2024 Chery OMODA E5 Review

The competition in Malaysia's 2024 B-segment electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly fierce. Consumers are not only pursuing practicality in terms of range but also prioritizing smart configurations and aesthetic design, as demand for car options around a budget of RM150,000 continues to grow. The Chery OMODA E5, as the brand's new pure electric model in this segment, enters the market with a price of around RM146,800, an official range of 430 kilometers, and premium features such as a 24.6-inch curved screen. Can it truly meet the core needs of local users? In this review, we will comprehensively analyze the actual performance of this vehicle, from static experience to dynamic behavior.

The exterior design of the OMODA E5 continues the youthful style of the OMODA series, with smooth and distinctive lines. The front features a closed-grid design along with a through-type LED daytime running light, which significantly enhances the visual width when lit. The lower trapezoidal air intake is decorated with black trim, enhancing its sporty feel. The side of the vehicle adopts a double waistline design, with an upper line extending from the front fender to the rear and a concave line at the bottom of the door that complements it. Paired with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, the side proportion appears balanced. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights echo the front design, while the internal matrix light source is arranged clearly. The rear diffuser matches the body color, creating an overall simplistic yet dynamic style.

Entering the interior, the most striking feature is the 24.6-inch curved screen, integrating both the instrument cluster and central control display. Its operation is smooth and supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and other connectivity functions. The interior features a predominantly black color scheme with silver accents. The seats are wrapped in leather, providing a soft touch. The front seats offer electric adjustments, with the driver's seat being 6-way adjustable and the passenger seat 4-way adjustable, making it convenient for everyday posture adjustments. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, providing a trunk capacity of 483 liters, which can be further expanded by folding the seats down, catering to family trips or cargo transport needs. In terms of configuration, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, and an 8-speaker Sony sound system are all included as standard, ensuring a high level of convenience for daily usage.

In terms of space, the OMODA E5 has a wheelbase of 2630mm. The front headroom provides approximately one fist two fingers (based on a 175cm tall tester), with ample legroom. The rear legroom also offers about one fist two fingers, while the headroom is around one fist. The center floor protrusion in the rear is not significant, so the comfort for the middle passenger when fully seated remains acceptable. In terms of storage, the door panel storage slots can hold two 500ml bottles of water, the central armrest box is moderately sized, and the front seats are equipped with a wireless charging pad and USB ports. Additionally, the rear seats come with two USB ports to meet the charging needs of both front and rear passengers.

For performance, the OMODA E5 is equipped with a front-placed single motor, delivering a maximum power of 203PS and a peak torque of 340N·m, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.2 seconds. During real-world driving, the initial acceleration response is swift, offering a noticeable push-back feel with a light press of the accelerator. While the mid-to-late acceleration may not be as aggressive as the start, pressing the accelerator pedal deeply during overtaking still provides sufficient power reserve. The car offers three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, power output is smoother, suitable for daily commuting, while Sport mode provides more sensitive power response, catering to users seeking a dynamic driving experience.

In terms of chassis and handling performance, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, and the body remains stable; during high-speed cornering, body roll is within an acceptable range, steering is relatively precise with minimal dead zone. The brake pedal offers a linear feel, braking distance is moderate, and provides adequate confidence for daily driving.

In terms of range and charging, the official pure electric range is 430 kilometers (CLTC conditions). In actual tests, the energy consumption in urban congested conditions is about 15kWh/100km, while cruising at 110km/h on highways, the energy consumption is about 18kWh/100km. The comprehensive range achievement rate is about 80%, basically meeting a week's commuting needs. In fast charging mode, the 0-80% charging time is about 30 minutes, while slow charging requires approximately 8 hours, making its charging convenience align with mainstream electric vehicle standards.

Regarding ride comfort, the cabin's sound insulation is commendable; tire and wind noises are not obvious at speeds below 60km/h. At a highway speed of 120km/h, wind noise increases slightly but remains within an acceptable range. The seat provides moderate support, making it comfortable for long durations without causing fatigue. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels: the lowest level is close to the coasting feel of a fuel vehicle, while the highest level has a noticeable drag effect. Daily usage can be adjusted according to personal preferences.

Overall, OMODA E5 demonstrates a balanced performance in configurations, space, and power. Priced at 146,800 MYR, it offers good value for money among electric vehicles in the same class. Compared to competitors like the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV, its 24.6-inch curved screen and Sony sound system make it more appealing. However, its actual range performance under highway conditions is average, though this is less of an issue for primarily urban commutes.

In conclusion, OMODA E5 is suitable for family users who value configuration and space or young consumers with a budget of around 150,000 MYR seeking convenience for daily commuting. Its well-rounded capabilities can meet the day-to-day needs of most users, making it one of the noteworthy options in the B-segment electric vehicle market.