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The medium SUV for the 2027 model year was presented in Brazil in September 2026, debuting Changan’s combination of a plug-in hybrid system and a flex engine. The PHEV is available for pre-sale at R$ 189.990 (about US$ 34,300), with the first deliveries expected in 2026.
Caoa Changan has launched the pre-sale of the CS55 PHEV flex in Brazil for R$ 189.990 (about US$ 34,300). This configuration combines a 1.5 turbo engine capable of running on gasoline or ethanol with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 286 hp.
The SUV was unveiled on Tuesday (15th), with a combined torque of 47 kgfm and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, according to information released by the manufacturer. The reported total range reaches 1,200 km, considering both fuel and energy stored in the battery.
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The designation CS55 2027, used in the launch coverage, refers to the model year of the vehicle, not the year of the presentation. The Brazilian launch took place on September 15, 2026, with the pre-sale opening at the same time and deliveries of the PHEV scheduled for this year.
The declared consumption of up to 42.2 km/l also comes from Caoa Changan. The manufacturer presented this figure as the equivalent consumption of the electrified system, where the energy stored in the battery contributes to propulsion and influences the results achieved by the plug-in hybrid.
The public table from the Brazilian Vehicle Labeling Program by Inmetro, updated on August 31, 2026, did not yet include the CS55. Therefore, the index of 42.2 km/l should be regarded as a data point released by the manufacturer until the model appears in the consultable public version of the program.
Flex engine operates with plug-in hybrid system
The CS55 PHEV utilizes the iDE-H architecture, developed with contributions from Changan’s engineering teams in China and Caoa in Brazil. This technology was designed for various forms of electrification, including conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, and models with range extenders.
In the SUV, the setup combines a 1.5 turbo TGDI flex engine with an electric motor. The combustion engine derives from the unit used in other models in the lineup but operates on the Miller cycle in this electrified application.
The transmission is of the DHT type, which stands for Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. This system employs a fixed mechanical ratio and was developed to manage the joint operation of the hybrid components.
With both engines, the combined output reaches 286 hp and the torque is 47 kgfm. The technical specifications published by Motor1 Brazil indicate that the PHEV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, compared to 8.1 seconds for the purely flex versions, a difference of 0.9 seconds.
The conventional version also uses a 1.5 turbo flex four-cylinder, 16-valve engine with direct injection, but operates on the Otto cycle. In this configuration, the engine delivers 180 hp of power and 29.2 kgfm of torque, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.
The management of the electrified system is the responsibility of the Intelligent Energy Management, referred to by Changan as IEM. The company claims that the system utilizes artificial intelligence to recognize driving patterns and adapt parameters such as throttle response, regeneration during braking, and torque delivery.
Declared consumption depends on battery usage
The figure of 42.2 km/l should not be interpreted in the same way as the consumption of a purely combustion vehicle. In a plug-in hybrid, part of the distance can be covered using electricity stored in the battery before the combustion engine takes on a larger role in the journey.
Caoa Changan also reports a total range of up to 1,200 km with the combination of fuel and electric energy. This result considers the use of both energy sources available in the PHEV, not just the amount of fuel stored in the tank.
The battery can be recharged externally, a feature that distinguishes a PHEV from a conventional hybrid without a plug. The frequency of recharges and the share of each trip covered using electricity directly influence the amount of fuel consumed during everyday use.
This characteristic also prevents a direct comparison between the 42.2 km/l advertised for the PHEV and the consumption of the conventional versions. In the purely combustion CS55, the homologation figures reported are 10.4 km/l in the city and 12.1 km/l on the highway using gasoline.
Dimensions and equipment remain similar to the conventional CS55
The body retains the dimensions presented for the line, measuring 4.55 meters in length, 1.87 meters in width, 1.68 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 2.66 meters. The trunk capacity is reported at 525 liters according to VDA standards.
The plug-in hybrid configuration includes specific elements such as an illuminated rear logo. Among the expected features are 19-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof, along with laminated glass on the front doors and windshield aimed at reducing external noise.
The cabin features amenities planned for the CS55 family, while the electrified version adds functions related to the management of the hybrid system. The PHEV also marks Changan’s first global application of a plug-in hybrid system paired with a flex-fuel engine.
Pre-sales for the PHEV began at R$ 189,990 (about US$33,500) in September 2026. The CS55 is part of Caoa Changan’s Brazilian lineup alongside models such as the Uni-T and CS75.
Thus, there is no conflict between identifying the vehicle as model year 2027 and the timeline of its launch: the CS55 was unveiled and put on pre-sale in Brazil in September 2026, while the first units of the PHEV configuration are expected to reach buyers by the end of 2026.
