (EN), breakdown of trims and lifehacks for charging at home and on the road. GAC ES9 review will immediately point out the strengths and weaknesses so that you quickly understand: take it now or look at alternatives in class.

If you want more honest reviews of Chinese cars without «water», look at www.autochina.blog – there is everything on the matter. And yes, GAC ES9 review is about real life experience, without flantik.

Name and market (GAC Trumpchi ES9 PHEV)

GAC ES9 review – We will deal with names and markets without porridge in the head. In China, the model goes more often as GAC Trumpchi ES9 PHEV: «Trumpchi» is an internal sub-brand of GAC for the home market, and «GAC» is an export brand. That’s why you will see the GAC logo and the ES9 badge on dealers’ showcases outside of China, and the Trumpchi ES9 in Chinese cards. GAC ES9 review fixes: it is the same car, only the marketing signs differ.

PHEV is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: a plug-in hybrid with a battery that can be charged from the power outlet/ charging station, and a DVS as an assistant on long distances. In the city ride electric, on the track – quiet flexibility without «range anxiety». GAC ES9 review emphasizes: the PHEV format is suitable if you want silence and economy in the workdays, but without dependence on density of fast charges along the route.

By markets. Main volume is domestic Chinese market; export goes through GAC Motor network in selected countries of Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, plus spot deliveries through private importers. GAC ES9 review recommends checking local certifications, navigation and communication frequencies (e.g., for eSIM/telematics) – export specifications may differ slightly.

Another nuance of the name: «Traveler/Traveler Max» and PRO+/MAX+ packages are trimas and equipment of one platform ES9. GAC ES9 review recommends looking at the dealer’s VIN/badge and description: what name is used for your market and what options are included.

Price and configuration (GAC ES9 price)

GAC ES9 review – let’s move to the money. The official Chinese GAC ES9 price is located in corridor 229,800-269,800 for four versions: Pro, Max, Traveler Pro and Traveler Max. This is a factory MSRP for the home market; in dollars it’s about $31.4k-$36.9k, and roughly European – €29k-€35k before taxes/logistics. Prices confirmed at launch and in the database CarNewsChina

How to choose not to overpay? GAC ES9 review suggests a simple logic.
— Pro – optimal «entry»: everything is important for security and multimedia, without expensive ornaments. If the budget is tight and you need a family car for every day – take the Pro, invest in home charging and rubber season.

— Max – supplement for «comfort and beauty»: extended assistants, advanced HUD/cockpit, more often – improved sound/trim. Makes sense if there are many routes and you value silence/options.

— Traveler Pro/Max – the same technical foundation, but with a more «off-road» aesthetic and branded exterior jacket/ box at the back. Supplement – rather for the style and useful bits in nature trips. GAC ES9 review notes: if you do not plan trips with junk/ bike-creams, overpayment may be excessive.

Savings on: showbags, wheels over the required diameter, rare colors. We pay extra for: active safety packages, VR cameras, warm seat/steering wheel options (priced on sale). GAC ES9 review reminds: export prices at dealers and on the marketplaces above MSRP due to VAT, delivery and certification – compare «everything is included», not the price from the sheet.

Characteristics and dynamics (GAC ES9 specs)

GAC ES9 review – quickly on the case: it is a large PHEV-SUV with system power up to 274 kW and fair speed 0-100 km/ h at ~8.0 c. Battery 25.6 kWh (ternary NMC) gives daily e-mode, and DVD with 2-step. DHT insures on long distances. Drive – front (single motor); impressive dimensions: 5110 1976 1780 mm, base 2920 mm – enough space in the cabin and trunk, even if you have «half IKEA» in the trunk. The warranty in China is a lifetime battery for the first owner plus 5 years/ 150,000 km per car. GAC ES9 review: dynamics not «sports fabric», but elasticity and silence in the city – what PHEV love.

The source of key data (power, 0-100, battery, drive, size): database Data.CarNewsChina and global directory Autohome; on battery guarantee – card ES9 from CarNewsChina, on general guarantee – dealer’s specification.

Range and economy (GAC ES9 range)

GAC ES9 review – let’s look at «how much rides on electricity» without myths. The model’s passport is CLTC pure electric 143 km, and «combined» range (battery + DVC) – up to 1215 km. Battery 25.6 kWh, fast charging DC 30-80% 0.36-0.4 h. These are official figures for the Chinese market, and they serve as a starting point for evaluation in real life.

