Omoda opens UK order books for the Omoda E5
The Chinese EV manufacturer introduced its subsidiary Omoda a year ago, with plans to launch in European markets with a drive technology mix including both electric and combustion vehicles. The Omoda 5 was to be launched in Germany in the Spring. The UK is now the fourth market in Europe that the Chery subsidiary is active in, following Germany, Italy and Spain. In February, Chery introduced the Exeed Exlantix ES and the plug-in hybrid SUV Omoda 7.
In terms of technical specifications, the Omoda E5 is a front-wheel drive mid-size electric SUV, powered by a 150 kW electric motor and a 61 kWh battery. It can drive up to 257 miles on a single charge and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds. The maximum charging speed is set at 80kW, which allows for a 30-80% charge in about 28 minutes.
The Omoda E5 starts at £33,055 and is available in two trim options, with the basic ‘Comfort’ and more luxurious ‘Noble’, which costs £1,500 more, offering a 360° Surround View Camera and comfort features such as a Driver seat 6-way power adjustment, and a power sunroof. The basic colour ‘Galena Silver’ is available, while the other nine colour options each carry a £500 surcharge.
Speaking on the subject of marketing a vehicle primarily designed for Chinese customers has its challenges, as Peter Matkin, Omoda engineering team leader, explained: “I’m the link between our engineers in Germany and the team in Shanghai. We bring vehicles over so the Chinese team can get better context of what we’re discussing or requesting – down to things such as towing, which doesn’t happen here.” He added: “We’ve tested the Omoda 5 in Germany, Italy and Spain; we haven’t done any specific driving in the UK, but we’re accelerating the launch there. I’m confident the work we’ve done in Europe and in China should carry over; I see no reason why it shouldn’t.”
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