Is the Changan CS55 PLUS Hybrid PHEV Worth Buying?

Conclusion
Model Highlights:
-
Fast charging efficiency leads: Fast charging only takes 0.32 hours (30%-80%), making it the fastest among the four comparable models, 0.25 hours faster than Song Pro DM and 0.01 hours faster than Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i. It enables convenient emergency energy replenishment, adapting to the commuting rhythm of leaving early and returning late or temporary travel needs.
-
Significant dynamic torque advantage: The maximum torque of the electric motor is 330 N·m, the highest among the four models, 120 N·m higher than that of Song Pro DM and 68 N·m higher than that of Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i. It has a sensitive low-speed dynamic response, enabling effortless overtaking at high speeds and climbing in mountainous areas, meeting the power requirements for daily and long-distance driving.
-
Extremely low commuting costs: The CLTC pure electric range is 125 km, and daily 50 km round-trip commuting can be covered by pure electricity. The monthly electricity cost is approximately 45 yuan. Compared with the average monthly fuel cost of 600 yuan for gasoline vehicles of the same class, it can save over 6,600 yuan per year, with outstanding long-term economic efficiency.
-
Strong scene adaptability: Standard 360° panoramic imaging + transparent chassis, rear USB Type-C ports, and zone air conditioning. The E-CVT transmission is suitable for congested road conditions. The rear seats can be folded 4/6 to expand the cargo space, catering to daily commuting, short family trips, long-distance self-driving, and urban emergency needs.
You need to pay attention to the following situations
-
Vehicle Dimensions and Space are Relatively Compact: The vehicle length is 4539mm, the shortest among the four models. The rear seating space and trunk volume are slightly inferior to those of Song Pro DM (4735mm) and Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i (4740mm). When fully loaded with multiple passengers or transporting oversized items, the space flexibility is slightly weaker, making it more suitable for families of 3-4 people.
-
Engine parameters are on the low side: The engine's maximum power is 72kW (98Ps), lower than that of Song Pro DM (74kW/101Ps) and Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i (82kW/112Ps). When relying solely on the engine for driving in the power-depleted state, the high-speed continuous acceleration ability is relatively moderate, and there is room for improvement in the smoothness of power connection.
-
Mid-range CLTC pure electric range: The CLTC pure electric range is 125 km, which can cover daily commuting, but it is only 10 km higher than that of the Song Pro DM and lower than that of the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i (120 km, with a small gap). Users who rely heavily on pure electric range and commute more than 60 km daily need to charge frequently.
-
High-speed noise and shock absorption need optimization: Tire noise is relatively noticeable when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, and the chassis' shock absorption performance is average. When passing through bumpy roads or cruising at high speed, the in-car quietness and comfort are inferior to some competing products in the same class, so users sensitive to noise should take note.
Basic Information
The Changan CS55 PLUS PHEV, a core model under Changan Automobile, is positioned in the 14,000 - 17,000 US dollar - class compact plug - in hybrid SUV market, and is built on Changan's mature Blue Whale Hybrid 3.0 technology architecture. Since its launch in March 2025, relying on its precise market positioning and technological advantages, the model achieved a monthly sales volume of 8,652 units in its first month on the market, accounting for 18.3% of Changan Automobile's total new energy vehicle sales that month, and maintained stable growth for three consecutive months, successfully ranking among the top five in sales in the 14,000 - 17,000 US dollar - class compact plug - in hybrid SUV market in the first half of 2025.
You can comprehensively understand the exterior and interior design of this model through the following video:
Competitor Comparison
The core advantages of the 2025 Changan CS55 PLUS PHEV Smart New Blue Whale 125km Edition lie in its fast charging efficiency, power torque, and price-to-performance ratio. Although it is slightly inferior to competing products in terms of body size and engine parameters, considering its price of 104,900 yuan and plug-in hybrid energy form, it is more suitable for family users who value energy replenishment efficiency, daily commuting power requirements, and do not need to frequently carry a full load. It is a highly practical choice among plug-in hybrid SUVs in the 100,000-120,000 yuan range.
Detailed parameter comparison is as follows:
-
Charging and Energy Replenishment: Fast charging takes 0.32 hours (30%-80%), the fastest among the four models, 0.25 hours faster than Song Pro DM and 0.01 hours faster than Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i; slow charging takes 6 hours, on par with Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, slower than Song Pro DM (2.77 hours), but the core advantage of daily energy replenishment efficiency lies in fast charging, making emergency energy replenishment more convenient.
