Chery Omoda E5 2025 review - Australian first drive

2025 Chery Omoda E5 BX.

The Chery Omoda E5 is a compact electric SUV that combines a familiar five-seat body with a dedicated battery-electric powertrain. Its strongest appeal is the way it packages useful range, brisk performance and a generous equipment list into a relatively accessible small-SUV format. It is aimed at buyers seeking a practical entry into electric motoring without moving into a larger or more expensive vehicle.

Under the nose is a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 150kW and 340Nm, driving the front wheels through a single-speed reduction transmission. Chery quotes a 0-100km/h time of 7.6 seconds, and the immediate response typical of an electric motor makes the Omoda E5 particularly effective in urban traffic and during highway overtaking. Three drive modes, Eco, Normal and Sport, allow the power delivery to be tailored, although the differences between them are relatively modest.

Energy is stored in a 61.1kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The official WLTP combined consumption figure is 15.5kWh/100km, with a claimed driving range of 430km. In testing across urban, suburban and freeway roads, observed consumption was 16.8kWh/100km. DC charging is supported at up to 80kW, with a stated 30-to-80 per cent charging time of about 28 minutes. AC charging is available at up to 9.9kW. The centrally mounted Type 2 charging port is convenient because it allows the vehicle to be positioned nose-first at a charger regardless of which side the charging equipment is located.

Inside, the cabin has a contemporary, technology-focused layout dominated by twin 12.3-inch displays for instrumentation and multimedia functions. Built-in satellite navigation, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, digital radio and a six-speaker Sony audio system are included on the BX grade. Dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, LED exterior lighting, keyless entry and start, heated and power-folding mirrors and alloy wheels add everyday convenience.

The column-mounted gear selector frees up space between the front seats, where the centre console provides useful storage, cupholders and a cooled lidded compartment. Front occupants have ample room, while the rear bench offers generous head and legroom for two adults. Rear passengers also benefit from adjustable ventilation, USB-A and USB-C charging points, door bins, map pockets and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.

Practicality is a mixed area. The boot provides 300 litres with the rear seats upright, increasing to 1079 litres with the 60/40 split-folding backrests lowered. A 19-litre front storage compartment adds useful extra capacity, and the inclusion of a full-sized spare wheel is unusual among electric vehicles. The Omoda E5 can also tow an unbraked trailer weighing up to 750kg.

The suspension uses front struts and a multi-link rear arrangement. The vehicle feels stable and responsive enough for normal urban and highway duties, but the ride can be unsettled over rough city surfaces, particularly with the larger wheels. Steering feel is light and suited to low-speed driving rather than enthusiastic cornering. Some driver-assistance functions, particularly lane-keeping intervention and driver monitoring, were found to be intrusive or abrupt, although they can be adjusted or switched off.

Safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, driver monitoring, front and rear proximity sensors and tyre-pressure monitoring. Seven airbags include a front-centre airbag, while two ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchors support child-seat installation. At the time of the review, the electric model had not been included in the ANCAP assessment.

Ownership support is a notable strength, with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. Scheduled servicing is set at 12 months or 20,000km, with capped-price servicing available. Overall, the Omoda E5 stands out for its range, standard equipment and ownership coverage, while its ride quality, smaller boot and calibration of some assistance systems remain important considerations.

Other highlights include Transmission: 1 SPEED AUTOMATIC; Drive train: Front-wheel drive; Engine or motor: Single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, 150kW/340Nm.