EBRO S900 PHEV: a plug-in hybrid SUV with 425 CV, 140 km of electric range and very complete equipment from 38,990 euros

EBRO is stepping up with the new EBRO S900 PHEV 4×4, a plug-in hybrid SUV that, in terms of price and size, sits in the range just above the Ebro S800. In fact, perhaps too close: going by list prices, the S900 is barely 3,000 euros more expensive than the top-of-the-range S800 in Luxury trim. And the S900 is not only more powerful: it is also more luxurious, better equipped, has 4×4 traction… I wouldn’t think twice.

And I dare to state this even before driving the new S900, for several reasons: more or less I already know what to expect dynamically from the new SUV -which is no small thing- because it shares its platform and propulsion system with the OMODA 9 PHEV. And in a first static contact the S900 has fully convinced me, both for what it conveys visually and when examined in detail.

Before getting into the details, let’s quickly review the main features of the S900 PHEV.

DATA SHEET for the EBRO S900 PHEV 4×4: main features

• Vehicle type: large 7-seat SUV.
• Dimensions: 4.81 m long, 1.74 metres wide and 1.92 m high.
• Engine: plug-in hybrid propulsion system with 1.5 TGDI petrol engine and three electric motors
• Total power: combined system power of 425 CV, maximum torque of 580 Nm
• Traction and gearbox: full 4×4 traction, 3-speed automatic 3DHT gearbox
• Battery and range: 34.5 kWh battery, up to 140 km WLTP range in electric mode and over 1,000 km total
• Performance: 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, top speed of 180 km/h
• Seats and boot: 7 seats (2+3+2 configuration), boot capacity between 148 and 2,065 litres
• Price: from 49,800 euros list price cash, from 38,990 euros with launch offer

The promotional price, as indicated on the EBRO website, corresponds to a launch offer subject to financing, which includes commercial discounts and all possible purchase aids contemplated by the MOVES III Plan, including scrappage.

Exterior and interior design of the EBRO S900: premium SUV presence

The general comment is that, if you cover up the logos, this S900 could pass for a premium-brand car. Indeed, the S900 PHEV’s look is imposing, especially with the spectacular Gris Galaxia Mate paint, which costs 950 euros. It comes as standard in Nieve White, and for an extra 500 euros you can opt for Negro Tinta, Verde Aurora and Gris Tech colours. Personally, I loved the matte finish. By contrast, there is no choice for the wheels: always 20 inches with a multi-spoke design, with 245/50 R20 tyres that, incidentally, are real “pata negra”: MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5.

Some characteristic features are the huge grille with a diamond finish in matte black, which to me still recalls the one Audi used until not long ago. The headlights are full LED, the door handles are flush with the bodywork and retractable, and the black-finished B and C pillars complete that touch of elegance that is present from whichever angle you look. The rear has light units joined by an illuminated strip, while the discreet roof spoiler adds a sporty touch.

The sound of the doors opening and, above all, closing is solid: it sounds like a well-built car. And both the materials and the finish convince, especially the upholstery, which is very pleasant to the touch. The passenger seat has a function EBRO calls “zero gravity”, which allows the backrest to recline while a footrest unfolds to create a true relax armchair for resting while the car is stationary, as it is not designed to be used while driving. Interior space is what you’d expect from a car 4.8 metres long with a 2.8-metre wheelbase: very good, with the advantage of a second row that slides longitudinally 26 cm.

Moreover, this is done electrically, thus facilitating access to the third row of seats, which also fold and unfold comfortably and remotely with electric assistance from buttons in the boot. The latter has 148 litres with all seven seats in use, 448 litres in five-seat configuration (819 litres if loaded to the roof) and up to 2,065 litres with the second and third rows folded and loaded to the roof.