-
Dynamic Performance: The maximum torque of the electric motor is 330 N·m, the highest among the four models, 120 N·m higher than that of Song Pro DM, 68 N·m higher than that of Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, and 10 N·m higher than that of Galaxy E5, with more sensitive low-speed power response; the maximum power of the engine is 72 kW, although it is the lowest among plug-in hybrid models, but daily driving is mainly powered by the electric motor, and the power in the power-depleted state can meet household needs without any pressure.
-
Endurance Performance: The CLTC pure electric range is 125 km, ranking in the middle among plug-in hybrid models, 10 km higher than that of Song Pro DM and 5 km lower than that of Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i; the CLTC comprehensive range is 1215 km, lower than that of Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i (1420 km), but higher than that of Song Pro DM (no CLTC comprehensive range data, MIIT comprehensive range 1400 km), with overall balanced endurance, catering to both daily and long-distance travel.
-
Space and Dimensions: The vehicle body dimensions are 4539×1865×1680mm. Among the four models, it has the shortest length and a middle width. The rear seating space and trunk volume are slightly inferior to those of Song Pro DM and Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, making it more suitable for families of 3-4 people, with slightly less spatial flexibility when fully loaded with multiple passengers.
Comparison Item | Changan CS55 PLUS PHEV 2025 Edition, Smart New Blue Whale 125km Version | Song Pro DM 2025 Second Generation DM-i 115KM Transcendent Edition | Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i 2025 Edition 120KM Exploration+ Version | Galaxy E5 2026 Edition 530km Starting Edition |
Engine | 1.5L 98hp L4 Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 101hp L4 Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 112hp L4 Plug-in Hybrid | - |
Motor | Plug-in Hybrid 215 hp | Plug-in Hybrid 163 hp | Plug-in Hybrid 218 hp | Pure Electric 218 HP |
Electric range (km) WLTC | 95 | 93 | 101 | - |
Comprehensive cruising range (km) CLTC | 1215 | - | 1420 | - |
Charging Time (Hours) | Fast charging takes 0.32 hours, slow charging takes 6 hours | Fast charging takes 0.57 hours, slow charging takes 2.77 hours | Fast charging takes 0.33 hours, slow charging takes 6 hours | Fast charging takes 0.33 hours, slow charging takes 9 hours |
Fast Charge Capacity (%) | 30-80 | 30%-80% | 30-80 | 30-80 |
Engine Maximum Power (kW) | 72(98Ps) | 74(101Ps) | 82(112Ps) | - |
Maximum power of electric motor (kW) | 158(215Ps) | 120(163Ps) | 160(218Ps) | 160(218Ps) |
Maximum Torque (N·m) | 330 | 210 | 262 | 320 |
Engine Maximum Torque (N·m) | 125 | 126 | 136 | - |
Motor maximum torque (N·m) | 330 | 210 | 262 | 320 |
Length × Width × Height (mm) | 4539×1865×1680 | 4735×1860×1710 | 4740×1905×1685 | 4615×1901×1670 |
Data Source: DCAR
Scenario-based Value Interpretation:
Daily commuting scenario: low cost + high efficiency, addressing "commuting anxiety"
As a high-frequency usage scenario for most users, this vehicle model precisely matches the commuting needs of "short distance, high frequency, and cost control":
- Full electric coverage, zero gasoline commuting: The CLTC pure electric range is 125 km. If the daily commute is 50 km round-trip (e.g., from the suburbs to the city center), only 2 charging sessions per week are needed, with no need to start the engine at all. The monthly electricity cost is approximately 45 yuan (calculated at 0.6 yuan/kWh and 14 kWh per 100 km), compared to the average monthly gasoline cost of 600 yuan for a gasoline vehicle of the same class, resulting in annual savings of over 6,600 yuan.
- Fast charging for energy replenishment without wasting time: Fast charging takes 0.32 hours (from 30% to 80%). Charging for 20 minutes at the community charging station before the morning rush hour can replenish 70 km of range, meeting the commuting needs for 3 days. If you return late from overtime work, slow charging for 6 hours can fully charge the battery, eliminating concerns about insufficient range the next day and adapting to the "early departure and late return" commuting rhythm.
