The All-New Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV Launched In Pakistan

The sun is just beginning to warm the cool air over Islamabad’s Daman-e-Koh. A sleek, white SUV glides up the winding road, the only sound the whisper of its tyres on the tarmac and the distant morning call to prayer. Inside, a family of six is cocooned in quiet comfort, watching the city wake up below. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic film; it’s the new reality of Pakistani motoring, brought to life by the official launch of the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV. This vehicle isn’t just another addition to the crossover craze; it’s a bold statement about the future of family travel in an era of soaring fuel prices.

First Glance—Does the Tiggo 8 PHEV Turn Heads?

In a market saturated with lookalike crossovers, standing out is half the battle. Chery has clearly put significant effort into making the Tiggo 8 PHEV visually distinct, blending sophisticated European design cues with a commanding road presence that Pakistani buyers appreciate.

Exterior Styling & LED Signature

The front is dominated by a “galaxy-inspired” grille, a complex matrix of chrome-tipped diamonds that catches the light beautifully. It’s flanked by sharp, intelligent LED headlamps that perform a slick welcome animation when you unlock the car. The side profile is clean and well-proportioned, avoiding the awkwardness that can plague some 7-seater SUVs. Subtle blue accents and a discreet “PHEV” badge on the tailgate are the only giveaways to its electrified heart.

Dimension Check vs Kia Sorento & DFSK Glory 580 Pro

Size matters, especially for family buyers. The Tiggo 8 PHEV slots in neatly against its key rivals. It’s slightly more compact than the larger Kia Sorento, making it easier to navigate through tight city lanes and park outside your local Dukan. However, it feels substantially larger and more premium than the DFSK Glory 580 Pro, occupying a sweet spot in terms of physical footprint and interior space.

Cabin, Comfort & Tech

Step inside, and the Tiggo 8 PHEV makes its strongest case. The cabin feels airy, modern, and packed with technology that, until recently, was the preserve of expensive German imports.

Seven-Seat Layout for Pakistani Families

The 7-seater configuration is the headline feature. For the typical Pakistani family that travels together—parents, kids, and often grandparents—this is a massive plus. The first two rows are spacious and comfortable for adults, while the third row is best suited for children or for short trips, which is standard for this class. With the third row folded down, the boot space is cavernous.

Infotainment with Urdu Voice Commands

Dominating the dashboard are a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the central infotainment system. The system is responsive, the graphics are crisp, and crucially, Chery has included Urdu voice commands. Being able to say “Hello Chery, AC temperature set to 22 degrees” or “Navigate to Liberty Market” in our own language makes the tech feel genuinely accessible, not just a gimmick. The Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV truly feels localised.

Material Quality, Panoramic Roof & Ambient Lighting

The perceived quality is impressive. Soft-touch materials cover the dashboard and door tops, the faux-leather seats are well-stitched, and the switchgear has a satisfying click. The massive panoramic sunroof bathes the cabin in light, making it feel even larger, while the customisable multi-colour ambient lighting sets a premium mood during night drives.

Powertrain & Performance

This is where the magic happens. The Tiggo 8 PHEV combines a petrol engine with two electric motors in a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system.

1.5-L Turbo + Dual Motor Specs

Under the bonnet lies a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This is paired with two electric motors, one at the front and one integrated into a unique “Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.” This complex setup allows the car to run on pure electricity, petrol power, or a combination of both for maximum performance. It’s a far more advanced system than a simple mild hybrid.

Combined Horsepower, Torque & 0-100 km/h Test

When the engine and motors work in concert, the results are startling. The system produces a combined 320 horsepower and a massive 510 Nm of torque. In real-world terms, this means effortless acceleration. The official 0-100 km/h time is around 7.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest 7-seater SUVs in the country. Overtaking on the motorway is a drama-free affair.

Ride & Handling on Karachi’s Bumpy Roads

Chery has tuned the suspension for comfort. It does an admirable job of soaking up the potholes and broken tarmac that characterise roads in cities like Karachi. It’s not a sports car—there’s some body roll if you push it hard into a corner—but for its intended purpose as a family haulier, the ride is plush and composed. The steering is light, which is a blessing in city traffic.

Battery, Electric Range & Charging

The PHEV experience hinges on the battery and how you use it. Get this right, and you can slash your fuel bills.

0–100 % AC Charge Time & DC Fast Figures

The Tiggo 8 PHEV is equipped with a 19.27 kWh battery pack. Using a standard 3.3 kW portable charger that plugs into a regular home socket, a full 0-100% charge takes around 5-6 hours—perfect for overnight charging. A key advantage is its support for DC fast charge capability, a rarity in PHEVs. At a public DC station, it can be charged in around 30 minutes, making top-ups on the go a practical option.

