Chery gave Australian media a preview of the upcoming OMODA E5 electric crossover at an event in Sydney today, ahead of its expected showroom arrival by the middle of 2024. The E5 will give buyers an alternative to the vehicles such as the MG ZS EV and BYD ATTO 3.
While it is based on the OMODA 5 SUV, Chery says 90 per cent of the interior is all-new, with vast improvements in materials and a fundamentally more minimalist design.
A 12.3-inch curved infotainment screen, digital instrument panel and floating centre console herald many of the changes compared with the currently-available combustion-powered OMODA 5 and just-launched OMODA 5 GT. A panoramic sunroof will also be available, but exact specifications are unclear at this stage.
Externally, the large grille which defines other OMODA 5 models makes way for a grille-less front end, incorporating a lift-up charge flap and ‘OMODA’ script connecting the front DRLs. Aerodynamic hubcaps ensure drag is kept as low as possible.
A single electric motor generating 150kW and 340Nm energy to the front wheels, and is said to be good for the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds. According to Chery, the OMODA E5 is capable of fast-charging from 30- 80 per cent in 28 minutes, but has a maximum charge rate of 80kW.
What will set the OMODA E5 apart from its rivals is a best-in-class claimed powered consumption average of 15.5kWh/100km. For reference, the MG ZS EV claims 17.1kWh/100km and the BYD ATTO 3 uses 16kWh/100km.
Pricing will be announced closer to its launch in the middle of the year, but the company has hinted it will be competitive with the aforementioned rivals. This indicates a mid-to-late $40,000 price range.
