More Chery Omoda E5 details announced

CHERY’S first fully electric BEV, the Omoda E5 small SUV arrives in Australia next month (September) at an undisclosed price.

Potentially reflecting its main competitor MG, which has the three model ZS electric small SUV range spanning $39,990 to $49,990 drive-away and the five-model MG 4 hatch pitched from the same kick-off price, the Omoda E5 could also be considered a rival to the Nissan Leaf ($50,990), BYD Dolphin ($38,990) and even the GWM Ora hatch ($35,990), adding to the choice of smaller EVs now available at an ever-sharpening price point.

The Omoda E5 will arrive in two grades, BX and EX, both with premium features across the range. Chery says the entry level BX model will feature among other goodies dual 12.3-inch screens, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 50W wireless phone charger.

They share the same attractive styling and front-wheel drive single electric motor powertrain that produces 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque claimed to be capable of up to 430km (WLTP).

Accelerating from 0-100km in 7.6 seconds, the Omoda E5 offers what could be termed brisk performance consuming neutrons at the claimed rate of 15.5kW/100km.

Chery says range anxiety is a thing of the past with the E5’s range with the vehicle able to be DC recharged from 30-80 per cent in under 30 minutes to its 61kWh battery.

The model’s maximum towing capacity is 750kg.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our first electric vehicle, a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Chery Australia CEO Lewis Lu.

“We’re proud to offer a vehicle that not only delivers outstanding performance and range but also helps reduce our carbon footprint. This launch is a significant milestone in our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.”

Taking a closer look at the two new BEVs we find the Omoda E5 BX equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, 18 advanced driver aids, dual 12.3-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens, inbuilt sat-nav, three drive modes, intelligent voice command, six-speaker Sony sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ radio, wireless hone charger, LED exterior lighting, fabric seats with synthetic leather bolsters and a full-size spare wheel.

Moving to the better equipped EX there is a power tailgate, eight-speaker Sony sound system, puddle lamps, ambient interior lighting, black synthetic leather seats, 360-degree camera, heated front and rear seats (outboard), synthetic leather steering wheel with heating and a powered sunroof.

The tech offering includes equipment already mentioned above as well as dual 12.3-inch screens (instrument cluster and infotainment), offline navigation and the availability of multi-colour ambient lighting.

Chery’s voice command system is also fitted with drivers able to control features such as changing radio stations, opening windows and setting the climate without taking their hands off the wheel.

Safety is enhanced with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features, including seven airbags (driver, passenger, centre, front side and side curtain) as well as an extensive array of ADAS features. These include adaptive cruise control (ACC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane keeping assistance (LKA) to mention a few.

Adding a welcome measure of practicality is the Omoda E5’s full-size spare wheel… a rarity in this class of vehicle.

Chery provides an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty on the battery with a “comprehensive” seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven-year capped price servicing and up to seven years of roadside assistance.

The handsome newcomer builds on the petrol-powered Omoda 5 with a blanked-out visage as per EV convention with neatly integrated CCS2 charging port. Specific to the E5 are 18-inch alloy wheels, twin rear spoilers (roof and boot lid), LED head and taillights, plus DRLs.

The model is available in five new colours Chery says, “further enhance the E5’s road presence”. They are Titan Green, Lunar White, Saturn Silver, Space Black and Martian Red. A black roof is also optional on the EX model in Titan Green and Lunar White.

The Omoda E5 will join the petrol-powered Omoda 5, Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max in local showrooms this September with pricing to be announced closer to launch.