Mid-year release confirmed for all-electric 2024 Chery Omoda E5

Chery Australia is running with the momentum and confirmed its first battery-electric model for our market in the form of the Chery Omoda E5.

Comfortably the most powerful and undoubtedly the most expensive variant of the born-again Chinese brand’s pioneering small SUV to date, the 2024 Chery Omoda E5 will arrive in local showrooms mid-year featuring a single-motor drivetrain outputting 150kW/340Nm and powered by a 61kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The combination yields a 430km WLTP cruising range and a nippy 7.6-second 0-100km/h acceleration time.

Two trim levels will be offered here – Standard and Premium – and range-wide equipment highlights will include a 12.3-inch curved infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster and panoramic sunroof.

“We are excited to launch the Omoda E5 in Australia,” said Chery Australia boss Lucas Harris.

“The arrival of the Omoda E5 later this year is the next step in our local expansion strategy and underscores Chery's commitment to providing Australian drivers with access to advanced electric vehicle technology without compromising on performance or style”.

Chery Australia sold 729 vehicles last month, 515 of which were Omoda 5s. The larger Chery Tiggo 7 Pro mid-size SUV accounted for the rest following its release in December, and the seven-seat Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max large SUV will arrive in April.

The Omoda 5 compact SUV range received a booter shot in the arm at the start of the year with the release of a gutsier 1.6-litre turbo-petrol powertrain, an all-wheel drive version of which is landing this month.

But it’s almost certain the battery-powered E5 will slot in at the top of the local Omoda range – above the new 1.6T variants – with a starting price close to $50,000 owing to its extra firepower and technology.

That would make Chery Australia’s first EV a direct rival for other small Chinese electric SUVs like the BYD Atto 3 (from $48,011) and MG ZS EV (from $40,990).

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