OMODA E5

Model Overview

The OMODA E5 is the first all-electric SUV under Chery's OMODA sub-brand, serving as the pure electric counterpart to the petrol-powered OMODA 5. Built on Chery's 3rd-generation eQ1 dedicated EV platform, it is positioned as an all-electric mid-size SUV. In 2024, the OMODA E5 was progressively rolled out in international markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the UK, and Australia, with a market launch in Taiwan, China scheduled for late 2026. In the UK market, the OMODA E5 starts from £33,055; in Malaysia, it is priced at RM146,800 (approx. NTD 993,000). In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,424 × 1,830 × 1,588 mm in length, width, and height respectively, with a 2,630 mm wheelbase. It features a 5-seater layout, with a kerb weight of 1,710 kg.

Design Language

Visually, the OMODA E5 retains the overall silhouette of the OMODA 5, but incorporates a suite of EV-exclusive design tweaks to set it apart from its ICE sibling. Up front, the conventional grille is replaced with a closed-off front fascia to reduce aerodynamic drag, achieving a claimed drag coefficient of just 0.281 Cd. The front badge has also been updated from the Chery emblem to prominent "OMODA" lettering. The front-end styling is sharper and cleaner, complemented by a redesigned lower bumper air intake. Around the back, the styling stays largely true to the petrol model’s sporty aesthetic, featuring a simplified rear bumper apron and newly styled, EV-specific low-drag aero wheels. The charging port is neatly integrated at the front nose behind a pop-up flap. Inside, the cabin is touted as being "half a generation ahead of the ICE version". The key difference lies in the gear selector, which switches from a console-mounted crystal electronic gear lever to a steering column-mounted shifter, freeing up extra storage space on the centre console. The interior materials are also upgraded, delivering a plusher, soft-touch finish.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the skin, the OMODA E5 is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. The electric motor delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (approx. 201–204 PS) and a peak torque of 340 Nm. The official 0–100 km/h acceleration time is rated at 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 172 km/h. Battery-wise, it is equipped with a 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The WLTP-rated pure electric range is 430 km. Energy consumption is rated at 15.5 kWh/100 km. For charging, it supports 80 kW DC fast charging, which juiced the battery from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes; AC charging is rated at 9.9 kW, taking around 8 hours for a full charge. The vehicle also comes with a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse power supply capability of up to 3.3 kW. In 2025, OMODA introduced an updated model with an upgraded output of 155 kW.

Chassis & Handling

In terms of chassis setup, the OMODA E5 features front MacPherson strut independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension. The drivetrain format is front-wheel drive (FWD). The braking system comprises front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 215/55 R18 tyres. The minimum turning radius is 5.45 metres. Standard boot capacity is rated at 380 litres, expandable to 1,075 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Maximum braked towing capacity stands at 750 kg.

Cabin & Equipment

The centrepiece of the cabin is the dual 12.3-inch 2K-resolution display setup—combining the full digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment touchscreen into a sleek, integrated dual-screen unit. The infotainment system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive chip, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Audio duties are handled by either a 6-speaker setup or a premium 8-speaker Sony sound system, depending on the variant. Creature comforts include a 50W wireless smartphone charger, multi-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate (higher variant), and heated/ventilated front seats. The seats are wrapped in leather upholstery.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the OMODA E5 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It comes standard with 7 airbags across the range (including driver, front passenger, front centre, front side, and curtain airbags). For active safety, it is equipped with a Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) packing 18 intelligent driver assistance features, with core functions including: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) among others.

Market Performance & Verdict

Since its international roll-out in 2024, the OMODA E5 has drawn significant attention thanks to its accessible pricing and generous standard equipment. In the Malaysian market, this model holds the distinction of being the first Chinese-brand EV to be locally assembled (CKD). In the UK, its entry price (£33,055) significantly undercuts segment rivals such as the Volvo EC40 (from over £51,000) and the Nissan Ariya (£39,645). The vehicle is backed by a 7-year/150,000 km full vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000 km high-voltage battery and EV drive system warranty, including a 1-to-1 replacement if battery health drops below 70%. Motoring media reviews note that the OMODA E5 delivers respectable performance and energy efficiency along with stellar value for money; drawbacks include relatively modest DC fast-charging speeds, an infotainment experience that could use further polish, a modest boot capacity, and a ride quality that lacks ultimate finesse.