The Cat A Omoda E5 is Chery’s latest attempt to capture attention, quietly yet confidently.
This EV doesn’t break new ground, but that’s precisely the point. It’s designed to be familiar to folks who are used to ICE cars, yet offer them a new form of propulsion underneath.
a familiar face in a crowded field.
The Omoda E5 has all the telltale design cues of a modern electric crossover; sharp lines, a streamlined profile, and that unmistakable smooth, grille-less front.
It has that blend of Asian-inspired sharpness mixed with a bit of crossover universal appeal, so much so that you might mistake it for something more established like a Toyota or Lexus.
Its styling won’t make you stop and stare, but it’s modern and in tune with today’s design language. Subtle and safe.
high on features, light on leather.
The Omoda E5’s cabin has a posh feel to it, with stitched, leather-look materials on the dash and doors. There are metallic accents around the backlit speaker grilles, a bit of faux-wood garnish here and there, and an overall upscale vibe.
Is it real leather or wood? Nope. But from a glance, it certainly looks the part, and at this price, it’s hard to complain.
You’ve got physical buttons for the basics like demisting, screen dimming, and lighting, but some driver assistance settings are locked behind the touchscreen. While the software is relatively intuitive, it might take some getting used to.
Of course, there’s a virtual assistant to keep you company. It’s always online, constantly updating, and becoming smarter. Or at least, that’s the idea. The Sony hi-fi system is a real crowd-pleaser, delivering high-quality audio that rivals some premium setups.
If you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, there’s a 50W wireless charging pad to keep your phone topped up while navigating. And when you’re backing up, the 360-degree camera array kicks in, giving you a crystal-clear view of your surroundings.
room for everything (mostly).
Space-wise, the E5 does well. The front seats are ventilated and fully adjustable, and while the backseat is comfortable enough for adults, I do wish the sunroof extended to the rear seats to brighten things up a bit more.
The boot is a tad smaller than you’d expect for a crossover, but it’s got a full-size spare tyre under the floor, a rarity these days.
Under the bonnet, there’s a “frunk” (front trunk), just large enough for your charging cables and maybe a few other small items.
a decent drive, but keep it civil.
The Omoda E5’s powertrain is detuned slightly to fit within Singapore’s Cat A COE limits, offering 99kW of power and 340Nm of torque. Thanks to the 1,710 kg kerb weight, it’s got enough pep for daily drives. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 11.1 seconds, which may sound sluggish on paper, but for most folks, it’s plenty.
Like many front-wheel-drive EVs, the E5’s wheels can spin if you’re heavy on the throttle, especially around tight bends or on wet roads. Fortunately, the traction control system steps in swiftly, keeping things in check.
The E5 is generally composed at moderate speeds, with absorbent handling that keeps it comfortable over bumps. Push it harder, though, and it reveals some chinks in the armour. Rough patches make the car feel slightly unrefined, with a bit of bounce and body roll in tight corners. Steering feedback is light, and the brakes could use a firmer touch for confidence.
On the regeneration front, it’s serviceable but lacks the strong one-pedal feel some EV enthusiasts appreciate. It’ll help slow you down, but you’ll still be using the brakes regularly.
peace of mind.
The Omoda E5 comes packed with safety features. However, some of these systems are a bit too proactive. The lane-keeping assist can feel a tad overeager, especially on narrow roads.
On busy expressways, you’ll get bings and bongs for everything from forward collision alerts to lane departure warnings, each sound nudging you toward the display screen to see what’s going on.
Turning these systems off involves navigating through a few screen menus. At least the car will remember your settings, saving you from having to disable features every time you start the car.
a good deal for the price.
At its core, the Omoda E5 is feature-rich, reasonably spacious, and offers good value, for those who want a well-equipped EV without the premium price tag.
Sure, it has a few quirks and could use some refinement, but it’s a strong attempt from Omoda in the SUV EV arena.
technical specifications.
Omoda E5 Electric (99kW)
Engine: Single Electric Motor
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 99 kW (133 bhp)
Torque: 340 Nm
Transmission: Single-Speed (Automatic)
0-100km/h: 11.1 seconds
Top Speed: 172 km/h
Battery Capacity: 61 kWh
Price: S$168,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Omoda Singapore
Photos By: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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