Real-World EV Range in 42 °C Heat & Murree Chill

Chery claims a pure EV range of up to 90 km. In real-world Pakistani conditions, this translates to about 65-75 km. In the searing 42°C heat of a Lahore summer with the AC blasting, expect the lower end of that and in the mild chill of a Murree evening, you might get closer to 80 km. For most urban commuters, this is more than enough to cover the daily school run and office trip entirely on bijli.

Battery Warranty & Thermal Management

Peace of mind is critical with any EV or hybrid. Chery Pakistan is offering an impressive 8-year/150,000 km warranty specifically for the battery pack and hybrid components. The battery also has a sophisticated liquid-cooling and heating system to protect it from Pakistan’s extreme temperatures, ensuring its longevity and performance. The Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV is built to last.

Fuel-Saving Maths—PHEV vs Petrol SUV

This is the most compelling reason to consider the Tiggo 8 PHEV. The potential savings are enormous, especially for those who can maximise electric driving.

Weekly Commute Cost Comparison (Table)

Let’s compare a typical weekly commute of 300 km (about 60 km per day, 5 days a week) for the Tiggo 8 PHEV (which runs mainly on electricity) versus a comparable petrol SUV averaging 9 km/l.

Vehicle	Energy/Fuel Needed (300 km)	Cost (Approx.)	Weekly Commute Cost
Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV	~60 kWh Electricity	PKR 3,000 (@ PKR 50/kWh)	PKR 3,000
Petrol SUV (9 km/l)	~33.3 Litres Petrol	PKR 9,324 (@ PKR 280/L)	PKR 9,324
Weekly Savings	–	–	PKR 6,324

Note: Costs are estimates and subject to changes in utility and fuel prices.

Government Duty Rebates & EV Policy Perks

The Pakistani government’s EV policy provides significant reductions in customs duties and taxes for plug-in hybrid vehicles. This is the primary reason Chery can offer such a technologically advanced vehicle at a competitive price point. These incentives make the PHEV financially viable compared to its petrol-only counterparts.

Home Charger Installation Costs

While the car comes with a portable charger, installing a dedicated 7 kW AC wallbox at home is highly recommended for faster and safer charging. The cost of a high-quality charger and professional installation typically ranges from PKR 100,000 to PKR 150,000—a worthwhile one-time investment.

Safety & Driver-Assist Kit

The Tiggo 8 PHEV comes loaded with a full suite of advanced safety features, making it one of the safest family vehicles available.

ADAS—Adaptive Cruise, AEB, Lane Keep

It features a comprehensive ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) package. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control that maintains a safe distance from the car ahead on the motorway, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) to prevent collisions, and Lane Keep Assist to help you stay centred in your lane.

360-Camera & Blind-Spot Test in Narrow Streets

Navigating the tight, congested streets of old Rawalpindi or Saddar in Karachi is made infinitely easier by the high-definition 360-degree camera. It provides a bird’s-eye view of the car, eliminating blind spots. The Blind Spot Detection system is another lifesaver, warning you of vehicles you can’t see when changing lanes.

NCAP Ratings & Local Parts Backup

The petrol version of the Tiggo 8 Pro has scored a 5-star safety rating in the ASEAN NCAP tests, and the PHEV is built on the same strong chassis. Chery Pakistan is also working to ensure a solid inventory of critical parts, including hybrid-specific components, to avoid the long waiting times that have plagued other new entrants.

Ownership Costs & Dealer Support

Looking beyond the initial purchase, what does it cost to live with the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV?

On-Road Price, Registration & Insurance

The ex-factory price is just the start. You’ll need to factor in withholding tax, registration fees (which may be lower for hybrids), and comprehensive insurance. Insurance for a PHEV can be slightly higher due to the complexity of repairs, so it’s wise to get quotes beforehand.

Service Intervals, Oil Specs & Hybrid-Specific Parts

Service intervals are similar to petrol cars, but the nature of the service is different. Since the petrol engine runs less often, oil changes might be less frequent depending on your usage. Technicians need to be trained to handle high-voltage hybrid systems, so sticking to authorised dealerships for maintenance is crucial.

Resale Forecast & Financing Options

Resale value is a major concern for any new brand in Pakistan. However, with rising fuel prices, hybrids and PHEVs from reputable brands are holding their value surprisingly well. The Tiggo 8 PHEV, with its 7-seater layout and feature list, is expected to have a stronger resale than many of its petrol-only rivals. Most major banks are offering financing plans.

Competitor Showdown

The Tiggo 8 PHEV enters a fiercely competitive segment. Here’s how it stacks up.

Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV vs Haval H6 HEV

The Haval H6 HEV is a strong competitor and a conventional hybrid (it cannot be plugged in). The Haval has a proven track record and brand recognition. The Tiggo 8 PHEV counters with its plug-in hybrid capability, offering a significant pure EV range that the H6 cannot match, and the added practicality of seven seats versus the Haval’s five.

Tiggo 8 PHEV vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

The Toyota badge is a powerful draw, promising unmatched reliability and resale value. The Corolla Cross is a fantastic hybrid, but it’s smaller, a 5-seater, and less powerful. The Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV is aimed at a different buyer: one who needs more space and more power and wants the ability to do their daily commute on pure electricity.

Tiggo 8 PHEV vs MG HS PHEV

This is the most direct rival. The MG HS PHEV was the first plug-in hybrid SUV to gain popularity in Pakistan. Both offer similar technology. The Tiggo 8 PHEV pulls ahead with its 7-seater layout, larger battery pack, more extended EV range, and the crucial advantage of DC fast charging, which the MG lacks.

Pros & Cons Snapshot

• Pros:
  
  • Genuine 7-seater practicality for large families.
  • Excellent pure EV range for fuel-free city commuting.
  • DC fast charge capability is a huge advantage.
  • Powerful performance (320 hp) and smooth ride.
  • Packed with premium tech and a full ADAS safety suite.
• Cons:
  
  • Higher initial price than petrol-only SUVs.
  • Resale value is still an unknown quantity compared to established players.
  • Requires home charging to maximise economic benefits.
  • Long-term reliability of a complex PHEV system in Pakistan has yet to be proven.

Who Should Buy the Tiggo 8 PHEV?

Urban Commuters with Home Chargers

If your daily drive is under 70 km and you can charge the car at home every night, this is the perfect vehicle for you. You will visit a petrol pump so rarely that you might forget where the fuel cap is. This is the ideal use case for the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV.

Inter-City Travellers Who Fear Range Anxiety

For those who love the idea of an EV but frequently travel between cities with limited charging networks, a PHEV is the perfect no-compromise solution. You get the silent, cheap electric drive for the city and the peace of mind of a petrol engine for long hauls on the motorway.

Large Families Wanting 7 Seats & Low Fuel Bills

This is the core audience. The Tiggo 8 PHEV is one of the only vehicles on the market that combines a 7-seater layout with the potential for EV-like running costs. It’s a family wagon that’s kind to your wallet and the environment.

Shop EV & Hybrid Accessories for Your Tiggo 8 on Autostore.pk

Your new Tiggo 8 PHEV deserves the best. From high-quality wallbox chargers to all-weather floor mats and boot liners, get your new SUV ready for family adventures.

Explore our complete range of EV & Hybrid Accessories on Autostore.pk and upgrade your ride today!

FAQs: Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV

Is the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV battery covered for 8 years?

Yes, Chery Pakistan is providing a robust warranty for the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV, which includes a separate 8-year or 150,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery pack and hybrid drive components, offering significant peace of mind.

How much does a full charge cost at home?

A full charge of the 19.27 kWh battery, using a residential connection at an average rate of PKR 50 per unit (kWh), would cost approximately PKR 965. This provides around 70 km of pure electric driving.

Can I use DC fast chargers on the M-2 Motorway?

Yes, you can. The Tiggo 8 PHEV’s support for DC fast charging means you can use the growing network of fast chargers along the M-2 Motorway for a quick top-up, typically reaching 80% in about 30 minutes.

Does towing affect EV range drastically?

Towing will significantly reduce the pure EV range, just as it increases fuel consumption in a petrol car. The electric motors have plenty of torque for towing, but expect the range to drop by 30-50% depending on the trailer’s weight.

What is the delivery time for bookings in Pakistan?

Initial delivery times for new bookings are quoted by dealerships to be around 2-3 months. However, this can vary based on demand and the global supply chain, so it’s best to confirm the latest timeline with your local Chery dealer.

Final Verdict & Next Steps

The Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV is more than just a new SUV; it’s the right product at the right time for Pakistan. It directly addresses the biggest concerns of the modern Pakistani family: the need for space, the desire for modern technology and safety, and the crushing burden of high fuel costs. It offers a practical, no-jugaar solution, blending the benefits of electric drive with the go-anywhere freedom of a petrol engine.

While the initial price is steep and long-term reliability is yet to be established, its combination of seven seats, a substantial EV range, and DC fast charging gives it a unique and powerful edge in the market. For the family that wants to slash its fuel bill without compromising on space or features, the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV is, without a doubt, the most compelling option on sale today.

Your new PHEV journey starts here. Equip your new vehicle by browsing our curated selection of chargers, cables, and specialised hybrid fluids on Autostore.pk today.