The battle for the heart of the Australian affordable EV market is a brutal one. For years, the BYD Atto 3 and the MG ZS EV have been the default recommendations for budget-conscious buyers seeking an electric SUV. But a sharp new challenger has roared onto the scene: the Chery Omoda E5.
Priced competitively (starting from $42,990 plus on-roads, undercutting the Atto 3), and armed with bold coupe-SUV styling, a premium-feeling interior, and a strong 430km WLTP range, the Omoda E5 is forcing buyers to ask a critical question: Does the Chery Omoda E5 truly outclass its established rivals?
To find the answer, we look beyond the manufacturer’s claims and delve into the real-world feedback and comparative experiences of Australian EV drivers and reviewers.
Part I: The Luxury & Design Showdown
If the decision came down purely to style and perceived luxury, the Omoda E5 takes a commanding lead, a sentiment echoed by many who have sat in all three vehicles.
| Feature Comparison | Chery Omoda E5 | BYD Atto 3 | MG ZS EV |
| Interior Vibe | Luxurious, high-end European mimicry, well-appointed. | Quirky, unique, polarising “gym” aesthetic. | Conventional, feels a touch dated and lower quality. |
| Screens/Tech | Stunning integrated dual 12.3-inch screens (24″ merged look). | Distinctive rotating 15.8-inch screen (2024 model). | Smaller, conventional screen layout. |
| Seating | Firmer, better support for long journeys (User feedback). | Softer, but lacks adjustable headrests. | Sporty seats but lower perceived material quality. |
| Hidden Gem | Full-size spare wheel (unheard of in this class). | Fully flat floor in the rear, providing spaciousness. | Strong servicing value. |
The Owner Consensus:
Australian drivers consistently praise the Omoda E5 for its “head-turning design” and the quality of its “fit and finish” that mimics high-end European offerings. Where the Atto 3 polarises buyers with its unconventional, gym-themed interior (loved by some, hated by others), the Omoda E5 offers a safer, more universally appealing sense of modern luxury, especially in the higher-spec EX grade with its synthetic leather and ambient lighting. For buyers prioritising aesthetics and premium cabin feel for the price, the Omoda is the champion.
Part II: Driving Dynamics and Practicality
In the real world of Australian driving—from suburban school runs to highway cruising—the distinctions become less about looks and more about road manners and practicality.
1. Range and Charging: A Mixed Bag
| Metric | Chery Omoda E5 (61.1kWh) | BYD Atto 3 Ext. Range (60.4kWh) | MG ZS EV Long Range (72.6kWh) |
| WLTP Range | 430 km | 420 km | 440 km |
| Real-World Range | ~360 – 400 km (Mixed/City Bias) | ~300 – 350 km (Mixed/Highway Bias) | ~380 – 420 km (Mixed) |
| DC Charge Rate | Max 80kW (30-80% in ~28 min) | Max ~88kW | Max 92kW |
The Driver Experience:
The Omoda E5’s 430km WLTP range is excellent for the segment, matching or slightly exceeding the Atto 3 and sitting close to the larger-batteried ZS EV Long Range. User testing confirms a realistic range of 400km under ideal mixed driving.
However, the consensus highlights the Omoda E5’s slower DC charging speed (max 80kW) as its primary weakness. While similar to the Atto 3 and ZS EV, it falls short of newer rivals. As one reviewer noted, this might make the Omoda E5 “happier on smoother urban streets” where it can charge overnight, rather than being the ultimate road trip machine.
2. The Drive: Firm vs. Soft
- Omoda E5: Described as firmer and more planted. This translates to a more confident and stable feel on the highway but can be “a bit more harsh” on rough urban roads. Drivers also note a slightly “jerky” deceleration if the throttle is lifted slightly, which may require finesse.
- BYD Atto 3: Known for a softer, more compliant ride. While comfortable, this can lead to more body roll and wobble in corners, making the driving experience less dynamic.
- MG ZS EV: Offers a quiet and smooth drive, but due to its conventional platform origins, it is generally considered the least refined of the three in terms of handling and ride quality compared to the dedicated EV platforms of the Atto 3 and Omoda E5.
3. Practicality: The Spare Wheel Advantage
The Omoda E5 scores a massive win with many Australian buyers by including a full-size spare wheel. In a country with vast distances and poor regional road conditions, the inclusion of a spare (instead of the standard puncture kit found in the BYD and MG) is a deal-breaker for many family and regional buyers. However, this does compromise its usable boot space (380L) compared to the Atto 3 (440L). The ZS EV’s boot (359L) is the smallest.
Part III: The ADAS and Software Frustration
All three Chinese brands have faced teething problems with their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration in Australia, but the Omoda E5 has work to do.
- Omoda E5: The biggest current pain point. Reviewers and owners consistently find the 18 ADAS systems to be “overzealous,” “sketchy,” and intrusive. Functions like the Lane-Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Monitor are complex to adjust, requiring users to dive deep into touchscreen menus. Chery Australia has admitted the initial calibration was geared towards Chinese roads and is working on a recalibration, but buyers should be aware this is a known issue.
- BYD Atto 3: Also had early ADAS issues, but the later 2024 models have seen improvements. The original infotainment system lacked Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, which has been rectified in the updated model.
- MG ZS EV: The most conventional ADAS experience, but generally less advanced than the other two.
The Final Verdict: Is the Chery Omoda E5 Truly Better?
The answer, as always, is it depends on your priorities.
- Choose the Chery Omoda E5 if: Style, perceived luxury, and standard features are your top priorities. If you appreciate a firmer, more planted ride, and if the full-size spare wheel is a non-negotiable factor for your driving habits, the Omoda E5 is the best choice.
- Choose the BYD Atto 3 if: Cabin spaciousness (thanks to the longer wheelbase and flat floor), a slightly softer ride, and a more established dealer network are paramount. The Atto 3’s real-world efficiency for longer highway trips often impresses owners.
- Choose the MG ZS EV if: Budget is the absolute priority. The ZS EV often remains the cheapest EV SUV on the market, backed by a strong warranty and a familiar, conventional design.
The Omoda E5 is not a flawless vehicle—its sluggish DC charging and intrusive ADAS systems are genuine flaws. However, its premium aesthetics, high level of standard equipment, and commitment to crucial Australian features like the spare tyre and strong warranty make it a compelling, sophisticated alternative that raises the bar for value-oriented EVs. The Omoda E5 hasn’t just joined the fight; it’s demanding a recount.
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