Chery eQ5

Model Overview

The Chery Ant is the first all-electric mid-size SUV developed by Chery New Energy on its @LIFE green intelligent modular platform, initially known under the internal codename "eQ5". Officially launched on 22 September 2020, the model was offered in four variants: Juneng, Gaoneng, Gaoneng Pro, and Chaoneng, with post-subsidy prices ranging from RM149,800 to RM189,800. Upon its market debut, the SUV was officially christened "Chery Ant", creating a cohesive naming lineage with the brand's popular "Little Ant" (eQ1) micro-EV. As a strategic model for Chery New Energy, the Ant spearheaded the brand's upmarket push into the mid-size pure electric SUV segment.

Design Language

Penned by renowned Italian automotive styling house Pininfarina, the Chery Ant adopts an exterior design philosophy inspired by "ocean waves", creating a dynamic and visually striking profile. Up front, a closed-off grille is flanked by split headlamp clusters and a full-width lower intake, paired with sculpted bonnet creases for commanding road presence. The closed front panel features an engraved windmill motif symbolising wind energy, adding a distinctive, eco-conscious aesthetic touch. Along the sides, a fastback roofline is complemented by 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, creating a sporty coupe-SUV silhouette. The rear is defined by full-width LED taillights that offer exceptional illumination and night-time recognition. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,630 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, and 1,655 mm in height, with an expansive 2,830 mm wheelbase. The cabin features a T-shaped dashboard layout trimmed in woodgrain panels, chrome accents, and leather upholstery to evoke the premium ambience of an executive ICE car, integrated with dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays and an aircraft-style electronic gear selector that seamlessly merge retro elegance with contemporary digital tech.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the skin, the Chery Ant is powered exclusively by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor in a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout—a standout setup among pure electric SUVs in this segment. With the exception of the entry variant delivering 120 kW (approx. 163 PS), the remaining three variants are driven by a rear motor generating a maximum output of 130 kW (approx. 177 PS) and 280 Nm of peak torque. The official 0–50 km/h sprint is dispatched in just 4.8 seconds. Power is supplied by a 70.1 kWh ternary lithium battery pack across the entire range, delivering an NEDC-rated cruising range of 510 km. The battery system is equipped with an intelligent liquid cooling thermal management system, ensuring consistent battery health and performance across temperatures from -30°C to 55°C. With DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% top-up takes just 30 minutes, while a quick 10-minute charge adds 100 km of driving range.

Chassis & Handling

Chassis engineering is one of the Chery Ant's standout attributes. Built upon the @LIFE all-aluminium dedicated EV platform, the SUV features a class-rare front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension configuration, with extensive use of aluminium alloy across key chassis components to cut unsprung weight while improving ride suppleness. The standard rear-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout cleanly decouples steering from propulsion while lightening front-axle load, delivering noticeably sharper turn-in, agile handling in corners, and reduced understeer. On the move, the chassis is tuned with a sporty bias, offering a planted ride, communicative road feedback, and reassuring body control. In addition, drivers can choose between three drive modes—SPORT, ECO, and a central screen-activated "Long Range" (ECO+) mode—along with three selectable levels of regenerative braking to cater to varied driving conditions.

Cabin & Features

The Chery Ant's cabin strikes a balance between comfort and modern technology. Dual 12.3-inch integrated widescreen displays come standard across the range, driven by an infotainment system equipped with an intelligent voice assistant and over-the-air (OTA) software update support. Space packaging is exceptional thanks to short front and rear overhangs paired with the long 2,830 mm wheelbase, providing generous passenger space with standout rear legroom. The rear boot expands up to 1,250 litres, while the RWD packaging frees up a 60-litre front trunk (frunk) under the bonnet for added practicality. Comfort-wise, mid-to-high-spec variants gain power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, driver's seat ventilation, and electric lumbar support. Other practical features include a CN95-certified cabin air filtration system, a panoramic glass roof, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Safety & Advanced Driver Assistance

The Chery Ant delivers comprehensive active and passive safety, constructed around an innovative falcon-bone multi-chamber closed frame and a high-strength cage structure. Benefiting from the @LIFE platform's all-aluminium body architecture, kerb weight is kept down to just 1,760 kg. This lightweight design cuts body weight by 30% while increasing torsional rigidity by 20%, creating an exceptionally rigid passenger safety cell. In terms of advanced driver assistance, the vehicle delivers Level 2+ autonomous capabilities, integrating over 20 safety features including Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto Parking Assist. Parking is further simplified by a 360-degree surround-view monitor and remote parking assist, making tight parking manoeuvres effortless. Furthermore, the Ant features an in-cabin facial recognition system (Face ID) with integrated driver fatigue monitoring, which issues real-time alerts upon detecting drowsiness or distraction.

Market Performance & Verdict

Since its market launch in September 2020, the Chery Ant established a unique technical presence in the RM150,000 to RM200,000 electric SUV market, underpinned by core USPs such as its all-aluminium chassis, RWD architecture, and Pininfarina styling. User reviews and motoring media feedback widely commended its dependable real-world range, class-above interior space, and upmarket cabin materials. However, constrained by brand cachet, rapid iteration from segment competitors, and divided attention resulting from higher-than-expected early pre-sale pricing, the Ant's long-term market momentum remained modest. Chery New Energy registered approximately 42,000 vehicle sales in 2023, with the Ant (eQ5) and the broader eQ series making up a significant portion of that volume. Against the backdrop of Chery's wider brand expansion—with cumulative sales exceeding 1.48 million units between January and July 2025—the Ant served as a pivotal early foray into the premium mid-size EV SUV space, laying vital technological and intelligent platform foundations for the brand's subsequent new energy vehicle portfolio.