The 2025 Chery E5 Ultimate may be one of the best all-electric SUVs on the market. We know that’s a big call, but we love it. And while its futuristic exterior design isn’t something to swoon about, it is sleek and simple.
Previously known as the Omoda E5 EX (hence the badging on the steering wheel), the Ultimate is available in Lunar White (with or without a black roof), Saturn Silver, Space Black, Martian Red, and Titan Green (as tested).
It’s the last of these that’s genuinely trippy. It’s basically white with a green hue, and can be optioned with a black roof. Jump inside and you’ll find a swoon-worthy minimalist cabin, with a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster.
A simple but classic steering wheel oozes class, and an Apple CarPlay setup that was wirelessly connected before you even hit the Drive button is beyond impressive. Wireless Android Auto also features, as does an 8-speaker Sony sound system.
Cord free charging is also on hand, with pretty much everything is controlled from the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system but it’s also intuitive and easy to use. A column mounted gear selector adds to a tidy layout.
Black synthetic leather seats score heating both front and rear in a long list of creature comforts that includes rear charging ports for when the little ones need a boost for their devices.
There are two ISOFIX anchors and three top tether points as well. Boot space sits at 300-litres with the second row up, but if fold the seats down, you’re good for 1,079-litres. There’s an albeit quite small sun roof to complete the package.
The E5’s driving ability is where it shines though. It drives like a car. What we mean by that is, it doesn’t feel like the space shuttle. In a world where it sometimes feels like EV’s need to be ultra-futuristic – the Chery isn’t.
Instead it feels very much like it provides a connection to the internal combustion vehicle you’ve probably switched from. It will also continue to glide along the road when you lift off the accelerator, rather than basically nosediving when the regenerative braking kicks in.
Its 61.1kWh battery and permanent magnet synchronous motor deliver a range of 430km (in real world testing), 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque. Acceleration isn’t rapid but is confidence inspiring in terms of overtaking or lane changes.
Sinking the battery below 15 per cent will see advanced energy saver kick in, which makes for a tumultuous affair. You’ll lose the air-conditioning and acceleration becomes a heaving mess as regenerative braking is switched to its harshest form.
Let’s just say you should never go there. When it does come time to charge though, the power socket to recharge is hidden where the front grille should be, with a button in the interior summoning it to open.
The one downside is you must drive forward into charging bays, and if you’re a serial reverse parker, that will irk you. That aside, the Chery E5 Ultimate will charge from 30-80 per cent in 28 minutes.
On the road, handling is fantastic, with the small SUV feeling agile and poised. It’s comfortable to steer and lets in minimal road noise. The suspension does a good job of absorbing most bumps, with only the largest potholes jarring passengers.
Safety tech abounds but is seriously overzealous. The list includes ABS, brake assist, stability control, multi-collision braking, a 360-degree around view monitor, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and emergency lane keeping.
Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert and braking, speed control assist and driver monitoring are also included. The reversing camera is a standout, and is thankfully quiet, unlike some of its safety siblings.
With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the E5 even features a full size spare tyre – in 2025. That alone is an absolute score. Priced from $44,467 drive away, it’s backed by a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and identical capped price servicing and roadside assistance.
The last of these requires you to service your vehicle at an authorised Chery service centre. The battery is backed by an 8-year unlimited kilometre warranty too. You can find out more from their website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was supplied by Chery Australia for independent review purposes.
