As the Australian market opens up to a wider range of electric vehicles (EVs), the Chery Omoda E5 emerges as a strong contender for first-time EV buyers. With its striking design, generous warranty, and impressive specifications, the Omoda E5 aims to provide value and convenience in a rapidly evolving segment. Here’s an in-depth look at what the Omoda E5 offers, its strengths, and areas where it could improve.
Pricing and Specifications
The Chery Omoda E5 starts at $47,990 drive-away, positioning itself as a competitively priced option in the compact electric SUV category. It features a 150kW permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 340Nm of torque, and a 61.1kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. This setup offers a WLTP-rated range of 430 km, suitable for urban commuting and weekend getaways.
Charging is straightforward, with a Type 2 AC port supporting up to 9.9kW on three-phase, and a CCS2 DC fast charger that can charge the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 28 minutes.
Exterior Design and Features
The Omoda E5’s design is unmistakably modern, with sleek lines, LED headlights, and an aerodynamic silhouette. The 18-inch alloy wheels and shark-fin antenna add a sporty touch, while practical features like rain-sensing wipers and power-adjustable heated side mirrors enhance everyday usability.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
The cabin is a blend of style and functionality, highlighted by dual 12.3-inch digital screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless connectivity for drivers.
Storage is well thought out, with a floating centre console offering ample space for personal items, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports. The boot space, at 300 litres with the seats up and 1,079 litres with them folded, is adequate for most needs.
Likes:
- Comfortable Seats: The seats are supportive and feature a sporty design, ideal for long drives.
- Practical Storage: The floating console and under-floor compartments are useful additions.
- Quiet Cabin: The near-silent operation and soft-touch materials create a relaxing atmosphere.
Dislikes:
- Back Seat Space: Rear legroom may feel tight for taller passengers, though it’s sufficient for children or shorter trips.
- Quirky Features: Some controls, like those for the radio, are less intuitive and take time to master.
Driving Dynamics
The Omoda E5 strikes a balance between comfort and performance. The electric power steering is responsive, and the suspension, comprising MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, absorbs most road imperfections.
Performance: The E5 is quick off the line, with smooth acceleration. It’s not a neck-snapping performance EV, but it delivers more than enough power for city driving and highway overtaking.
Handling: While the front-wheel-drive setup generally performs well, some drivers might notice occasional wheel spin, especially during aggressive acceleration or in wet conditions. This is a common challenge in high-torque FWD EVs and could be improved with better traction control calibration.
Warranty and Servicing
One of the standout features of the Chery Omoda E5 is its 7-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year unlimited kilometre battery warranty, offering peace of mind to buyers. Additionally, Chery provides five years of free servicing, which adds substantial value over the ownership period.
Safety
The Omoda E5 is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
These features, combined with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, make it a safe choice for families.
Final Impressions
The Chery Omoda E5 is an attractive option for first-time EV buyers. Its modern design, solid range, and generous warranty make it a compelling package. While some areas, like back seat space and control intuitiveness, leave room for improvement, these are minor inconveniences in an otherwise well-rounded offering.
Pros:
- Stylish and futuristic design
- Long range for the price
- Competitive warranty and servicing package
- Quiet and comfortable drive
Cons:
- Rear seat space could be more accommodating
- Occasional wheel spin under torque
For those transitioning from traditional petrol vehicles, the Omoda E5 offers an excellent introduction to electric mobility without breaking the bank. Its practicality, comfort, and tech-forward approach ensure it will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
