2025 Chery Omoda E5 Review

The 2025 Chery Omoda E5 is a new entrant in the electric vehicle market, offering an affordable alternative to established players like the BYD Atto 3. With an all-electric powertrain and a focus on providing a Euro-inspired driving experience, the Omoda E5 represents an evolution over its combustion-powered sibling. But does it stack up well against competitors in a crowded EV space? Let's take a closer look.

How much does the Chery Omoda E5 cost?

The 2025 Chery Omoda E5 starts at $42,990 before on-road costs for the base model, while the top-spec EX version costs $45,990. Notably, the Omoda E5 is around $2,000 cheaper than the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable electric SUV.

2025 Chery Omoda E5 Pricing:

• Omoda E5 BX - $42,990
• Omoda E5 EX - $45,990

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs.

What’s the exterior like of the Chery Omoda E5?

The exterior of the Chery Omoda E5 is notably different from its petrol counterpart, especially at the front. It features a closed-off grille that enhances its EV identity, and personally I find it much more appealing than the petrol version. The LED daytime running lights and headlights provide a modern look, while the lower bumper's air intakes are functional, though not overly aggressive in appearance.

The side profile includes 18-inch alloy wheels with aero covers that aim to improve efficiency. The narrow, low-resistance tires are designed to maximise range, though they may not offer the same level of grip as wider alternatives. The slightly raised ride height and character line along the doors provide a typical SUV stance. Keyless entry and privacy glass are standard, which is good to see at this price point.

The rear design retains much of the styling from the petrol version but has subtle updates to suit its electric nature. The roof spoiler adds a sporty touch, but its aerodynamic benefits are minimal. The full-width LED light bar is largely cosmetic, and the initial 350 units feature exclusive "Omoda" badging due to what we assume are some factory constraints. The rear bumper is simple and lacks fake exhaust outlets, which is a practical design choice.

Overall, the Omoda E5’s exterior combines some modern elements with familiar SUV styling cues, resulting in a look that may appeal to some buyers but it definitely doesn’t stand out from the crowd.

What’s the interior like of the Chery Omoda E5?

The Omoda E5’s interior represents a noticeable improvement over its combustion counterpart, with a revised layout and enhanced materials aimed at providing a more comfortable experience. The cabin is dominated by a dual-screen setup, including a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital driver display, both of which are responsive and provide clear information. The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which works well. Climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen but can be accessed quickly with a swipe, making the interface relatively user-friendly.

The new column-mounted gear shifter opens up space for additional storage, which is well-utilised in the centre console. There is also a cooled wireless charging pad that prevents phones from overheating during charging, a feature often missing in competitors at this price point. Below the centre console, there is ample open storage, but the placement of USB ports on the passenger side makes connecting devices slightly inconvenient for the driver.

Faux wood and brushed metal accents on the interior are intended to give a more premium feel, though they may not appeal to everyone due to their artificial appearance and texture. There are some soft-touch materials across the dashboard and door panels, but these are mixed with harder plastics that slightly detract from the overall sense of quality. Practicality is well-considered, with large door bins, a felt-lined storage compartment under the armrest, and several smaller storage spaces throughout the cabin.

The seats are wrapped in faux leather and are comfortable for short to medium journeys, though they lack adequate thigh support, particularly for taller occupants. The driver's seat is manually adjustable in six ways, while the EX trim offers electric adjustment for the front passenger seat. Heated front seats are also available in the EX trim, which adds some comfort in colder climates.

The steering wheel is wrapped in synthetic leather and features buttons for audio, cruise control, and voice commands, which are intuitive to use. However, the paddle shifters are purely for regenerative braking adjustment and feel a bit out of place given the overall driving experience of the vehicle. The ergonomics are mostly well thought out, but the cabin could benefit from more customization options for seating and steering adjustments.

The Sony sound system in the EX trim, featuring eight speakers, delivers good audio quality for the segment. It’s clear and adequately powerful, though it lacks the richness found in more high-end audio systems. The ambient lighting, also included in the EX trim, provides a touch of personalisation, though it remains a relatively subtle feature.

Overall, while the interior of the Chery Omoda E5 shows significant improvements over its combustion counterpart, it still has some areas where it falls short compared to competitors. The practicality and layout are well-executed, but the materials and comfort features may not be enough to impress buyers looking for a truly premium experience in an electric SUV.

What about back seats?

Rear seating in the Omoda E5 is adequate - but not as spacious as some competitors. The battery placement does impede on the height of the floor, which means rear passengers sit with their knees higher than ideal, reducing comfort for taller individuals. Headroom is reasonable due to the cutout in the roof, but leg room and toe room are not as generous as in the BYD Atto 3, for example. 

As far as amenities go, you get a fold-down armrest with cupholders, a single air vent, and USB charging ports. It’s enough to get the job done, without excelling in comfort or space compared to the competition.

What’s boot space like in the Chery Omoda E5?