- Flexible Parking, Stress-Free Urban Maneuvering: With a body length of 4539mm, nearly 20cm shorter than the Song Pro DM (4735mm), it offers greater flexibility in turning and reversing in narrow parking spaces in old residential areas and compact parking lots in shopping malls. Even novice drivers can park easily, avoiding the embarrassment of "commuting to work but struggling to find a parking spot".
Family short-distance scenario: Practical space + comfortable adaptation, meeting the needs of "family travel"
Targeting the short-distance family needs such as weekend shopping, parent-child camping, and picking up and dropping off elders, the vehicle model addresses the pain points of family users in terms of space utilization and detailed design:
- Flexible Loading, Meeting Diverse Needs: The trunk has a regular volume of 370L (actually measured to fit 2 28-inch suitcases + 1 child safety seat + a camping tent). If the rear seats are folded down, the volume expands to 835L, capable of accommodating large items such as children's bicycles and folding strollers, meeting the multiple needs of "weekend camping with kids + shopping".
- Rear-seat friendly, no cramped feeling when sitting: The rear floor is designed to be completely flat, so the middle passenger doesn't need to "stand on tiptoe"; the rear legroom is approximately 900mm (when a 175cm-tall passenger sits, there is still a distance of two fists between the knees and the front seat), ensuring that when traveling with parents, the elderly won't feel cramped in the legs even after a long journey, thus solving the problem of "poor rear-seat comfort during family trips".
- Thoughtful configuration, caring for family details: Standard rear USB Type-C fast charging port ensures that children in the back row don't need to worry about battery life when using tablets to watch animations; the air conditioning supports zone adjustment, allowing the front row to set 24°C while adjusting the temperature for children in the back row to 26°C, avoiding "conflicts in hot and cold needs" and enhancing the happiness of family travel.
Long-distance self-driving scenario: Solid range + stable power, conquering "long-distance anxiety"
In the face of long-distance travel needs such as cross-city family visits and holiday self-driving tours, the vehicle model uses "long range + strong power" to eliminate concerns about long-distance travel:
- Robust comprehensive range reduces the frequency of energy replenishment: The CLTC comprehensive range is 1,215 km. If driving from Beijing to Jinan (approximately 430 km), it can reach the destination directly in a single trip without refueling or recharging midway when fully fueled and charged. Even on a full highway journey (fuel consumption of 6 L per 100 km), with a fuel tank capacity of 48 L, a single refueling can provide a range of 800 km, meeting the long-distance needs of those "who don't want to frequently enter service areas".
- Sufficient power for effortless overtaking and climbing: The electric motor has a maximum torque of 330 N·m, 120 N·m higher than that of Song Pro DM (210 N·m). It only takes 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 80 km/h to 120 km/h on the highway, enabling quick lane changes during overtaking and avoiding the safety hazard of "insufficient power for long-distance overtaking". When driving through mountainous sections, the power output is smooth during climbing, eliminating the sluggish feeling of "no response when stepping on the accelerator".
- Controllable fuel consumption and long-distance costs within budget: In high-speed hybrid mode, the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is approximately 5.5L. Compared with gasoline vehicles of the same class, driving from Shanghai to Xiamen can save 25L of fuel, balancing long-distance convenience and cost control.
Multi-scenario response in cities: Adapt to "complex road conditions + sudden demands"
In response to sudden scenarios such as urban congestion, rainy-day travel, and temporary cargo loading, the Changan CS55 PLUS Hybrid PHEV enhances usability through detailed design:
- Easier driving in congested traffic: Equipped with an E-CVT continuously variable transmission, it provides seamless gear shifting on congested roads during morning and evening rush hours, eliminating jerks during frequent starts and stops, allowing for a more relaxed right foot on the accelerator, and alleviating "driving fatigue in congested traffic".
- Safety in rainy days, guaranteed by configuration: Standard equipped with 360° panoramic view + transparent chassis, when visibility is poor on rainy days, the water accumulation and obstacles around the wheels can be clearly seen through the central control screen, avoiding "scratches during reverse parking on rainy days"; the tires use silent and anti-skid tires, which have strong grip when driving on rainy days, with a braking distance 1.5 meters shorter than ordinary tires (at a speed of 60 km/h), enhancing driving safety on rainy days.
- Flexible response to temporary needs: In case of sudden situations requiring fast charging, it supports mainstream public charging piles (CCS2/GB/T standards), enabling quick energy replenishment at shopping malls and highway service areas, suitable for urban driving scenarios with frequent "temporary needs".