Previewed: Chery Omoda 5 EV – 450 KM Range, Coming in Q1 2024

Alongside the new Exeed and Jaecoo sub-brands, Chery Malaysia’s 2024 lineup revamp will also involve one new all-electric model, the Chery Omoda 5 EV. Ahead of its planned debut later in Q1 2024, we at Caricarz.com have been given a golden opportunity to check out the upcoming Omoda 5 EV last week at the Chery International User Summit (CIUS) 2023, happening in Wuhu, China.

The Chery Omoda 5 EV will be the first new model to be launched by Chery Malaysia in 2024

Starting off with the mechanical bits, the Omoda 5 EV underpins the same T1X platform as its ICE-powered twin. Unlike said model, however, the Omoda 5 EV houses a single, front-mounted (FWD) electric motor with a different state-of-tune, depending on the market. For most international markets, the Omoda 5 EV motor setup boasts a total system output of 221 HP and 340 NM, while several other markets get a de-tuned version, outputting 201 HP and 340 NM instead.

Regardless of the state-of-tune, the Omoda 5 EV is juiced by a 61-kWh battery pack that grants it with a claimed maximum EV range of 450 KM. Chery claims that said battery pack can be charged from 0-80% in just 35 minutes, though the automaker did not specify the exact maximum charging rate this EV SUV can handle.

The Omoda 5 EV features a grill-less front fascia - a bid to maximise its aerodynamics

On the visual front, the Omoda 5 EV does not deviate much from its ICE twin, featuring a cleaner and sleeker design of the two. For starters, this all-electric SUV drops its twin’s bold front grille design, opting for a cleaner, enclosed one instead for better aerodynamics. The LED DRLs and headlights, however, are both carried over from its petrol-gouging twin.

Aside from the front grille delete, the Omoda 5 EV also rides on a different set of wheels from the standard Omoda 5 SUV. Measuring 18 inches in diameter, this new set of wheels feature a more enclosed spoke design – a bid to maximise the car’s aerodynamics performance, which in turn will help to boost its EV range performance.

Things look quite similar as we get to the rear part of the Omoda 5 EV, as this EV SUV still boasts the same rakish rear windscreen with a roof-mounted rear wing, complemented by its sharp LED taillights. Aside from the different badging, the other way to differentiate the ICE and EV models are from the absence of the tailpipes.

On board, there are no big changes to report here, as the Omoda 5 EV boasts the same dual-screen setup (each measuring 10.25-inch) that crowns above its front dash. Keen eyes will notice that the Omoda 5 EV does not come with the traditional gear shifter at the central console, as the EV model comes with a stalk-style gear shifter located at the lower right quadrant of the steering wheel.

The rest of the Omoda 5 EV cabin remains similar to the ones we saw on its ICE twin, featuring ventilated and powered front seats wrapped in faux leather upholstery, multiple USB charging ports, wireless charging pad, Sony premium audio system, dedicated rear A/C vents, and many more.

Chery Malaysia will introduce the new Omoda 5 EV later in Q1 2024, where it will be one of the most affordable EVs available in the Malaysian market

As we mentioned earlier, Chery Malaysia is planning to introduce the Chery Omoda 5 EV into our market as early as Q1 2024, where it will be the first all-electric model to be introduced by the Chinese marque. More importantly, the Omoda 5 EV will initially arrive as a fully-imported (CBU) model manufactured at Chery’s Wuhu manufacturing hub, with subsequent models set to be locally assembled (CKD) at Inokom Kulim facility.

In a bid to cater the local assembly of the Chery Omoda 5 EV, as well as other new Chery models including the Jaecoo 7 & 8, Chery Malaysia is planning to upgrade and expand its current CKD facility. Should the Omoda 5 EV localisation plan come into fruition, Chery Malaysia plans to take up to 20% of the local EV market segment with this EV SUV model, where it will be one of the most affordable new EV models in the market.