In the city of GAC ES9 review is expected to be closer to the passport: recovery modes, low speeds and soft spreads help save. For a guide keep in mind the rule: PHEV’s range in the city is usually the most «long», especially in warm weather. On the track GAC ES9 range decreases more noticeably – constant 100-120 km/ h, opposite wind and height differences eat kilowatts faster than in a mixed cycle.

Mixed scenario (50/50 city-track) for GAC ES9 range most often gives «middle ground». In the warm season, when driving calmly, focus on the real range below CLTC; in winter with a heated cabin and battery drop is even more noticeable. GAC ES9 review recalls: climate ( 5°C vs +20°C), terrain, tire pressure and luggage on the roof easily «eat up» tens of kilometers of electric mileage.

There is a variation on trims/ sheets: meet specifications with 110 km CLTC for individual configurations (different tires, mass, calibration). This is normal for the Chinese market, where there are many configurations. GAC ES9 review advises to check the VIN list with the dealer’s data before buying.

Bottom line: take the CLTC as a ceiling, and plan trips in advance. In the city – maximum use of the battery; on long distances, a hybrid belt gives peace of mind about fuel and total range.

Interior and technology (GAC ES9 interior)

GAC ES9 review immediately about the feel: quiet inside, soft materials, without «plastic from a child’s blade». In fact, the base – a leather handlebar, electronic joystick selector and 14.6″ central screen with a rich set of functions – this is the case when the interface does not annoy, but actually helps. So that GAC ES9 interior feels adult and well thought out, without flaunting.

Arrangement of two types: 6 or 7 seats. In «adults» versions middle row – captain’s chairs 2 + 2 (convenient to take children/ parents and go back), and the third row is designed not only «for ticks». Top-of-the-line «executive seat» in the second row, which can control the front passenger’s seat to make room for the legs; there is also electric adjustment of the third row and massage of the front seats. GAC ES9 review notes: this is not a «business jet» level, but for family trips – a real fire.

For silence and technology GAC ES9 review will add important: the senior trim has multi-layer noise-insulating glass, heated steering wheel, large AR-HUD to ~30″, wireless charging, and the assistants are gathered under the umbrella ADiGO (adaptive, holding in the band and other L2-comfort-plush). In the distance this reduces fatigue, and in the city – makes the trip easier. GAC ES9 interior on account of this looks more expensive than the price on shilik.

The result of GAC ES9 review: ergonomics without surprises, multimedia clear, second row – strong side, third – «not for every day», but it is good. If you want more live reviews of Chinese SUVs – check out www.autochina.blog

Charging at home and on the go (GAC ES9 charging time)

GAC ES9 review – short about the main thing. On DC fast charging GAC ES9 charging time from 30 to 80% – ~0.36-0.40 h ( 22-24 min). This fits into the passport data for ES9 with battery 25.6 kWh: the real average power surges to ~35-40 kW, and the claim «30-80% in 0.4 h» confirmed by specifications.

AC at home – calm and predictable: the typical figure is about 3.5 hours 0-100% on a wall charger ~7 kW. For night scenarios – perfect: set the schedule, woke up with a full battery. GAC ES9 review: this saves fuel in the city and makes a hybrid «electric for every day».

Pro connectors. In the domestic market, China uses GB/T (AC/DC) standard. Exporters/dealers may have different configurations (adapters or local versions), so before buying check the compatibility with your charging network. GAC ES9 review strongly recommends checking the cable/standards in the contract: this will avoid surprises on the first trip.

GAC ES9 review: Liffhakki for Road Trips

• Plan short DC-pit-stops: one «session» 20-25 minutes is usually enough for city business for a week. (The model has declared support of DC fast; in the lists there are up to ~40 kW.)
• At home set 32A wallbox and charge at night on cheap rate; keep battery in corridor 20-80% for each day.
• In winter, warm up the cabin from the net before leaving – so less losses and «sedentary» reserve.
• On the track keep 110-120 km/h, monitor tyre pressure and avoid open roof boxes – aerodynamics are important even for PHEV.

Total: GAC ES9 review shows that with the electrical part of ES9 everything is simple – DC 30-80% in ~22-24 minutes, AC 3.5 h 0-100%. This is more than enough to drive «in the outlet» on a weekdays and not worry about long distances.

