OMODA E5 Review & Prices

This is the Omoda E5, an electric family SUV from a Chinese car manufacturer that’s completely new to the UK. Its owner, Chery, is well-established in its home market and already sells loads of cars around the world, so Omoda isn’t really a total newbie. It’s a bit like Huawei, which came straight out of China to tempt you away from your Samsung and Apple phones.

Like Chinese-backed ventures MG and BYD before it, Omoda hopes that what it lacks in badge appeal it makes up for in value. The petrol Omoda 5 is the same price as much smaller cars, and while this electric version isn't quite the same bargain, it is a bit more affordable than similar electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV and Skoda Enyaq.

It’s off to a slightly rocky start, because its styling is inoffensive but rather bland. The slim headlights and sloping roofline are very on-trend, but its side profile in particular is wholly anonymous.

Inside it’s more of the same, but Omoda is promising materials and build quality to rival premium brands, so while it might not have the design pizazz of an Audi or Mercedes, it might make up for that by feeling impressively swish.

You get a pair of 10.3-inch displays for your infotainment and driving information, while Omoda has resisted the current trend for putting the heating controls in the touchscreen. Temperature is controlled through touch-sensitive controls that should be a bit easier to use on the move.

Space inside is pretty good, and those in the back should have plenty of legroom and headroom even with the sloping roof. A 380-litre boot means there’s a decent amount of space, but a long way behind the cavernous Skoda Enyaq.

Power comes from a 204hp electric motor, and the battery offers a maximum range of 257 miles, which is about what you’d expect from this type of EV. A DC charging speed of up to 80kW isn’t fantastic, but should get you from 30-80% battery capacity in under 30 minutes.

What will be particularly encouraging to those considering the Omoda 5 for family duties is the five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. You get plenty of assistance tech, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and forward collision warning.

Check back soon because we’ll update this review in detail once we’ve driven the Omoda E5. In the meantime, you can see how much you could save with Carwow’s Omoda E5 deals, or browse our choice of the best electric SUVs. You can also check out used Omoda models, and when the time comes, you can sell your current car with Carwow, too.