We are now in Wuhu, China, which is the home of Chery with another 80-odd countries for the 2023 Chery Technology Day and also the 2023 Chery International User Summit where the company has made numerous announcements for all the markets which it is in, including Malaysia.
The big news for Malaysia is that at least four new models are on the way, and they could be assembled locally by Chery’s partner in Malaysia, Inokom.
Out of the four, the first model to arrive will be the Omoda E5 EV which is not really a surprise as Chery already revealed during the launch of the Omoda 5 earlier this year that an electric version is in the pipeline.
Following the announcement, Chery confirmed yesterday that the Omoda E5 EV will be making its Malaysian debut within the next few months, probably in the first or second quarter of 2024.
In addition to the tentative timing of the launch, the company also gave us the opportunity to get a closer look at the left-hand drive version of the Omoda 5 EV here in China, and revealed a few technical details and specifications of what could be headed our way.
Fitted with a 61kWh battery, the Omoda E5 EV produces 150kW (221hp) and 340 Nm of torque with a consumption rate of 15 kW/100km, and travels up to 450km with a fully-charged battery. In terms of performance, it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds while hitting a top speed of 170km/h.
Driven by the front wheels, the Omoda E5 will be fitted with McPherson independent suspensions in front and double link independent suspension at the rear. Also part of the package will be ventilated brake discs both in front and at the rear, as well as an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
From what we can see on the exterior, there are a few key differences between the ICE Omoda 5 and the Omoda E5 here, such as the front fascia of the car. While the former has the funky front grille, the EV comes with a sleeker, simpler face. The bumper and wheel designs are also different due to the need for the EV to be more aerodynamic.
Speaking of wheels, the version that is coming to Malaysia could either feature 17- or 18-inch alloys. Other than that, the Omoda E5 which measures 4,400mm in length, 1,830mm in width, and 1,588mm in height is also expected to come with unique body colours to further distinguish it from its sibling with an engine.
Inside the cabin, a double 12.3-inch capacitive touch screen infotainment system with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and whatnot will be taking centrestage, complemented by what looks like leather upholstery, and an eight-speaker audio system.
The electric crossover will also feature a 3.3KVA Vehicle-to-Load system, a “pet safe mode”, privacy glass, and silent glass which makes the cabin very quiet and refined. Where safety is concerned, the Chery Omoda 5 EV will come with six airbags, L2.5 ADAS driver assistance features, and maybe a Cyber Security Management System.
That being said, there could still be changes in the exact list of specifications when the model is actually launched in Malaysia, so watch this space for more updates on the Omoda E5 EV. Can it give the BYD Atto 3 a run for its money?
