By Otsile Kadiege

Chery’s premium arm – Omoda – recently revealed the fully-electric version of the C5, which is known as the Omoda 5 in other markets like Europe. The new EV will compete with the likes of the BYD Atto 3 and perhaps the soon-to-be launched Volvo EX30.

Exterior design and styling

The new Omoda 5 EV sets itself apart from its combustion engine sibling with a redesigned exterior. Highlights include a closed-off grille, slim LED daytime running lights and redesigned LED headlight clusters. Apart from aerodynamically optimised wheels and revised rear bumper, the profile and rear-end remain unchanged.

Interior design and technology

New to the cabin of the Omoda 5 EV is a redesigned dashboard housing a massive 24.6-inch curved hyperboloid immersive screen we’ve seen in its stable mates – the facelifted Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max and the Tiggo 8 Pro Max. Other noteworthy tweaks include redesigned door panels and centre console with a gear lever delete.

Performance

The Omoda 5 EV is powered by a 61kWh battery pack and a 165 kW electric motor. Omoda claims the new EV has a range of 450 km and will consume 15kWh/100km. Zero to 100/km/h is achieved in a claimed 7.8 seconds and charging from 0 to 80% takes 35 minutes using a fast charger.

Omoda South Africa hasn’t confirmed local availability yet.