The automotive world just got a glimpse of something genuinely different. On October 21, 2026, Chinese giant Chery unveiled the OMODA X, a concept SUV that looks like it drove straight out of a sci-fi movie. With its “Cyber Mecha” design language and a list of high-tech features, it’s clear OMODA is making a bold play for the lifestyle and off-road segment. But among all the bells and whistles, one feature stands out as a potential game-changer: a thermal imaging system that lets you see in the dark.
Here is a closer look at the OMODA X Concept and the technology that makes it extraordinary.
👁️ Seeing in the Dark: The Infrared Thermal Imaging System
The headline feature of the OMODA X is its infrared thermal imaging night vision system. This isn’t just a fancy gimmick; it’s a serious safety tool. OMODA claims the system can detect potential hazards—like wildlife or pedestrians—up to 90 metres away in complete darkness.
The system uses thermal imaging to identify heat signatures, making it far more effective than standard headlights in low-visibility conditions. This is particularly useful for drivers in rural or wilderness areas, where animals like kangaroos or deer can pose a significant risk after dark. It’s a technology that was once the preserve of high-end military and luxury vehicles, and its inclusion here signals OMODA’s ambition to lead in accessible, advanced safety tech.
🤖 The “Cyber Mecha” Design: Bold and Functional
The OMODA X isn’t just a tech showcase; it’s a visual statement. It adopts OMODA’s “Cyber Mecha” design language, characterized by sharp, angular surfaces and a muscular stance. The concept features a wide body with pronounced shoulders, a tightly sculpted waistline, and a contrasting black roof.
But the design isn’t just about looks. It’s built for genuine utility:
Rugged Capability: It sits on 19-inch wheels with chunky all-terrain tyres, offers 200mm of ground clearance, and can wade through water more than 700mm deep.
Practicality: It boasts a 1,800kg braked towing capacity, a 75kg roof load capacity, and a generous 39 storage spaces throughout the cabin, designed for outdoor gear.
🛸 Inside the “Mecha Command Cockpit”
Step inside, and you’re greeted by what OMODA calls the “Mecha Command Cockpit”—a cabin that blends futuristic design with intuitive controls. The centerpiece is a twin-wing dashboard and an X-shaped floating centre console that houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 13.2-inch central touchscreen.
Crucially, OMODA has retained physical controls for frequently used functions like climate control and drive settings, a thoughtful touch that prioritizes usability over screen-only interfaces. The interior is also designed for personalization and entertainment, featuring a four-zone microphone system for in-car karaoke and an advanced voice assistant that understands natural, conversational speech.
⚙️ Performance and Platform
While specific performance figures are yet to be confirmed, OMODA has shared some key details about the X’s underpinnings. It rides on Chery Group’s flexible multi-energy platform, meaning it will be available with both fully electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
Drivers will also be able to tailor the vehicle’s behavior through an X-MODE system, which allows them to adjust settings and performance responses to their preference.
💎 The OMODA X Concept
is more than just a pretty face. It’s a coherent vision of a future SUV that is rugged enough for a weekend adventure, smart enough for a daily commute, and packed with genuinely useful technology. The thermal night vision system is a standout safety feature, but it’s the combination of bold design, practical utility, and a tech-rich cabin that makes the X so compelling.
As a concept, it remains to be seen how much of this will make it to production. However, OMODA has confirmed that the X previews its next mid-sized SUV, with global arrivals slated to begin in 2027. If the production version retains even half of this concept’s innovation, it will be a serious contender in the increasingly competitive SUV market.