The boot space in the Chery Omoda E5 is measured at 300 litres up to the cargo cover. This is reduced from the 360 litres you get in the Omoda 5 petrol. While it is big enough for lighter luggage, it falls short of the 430 litres available in the BYD Atto 3. There is no underfloor storage, but the inclusion of a full-sized spare wheel is a very welcome feature, particularly for families looking to go on weekend adventures.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 Chery Omoda E5?

Under the bonnet, the Omoda E5 features a 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, identical to that used in the BYD Atto 3. This battery powers a front-mounted electric motor producing 150 kW of power and 340 Nm of torque. Charging is available via an 80 kW DC fast charger, which is slightly less than the BYD Atto 3’s 88 kW capacity, but the real-world difference is minimal; they will be within a few minutes of each other to charge from 30-80%.

How does the Chery Omoda Drive?

First and foremost, the driving experience of the Omoda E5 has been completely transformed from the combustion version. The Chery Omoda E5 delivers a smooth and quiet driving experience, and the 150 kW electric motor has sufficient get-up-and-go for most applications. 

We managed a 0-100 km/h time of 8.14 seconds on slippery conditions, which is decent for a small SUV, though nothing outstanding. 

The steering is light and responsive, making the Omoda E5 easy to manoeuvre in urban environments, particularly in tight city streets and during parking. The feedback from the steering, however, is minimal, which may leave some wanting for more engagement. On the upside, the wider track compared to the petrol version contributes to improved stability, giving the vehicle a more planted feel during cornering. It doesn't have the same level of sharpness as some other small EVs, but it maintains composure well for a vehicle in this price segment.

The ride quality is generally comfortable, thanks to the multi-link rear suspension setup. It effectively absorbs most road imperfections, providing a composed ride over uneven surfaces and speed bumps. However, the suspension is tuned more towards comfort, which means that body roll is noticeable during more spirited driving. This makes the Omoda E5 better suited for a relaxed driving style rather than aggressive cornering.

One notable area for improvement is the regenerative braking system. There are three levels of regenerative braking, but at higher settings, it can feel abrupt and disrupt the smoothness of the ride. The lack of a true one-pedal driving mode might be a drawback for those used to more refined EV systems that allow for more precise energy recovery. 

Noise insulation is another positive aspect of the Omoda E5’s driving experience. The cabin remains quiet, even at highway speeds, with minimal wind and road noise intrusion. This contributes to the overall refined feel of the vehicle, which is impressive for an electric SUV in this price range. The dual-pane glass and acoustic treatment are effective, though the narrow tires may generate some road noise on rougher surfaces.

Overall, the Chery Omoda E5 provides a comfortable and competent driving experience, well-suited for urban commuting and occasional long-distance trips. It may not offer the most engaging drive or advanced regenerative braking system, but it makes up for it with a refined, quiet cabin and an overall ease of use that will appeal to many everyday drivers.

What do you get with the Chery Omoda E5?

2025 Chery Omoda E5 Features by Grade:

Omoda E5 BX:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Intelligent voice assistant
• 3 driving modes
• 6-speaker Sony sound system
• DAB+ digital radio
• 50W wireless phone charger
• LED exterior lighting
• Automatic high-beam
• Fabric seats with synthetic leather bolsters
• Manual tailgate
• Full-sized spare wheel

Omoda E5 EX (in addition to BX):

• Power tailgate
• 8-speaker Sony sound system
• Ambient interior lighting and puddle lamps
• Black synthetic leather seats with heating (front and rear outboard)
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Power sunroof

Is the Chery Omoda E5 safe?

The Chery Omoda E5 is equipped with a suite of safety features, and just received a 5-star ANCAP rating in 2024 for both the petrol and electric variants. Standard safety equipment includes front, side, and curtain airbags, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver monitoring system, which is often overly sensitive in other models, has been well-calibrated in the Omoda E5, offering useful assistance without being intrusive.

Safety Equipment:

• All Models:
  • 7 airbags
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Emergency lane keeping
  • Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Traffic jam assist and integrated cruise assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic assist
  • Rear collision warning
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Driver monitoring system
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Reversing camera
• EX Additional Safety:
  • Surround-view camera

How much does it cost to run the Chery Omoda E5?

The Omoda E5 offers reasonable running costs, thanks to its efficient electric drivetrain. It has a claimed consumption of 15.5kWh/100km in mixed driving conditions, which matches real-world figures fairly well. On highways, consumption rises to around 17kWh/100km, providing an estimated range of 380 km. The vehicle comes with a five-year warranty and an eight-year battery warranty, which aligns with industry standards. Servicing costs are capped at $540 for 3 years, or $950 for 5 years, with intervals every 12 months or 20,000km.

Final thoughts on the Chery Omoda E5

The 2025 Chery Omoda E5 is a solid addition to the growing list of affordable electric SUVs. While it doesn’t match the BYD Atto 3 in terms of rear-seat comfort and boot space, it offers a mostly refined, Euro-inspired driving experience and an impressive level of features for its price point. The slightly lower price and improved range might make it a compelling choice over the BYD Atto 3 - for those looking for a more traditional-feeling electric SUV.

Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to personal preference—whether you value the practicality and space of the BYD Atto 3, or the improved driving dynamics and traditional styling of the Chery Omoda E5.