The electric vehicle market in Australia has historically been dominated by a few key players, but a new wave of highly accessible models is rapidly changing the landscape. Following a recent lineup restructure and a significant price cut, the Chery E5 (formerly known as the Omoda E5) has emerged as one of the most compelling value propositions in the compact electric SUV segment.
With a sharp new drive-away price, a comprehensive list of standard features, and a battery capable of genuine highway driving, the Chery E5 is taking the fight directly to established favourites like the Kia EV3 and the Geely EX5. In this review, we break down the specifications, analyse the driving experience, and see if this Chinese entrant truly delivers on its on-paper promise.
Unbeatable Value: Pricing and Features
The headline news for the 2026 Chery E5 is its aggressive new pricing strategy. Chery Australia has discontinued the entry-level Urban variant, leaving the fully-loaded Ultimate as the sole offering. More importantly, the Ultimate has received a substantial price cut, now starting at just $37,990 drive-away — a saving of over $2,000 from its previous price point.
This positions the Chery E5 below the entry-level Kia EV3 and significantly undercuts the Hyundai Kona EV, making it one of the most accessible electric SUVs on Australian roads. It also undercuts the recently launched Forthing Taikon 5 and sits in a similar bracket to the Leapmotor B03X.
Despite the budget-friendly price, the E5 Ultimate is packed with premium features that would typically cost thousands extra in European or Korean competitors. Standard equipment on the Ultimate includes:
- A curved widescreen display combining two 12.3-inch digital screens
- Synthetic leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel
- A power sunroof and a power tailgate
- An eight-speaker Sony premium sound system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 50W wireless phone charger
- A high-resolution 360-degree surround-view monitor
- A full-size spare tyre — a genuine rarity in the EV space
Range, Battery, and Charging
Underneath its futuristic, swooping exterior, the Chery E5 is powered by a 61.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, paired with a single front-mounted electric motor. This setup produces a healthy 150 kW of power and 340 Nm of torque, allowing the 1,776-kilogram SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 7.6 seconds.
| Specification | Chery E5 Ultimate |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 61.1 kWh (LFP) |
| Range (WLTP) | 430 km |
| Power / Torque | 150 kW / 340 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.6 seconds |
| DC Fast Charging | Up to 80 kW (30–80% in 28 mins) |
| AC Charging | 10.3 kW (three-phase) |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Tare Weight | 1,776 kg |
| Cargo Volume | 300 L (to cover) / 1,079 L (seats folded) |
| Price (Drive-Away) | $37,990 |
The official WLTP driving range is an impressive 430 kilometres. While highway driving will naturally see this figure drop closer to 320 kilometres, it still comfortably outperforms the standard-range BYD Atto 3 (345 km WLTP). When it comes to public EV charging, the E5 supports DC fast charging at speeds up to 80 kW — sufficient to top the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.
The charging port is uniquely located at the front of the vehicle, hidden behind a panel where a traditional grille would sit. This means drivers will need to pull forward into charging bays rather than reversing in — something to keep in mind when planning charging stops on longer journeys.
A Premium Cabin at a Budget Price
Slip inside the Chery E5 and you are greeted by a cabin that punches well above its price point. The dual 12.3-inch screens — one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen — create a genuinely impressive widescreen digital dashboard. The column-mounted gear selector keeps the centre console clean and uncluttered, and the ambient lighting adds a premium feel that belies the vehicle’s accessible price.
Synthetic leather upholstery is standard throughout, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats ensuring comfort in all seasons. The rear bench offers adequate head-, knee-, and toe-room for adults, and rear passengers benefit from dedicated air vents and USB charging ports. Boot space is a practical 300 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to a generous 1,079 litres when folded flat.
Driving Impressions: Comfort Over Dynamics
On the road, the Chery E5 prioritises comfort and ease of use. Around the city, it is genuinely impressive. The acceleration is smooth and brisk, the steering is light, and the suspension does an admirable job of soaking up urban potholes and speed bumps. The cabin is also surprisingly quiet, aided by acoustic glass that keeps road and wind noise at bay.
However, when pushed on faster country roads, the E5 reveals its limitations. The suspension, tuned for comfort, can feel overly soft over large undulations, and the light steering lacks the precise feedback required for confident cornering. For drivers seeking dynamic thrills, the Polestar 4 remains a superior choice. But for the vast majority of buyers looking for a comfortable, practical daily commuter, the E5 performs its duties admirably.
Safety and Warranty
Safety is a strong point for the Chery E5, which carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes equipped with 18 advanced driver assistance systems as standard. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system. The 360-degree surround-view monitor on the Ultimate variant is a particularly useful addition for urban parking.
The E5 is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, with the LFP battery covered by a separate eight-year, unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000 km, and the total seven-year capped-price servicing cost of approximately $1,901 is among the lowest in the segment.
Try the Chery E5 on evee
The Chery E5 highlights the incredible diversity now available to Australian EV buyers. It proves that making the switch to electric no longer requires a premium budget, without forcing buyers to compromise on range or luxury features. If you are curious about EV running costs and whether an electric vehicle suits your lifestyle, the best way to find out is to experience one firsthand.
By renting an EV through evee, you can take an extended test drive — on your typical commute, on a weekend getaway, or simply to see whether electric driving fits your routine. You can even compare the running costs and potential hosting income before committing to a purchase. Explore the growing range of accessible electric vehicles available across Australia and find your perfect match at evee.com.au/search.
