Remix Features & Lifestyle Editor, Nina test drives the new Omoda E5
My quest to upgrade to an electric vehicle recently landed me in the seat of the Omoda E5. As someone who thrives on road trips and weekend escapes, it only felt right to put it through its paces on a summer adventure to the sunny beaches of the Coromandel.
My initial draw to any vehicle was the design, with the Omoda E5 impressing from every angle. Sporting a sleek silhouette and modern exterior details, from LED headlights and animated tail lights to a power sunroof, every element adds to the premium experience. Plus, with 18-inch wheels and a full-sized spare, you’re always ready for the unexpected–AA Roadside eat your heart out.
This sleek EV is built to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle while turning heads on the road, but it’s the performance and smart energy features that really catapult this vehicle into the future. The Omoda E5 delivers an exhilarating 150 kW of power and 340 Nm of instant torque, letting you glide from 0-100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising open roads the near-silent drive and zero emissions satisfy thrill seekers and environmentalists alike, because who said the two were mutually exclusive? With an impressive 430 km battery range, range anxiety is a thing of the past. Simply top up at home before taking off on a long journey or take advantage of the rapid DC charging for a quick boost at your nearest charging port––an ideal situation when stocking up on groceries or driving snacks for the long weekend traffic.
The interior is designed with comfort in mind, featuring heated front and rear seats and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that elevates every journey with a touch of luxury. Modern tech is seamlessly integrated into the model with dual 12.3” curved LCDs, an 8-speaker Sony sound system–only the best for those road trip singalongs–and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected on the go. Forgot to charge your phone before you left home? The 50W wireless phone charger ensures you’re powered up throughout your journey, perfect for extended trips to secluded places like the destinations we had in mind, and multiple USB ports make sure everyone’s gadgets are good to go–a lifesaving feature for families with kids.
Of course, space is a must for any long-haul trip, and while the E5 sits on the more slimline side of the SUV spectrum, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much we could pack in—without compromising on comfort. For Omoda, safety is never an afterthought—it's a priority. With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the E5 is packed with cutting-edge driver assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Control for effortless motorway driving, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert keeping you aware of your surroundings, Lane Departure Prevention and Emergency Braking so you stay in control–even in those unexpected moments–and a 360° Around View Camera for a complete bird’s-eye view making parallel parking a breeze.
After a long weekend of driving the E5, it’s safe to say this isn’t just another electric car—it’s a revolution in modern driving. It’s stylish, smart, and packed with features that make every journey more enjoyable, all while delivering a whisper-quiet, zero-emissions ride. The future of driving is here, and it looks a lot like this vehicle.