New Chery Omoda E5 electric SUV locked in for next month but would you buy one over a BYD Atto 3?
The BYD Atto 3 and aggressively priced MG ZS EV will face a fresh challenge when the new 2024 Chery Omoda E5 lands in the Aussie showrooms within weeks.
Chery hasn’t announced pricing yet but the new Chery Omoda E5 is expected to cost less than $50,000 for the base BX and around $55,000 for the range-topping EX variant with both models covered by the brand’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
That would make the Omoda E5 – the all-electric version of the Omoda 5 – more expensive than its most obvious rivals, the Atto 3 (from $44,499 plus on-road costs) and ZS EV (from $41,195 plus costs).
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Both Omoda E5 models will feature a single-motor drivetrain powering the front wheels. It will produce 150kW and 340Nm of torque and be powered by a 61kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides for a 430km WLTP-verified range.
Off the mark, Chery claims the Omodo E5 takes 7.6 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h. The Chery EV can also tow up to 750kg.
Chery hasn’t revealed at what rate the Omoda E5’s battery can be charged at but claims a 30-80 per cent top-up takes around 30 minutes.
When it lands in showrooms both models will be well equipped with the base Omoda E5 BX getting dual-12.3-inch screens, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, six-speaker Sony sound system, LED lamps, half-faux leather seats and, unusually for an EV, a full-size spare wheel.
The more expensive Omoda E5 EX, meanwhile, adds an eight-speaker Sony sound system, exterior puddle lights, ambient lighting, heated seats front and rear, black synthetic leather, a 360-degree camera and a sunroof.
Safety levels at least matches the best in class, with the Omoda E5 getting seven airbags and up to 18 driver assist aids that includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
Helping distinguish itself from the combustion-powered Omoda 5, the E5 comes with a redesigned front fascia that lacks a large traditional grille. Look closer and you might spot the opening for the charging port.
Other changes include unique aerodynamically-optimised 18-inch wheels, LED head and tail lights that include daylight running lamps, plus a roof and boot lid spoiler that’s designed to reduce drag.
Offered in five colours – Titan Green, Lunar White, Saturn Silver, Space Black and Martian Red – a contrasting black roof can be added on EX models on green or white cars.
When it arrives, the Omoda E5 will be protected by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty that gets an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre protection for the battery. There’s also seven years of capped-priced servicing and roadside assistance.
Despite prices being released later, interested customers can now pre-order the Chery Omoda E5 on the brand’s website.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our first electric vehicle, a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re proud to offer a vehicle that not only delivers outstanding performance and range but also helps reduce our carbon footprint,” said Lewis Lu, CEO of Chery Australia.