Bringing light into the interior is the 1.1 square metre panoramic sunroof, which comes as standard equipment. These are other notable items included in the S900 PHEV 4×4’s specification, which is only sold in Luxury trim:

• 15.6-inch multimedia screen
• 10.25-inch digital instrumentation
• 8.8-inch head-up display
• Intelligent voice assistant and control with 4 microphones
• 540-degree panoramic camera in high resolution
• Front and rear parking sensors
• SONY audio system with 14 speakers
• Leather upholstery
• Electric, heated and ventilated first and second row seats
• Front seats with massage function
• Keyless entry and start
• Ambient interior lighting system
• Dual-zone climate control with air purification and particulate filter
• 50 W wireless charger for smartphones
• V2L bidirectional charging to supply energy to external devices

As regards safety, the S900 has 10 airbags as standard and up to 26 ADAS driver-assistance systems, notably lane departure control, front and rear collision warning, reverse assist, automatic parking assist and the reverse path assistant, capable of memorising the last metres of a route -for example when manoeuvring- and replaying them in reverse without driver intervention.

Plug-in hybrid system: 425 CV, 4×4 traction and up to 140 km electric

EBRO is not as optimistic as its “premium” brand OMODA when adding up the power the four motors of the S900 PHEV’s propulsion system can deliver, which is the same as that of the OMODA 9. Even so, the S900 does not fall short: it announces combined power of 313 kW (425 CV) and maximum torque of 580 Nm. It achieves this with the following elements:

• 1.5 TGDI petrol engine with 105 kW (143 CV) and 215 Nm
• Electric motor 1 of 75 kW (102 CV) and 170 Nm that acts as generator and starter motor for the combustion engine
• Electric motor 2 of 90 kW (122 CV) and 220 Nm that drives the front wheels
• Electric motor 3 of 175 kW (238 CV) and 310 Nm, which drives the rear wheels

That said, EBRO makes it clear that the 425 CV system power is available when the battery is charged. As for homologated consumption, which is 1.7 l/100 km, it rises to 6.9 l/100 km when there is no charge left in the battery, which has a capacity of 34.46 kWh and allows a combined electric-mode range of up to 140 km homologated, and 177 km in urban cycle. With the 70-litre fuel tank, total range, always using homologated consumption under the WLTP cycle, exceeds 1,000 km. The battery can be charged on alternating current at up to 6.6 kW, which would take 3 hours to go from 30% to 80%; or on direct current at up to 71 kW, reducing that time to just 25 minutes.

The combustion engine is a 4-cylinder that operates on the Miller cycle, for which an efficiency of 44.5% is announced, very high for this type of engine. Transmission is handled by a three-speed gearbox with three clutches to connect and disconnect the motors, allowing the system to operate in pure electric mode, series hybrid mode or parallel mode. Via a rotary dial on the centre console, the driver can choose between six driving programmes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT, SNOW, SAND and OFFROAD. In all of them the S900 moves powered by the force coming from the motors to all four wheels, except in ECO mode, where electric driving takes priority -up to 130 km/h- and it can switch between 4×2 and 4×4 depending on the driving situation.

Verdict: an “almost premium” SUV at mainstream price

And I say “almost premium” because the only thing the EBRO lacks to be premium is the brand. Otherwise, I find it one of the most complete proposals for anyone looking for a large SUV -whether or not they value having seven seats-, very well equipped, with a plug-in hybrid propulsion system that allows close to 100 real km in electric mode day to day and avoids depending on a plug for long journeys thanks to its over 1,000 km of combined range and good performance.

Furthermore, with a finish and level of quality that convinces, a 7-year or 150,000 km warranty -8 years or 160,000 km for the electric powertrain- and a price with promotions and purchase aids that makes it a must on the radar, and which seriously complicates life for its rivals, among which the OMODA 9, the Skoda Kodiaq or the Kia Sorento can be mentioned.

The best of the EBRO S900 PHEV

• An unbeatable relationship between price, equipment and power: 425 CV, 4×4, 7 seats, loaded with technology for under 39,000 euros with discounts and aids.
• A “premium” feel, with an interior of quality materials, spacious, very well finished and great attention to detail
• Range: up to 140 km in electric mode, and over 1,000 km total range

The worst of the EBRO S900 PHEV

• Without discounts or purchase aids, the starting price is no longer so competitive: from 49,800 euros
• The third-row seats are suitable for children, but two adults will not travel comfortably
• As with all PHEVs of this size, consumption -and performance- vary greatly depending on whether the battery is charged

EBRO S900 PHEV 4×4 – Image gallery