OMODA E5 first drive and market role

A brisk on-road blast around Riyadh’s ring road makes the OMODA E5’s intentions clear: this is a value-first electric crossover that dresses like a premium rival but undercuts them on price. The OMODA E5 arrives with a 61 kWh LFP blade battery and a WLTP-rated 430 km range, and its mix of twin curved displays, ADAS features and quick DC charging immediately positions the OMODA E5 as a mass-market contender in Saudi Arabia’s accelerating EV sedan/crossover market. According to Chery’s regional team, the model aims to “power sustainable green mobility” while offering long warranties and bundled charging perks — a sales strategy designed to align with Saudi Vision 2030’s e-mobility push.

Exterior — styling and build quality

The OMODA E5 leans futuristic: slim LED signatures, a smooth aerodynamic nose and 18-inch wheel designs that echo the Ioniq 6’s low-drag attitude while borrowing some sporty cues you’d expect from the BMW i4. Panel gaps are tight and paint quality feels class-competitive for the price. Chery offers the E5 in several tones—Aqua Green, Phantom Grey and Dark Black—each masking the crossover’s compact proportions well. Build quality is solid for the segment; durability claims include water-wading and underside protection tests carried out in Chery demos.

Interior — minimalist, tech-forward cabin

Inside, the OMODA E5 favours a minimalist, screen-forward layout: two curved 12.3-inch displays form the instrument cluster and infotainment stack, synthetic-leather trim and a cooled center cubby add a premium touch. Seating is comfortable for most, though taller drivers may find limited adjustment range. Storage is practical with a 380–1,075 L flexible boot (seats up/folded) and a useful cooled console box. The cabin’s near-buttonless design looks modern but sometimes buries routine controls in menus, a usability trade-off.

Technology — infotainment, ADAS and connectivity

Tech is a headline: HMI 5.0-style UI, voice commands, over-the-air updates and a 360° camera are standard on higher trims. ADAS includes adaptive cruise, autonomous emergency braking and lane assist; the system is confident on highways but can be jumpy in urban stop-start traffic. Audio comes from an 8-speaker Sony setup on premium spec cars. Infotainment responsiveness is generally good, though some reviewers note menu depth makes simple tasks slower than physical buttons.

Performance — brisk yet composed

The single front motor produces 150 kW and 340 Nm, delivering a 0–100 km/h time around 7.6 seconds — quicker than many mass-market EVs yet still tuned for comfort. Ride quality is quiet and composed at speed, with the electric drivetrain masking road noise very well; steering is light and well-suited for city driving but lacks the communicative feedback of the sportier EVs. Braking feel is competent but can be grabby at low speeds, a quirk worth testing during a local test drive.

Battery and Range — real-world caveats

The E5’s 61 kWh LFP blade battery claims 430 km WLTP and supports up to 80 kW DC fast charging (30–80% in ~28 minutes). Real-world tests and databases suggest typical real-world range closer to mid-300s km depending on speed, load and climate; Saudi heat and A/C use will reduce range more than WLTP figures imply. Expect slower charging performance in hot conditions if battery cooling is working hard.

Safety — technology and ratings

Safety equipment is comprehensive: multiple airbags, AEB, FCW, ACC and a 360° camera are included on higher trims. Chery reports strong Euro NCAP-style testing outcomes for the platform and ADAS coverage is broad, though some lane-keeping behaviour needs refinement versus calibrated systems from legacy brands. Local regulators and ministries (and EVIQ’s infrastructure plans) will shape real-world safety by improving roadside charging and emergency response.

Pricing and value — who it competes with

Official Saudi pricing was TBD at launch; global markets show aggressive, value-led pricing that undercuts many rivals. Compared with Polestar 2 or Hyundai Ioniq/EV6 equivalents, the OMODA E5 trades outright performance polish for a fuller feature list at a lower entry price — a compelling proposition for buyers prioritizing tech and warranty over premium brand refinement. Factor in lower running costs and generous battery warranties that Chery offers in some markets.

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Quick comparison table — specs & pricing snapshot

Model	Battery (kWh)	WLTP Range (km)	0–100 km/h	DC Charge	Approx. Price (market)
OMODA E5	61 (LFP)	430 (WLTP)	7.6 s	80 kW (30–80% ~28 min)	Value / TBD in KSA.
BYD Atto 3	~60	~420	~7.3 s	up to 80–100 kW	Mid-range priced
MG ZS EV	~60	350–420	~8–9 s	~80–100 kW	Budget-friendly EV

(Prices vary by market and incentives; warranties and bundled charging change the ownership value picture.)

Pros and Cons

• Pros: strong feature list, long battery warranty, rapid DC charging, great showroom appeal.
• Cons: software/ergonomics need polish, light steering feel, real-world range drops in heat, after-sales network still scaling.

Conclusion — who should buy it

The OMODA E5 is ideal for buyers who want modern EV tech, long warranties and value for money — especially urban and suburban drivers who can rely on home charging and growing public fast-charging networks.

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