Battle of the trims (GAC ES9 PRO+ vs MAX+)

GAC ES9 review without long previews: both versions are built on the same base, so that the power part of the PRO + and MAX + matches – everyday traction, silence in the city and flexibility on the go. The difference is in the «packability» of comfort and electronics. This is exactly what the GAC ES9 PRO+ vs MAX+ reveals.

What is PRO+? This is a reasonable entry: everything necessary for security and multimedia, normal chairs, clear cockpit, advanced assistants level «set and went». GAC ES9 review notes: if the budget is tight and want to take «body of the car» without showy options, PRO+ – choice without regrets. City, kindergarten-work-gym, rare outings to the track – he will cope.

What does MAX+ do? More «quiet suite»: extended assistants in the distant, rich decoration, often – improved HUD/ «instruments», premium sound, multi-layered glazing, additional electrical adjustment of second/third row, sometimes massage and memory positions. GAC ES9 review based on the experience of family trips: if you take parents/children, often ride 300-600 km and value acoustic comfort – a surcharge for MAX+ is felt every day. Plus, as a rule, bigger wheels and «smart» lighting/ camera – nice little things in the home.

To what? PRO+ is a practical rationality: city + suburb, less often – road, priority of economy. MAX+ – for those who value silence, «far-reaching» comfort and like to press a button so that everything is set. GAC ES9 review will honestly add: in export markets the packages may differ; check the VIN list and local specifications with the dealer to understand exactly what is in your «plus».

For whom the version (GAC ES9 Traveler Max) and reviews

GAC ES9 review briefly about the position of GAC ES9 Traveler Max: it is a «field» trio for those who live by travel – outlying, sports, children, luggage and eternal history «where to put all this good». Distinguished by expeditionary aesthetics, practical tips for outings and a set of amenities that you appreciate not in the showroom, but on the third hour of the road. If you often go beyond the city lines and like order in things, GAC ES9 review considers Traveler Max to be the most logical choice in the range.

Who will definitely «come» GAC ES9 Traveler Max: active families (skis/ bikes/ wheelchairs), those who travel to the cottage all year round, and everyone who does not want to collect «dreams» from options. For the city, the trio is not overloaded, and in long distances it is quieter and more convenient at the expense of «domestic» details – organization of the trunk, thoughtful seats of the second row, outlets/ ports for gadgets. GAC ES9 review emphasizes: the dynamics are the same, the high – in comfort and practicality.

Pros: convenient storage, family friendly salon, «put a child’s seat – and went», pleasant noise insulation on the highway. Cons: slightly higher price compared to «pragmatic» PRO +, large wheels/ accessories can add traffic and noise on rough asphalt, third row remains «in case of guests».

Short user-quotes (summarized):

• «He threw bicycles to children, a snap – and everything fit».
• «In the city I drive quietly on electricity, on the road I do not think about charging».
• «The third row – helps, but would not be on a permanent basis».
• «Finally normal pockets and hooks, order in the trunk».

The result of GAC ES9 review: if your style is «family + road + hobby», Traveler Max will pay off with comfort every day.

Final verdict and next steps

GAC ES9 review concludes the line: it’s a PHEV-SUV about peace and sense. For its money ES9 gives a quiet city on electric bike, confident track without «range anxiety», large salon and clear technologies without circus with menu. In value he takes not one «miracle-chip», but the sum of amenities: logical trims, normal multimedia, smart assistants and practical trunk. GAC ES9 review honest: dynamics not sport, but elasticity and silence – every day.

The comfort of ES9 feels «class-expensive»: multi-layered windows, comfortable chairs, second/third row options – especially in MAX+. If the family, cottage and travel 300-600 km – you are «his audience». GAC ES9 review advises pragmatists to take PRO+ and invest in a home wallbox; lovers of silence and electric «plush» – watch MAX +. Traveler Max – when expedition style and order in things are more important than chrome.

Dalnyaki? Everything is simple: plan short DC-pit-stops 20-25 minutes, at home keep the night AC-schedule, in winter warm the room from the network – and get «electric car on weekdays, hybrid in travel». GAC ES9 review reminds: check the dealer’s VIN, local packets and connector standards – export kits differ.

Next steps:

1. Test drive two trims (PRO+ and MAX+) in one day – you will feel the difference.
2. Check the price «all inclusive» (taxes, delivery, certification).
3. Supply home 32A wallbox – pay off for the season.

Do you want more honest reviews of Chinese cars without «water» and with tables on the matter? Go to www.autochina.blog

• there are fresh comparisons and fast guyds of choice. GAC ES9 review is your start, further will be even more useful.

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