In its simplest form, the Omoda E5 is an all-electric medium-sized SUV that’s loaded with technology and offer’s value with a capital V. I recently drove its sibling, the C5 and was impressed with what it had to offer and that’s even before finding out that its price tag began with a two. And it would appear that the E5 comes with the same head-scratcher, how do they cram all that stuff into an EV and yet give it a sticker price that starts with a four?
Omoda has launched two models in their EV range, the base model BX and the top of the line EX, which was my review model. To say fully-loaded is a bit of an understatement.
Its looks are a mixture of futuristic modernity and sleek aerodynamics, all wrapped in an urban-chic SUV shell. Its nose has a somewhat proud appearance, with Omoda lettering across a gloss-black strip that joins its narrow LED lights. More lights bookend the closed off grille, while a toothy chrome valance underlines it all.
The charge point on the nose too, and with a push of a button in the cabin, a flap ‘pops up’ to reveal the connector – it’s very pleasing for those that like pop-up headlights and it also makes public charge points ‘drive-in’ easy.
The E5 comes with a 61-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that is good for a range of 450 km (WLTP). The battery powers a front-mounted electric motor that provides 150 kW and 340 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds. It also has V2L (vehicle-to-load) capabilities too, so you can power appliances and devices from the charger port should you so choose too.
The E5’s profile is very ‘SUV familiar’, and with its 4.4m length, 1.59m height and 1.83m width, it fits nicely into both garages and mall parking spaces, plus with 380L of boot space, you can carry good loads too. The 18-inch wheels come with a ‘55’ profile which adds the ride comfort and they’re closed-rimmed too, which adds to the EV’s overall low drag coefficient (0.28).
The first thing you notice inside is the HUGE 24.6-inch infotainment/instrument screen. It’s curved for additional style and comes with a ‘best in class’ (or best in glass) title. Well when writing this at least. It’s really easy to use and comes with screeds of information, ADAS menus, charging and battery use information, apps and a hefty Sony sound system. However, the wow moment is when the 360-degree cameras come on and a 3D image of the E5 and its surroundings are displayed. It’s ultra-clear, and cool to see the SUV from all angles.
The rest of the cabin is as spacious as they come, with plenty of light too, thanks to the sunroof. The passenger side dash has an illuminated image of the E5, and the synthetic leather seats are both supportive and comfortable, powered for both front seats and heated for those in the front and two in the rear.
My time with the Omoda E5 was spent doing ‘normal family’ things, so generally running around at the beck and call of wife and child, which in all honesty, wasn’t an issue. It appeared that the E5 was very comfortable at doing the mundane and making it better for all.
‘Hello Omoda’ is extremely helpful and will not only tune your radio station or set the temperature, but will even open the tailgate, and as with many modern vehicles, the E5’s suite of safety features is huge butit does get very upset if you venture over the speed limit, don’t keep your eyes on the road, go too close to the white lines…
The Omoda E5 may be the new kid on the NZ EV block but it comes with an impressive amount of maturity. The tech is outstanding, its looks are great, and its cabin space, feel and serenity is very European – And that’s before you look at the price tag and seven-year warranty.
Words and photos by Dave McLeod
