Chery Omoda E5 vs. BYD Atto 3: Malaysia's next top EV showdown

The countdown to the launch of the E5 is officially underway

The upcoming launch of the Chery Omoda E5 in Malaysia next month is generating significant excitement among EV enthusiasts and potential car buyers.

This move marks a pivotal moment for Chery in Malaysia, a brand that has been steadfast since it re-entry into the country last year in a bid to push towards bringing innovative automotive solutions to a broader audience.

Picture credit: oto.com

The Omoda E5's official retail launch outside of China in Indonesia yesterday provides a preview of what Malaysian buyers can anticipate from this electric vehicle (EV).

With production of the EV commencing in Indonesia in December 2023, it was hoped that the units we would be receiving would be directly imported from our neighboring country, but it turns out it'll be fully imported form China. Only one variant of the E5 is being offered currently. 

Upon its arrival, the Chery Omoda E5 is poised to directly contend with the BYD Atto 3, given their comparable specifications, dimensions, and pricing. The burning question remains: which of these electric vehicles will emerge as the preferred choice?

Design and Aesthetics 

The Chery Omoda E5 is poised to make a bold statement on Malaysian roads just like its ICE sibling with its striking design and aesthetic appeal.

The Omoda E5 features a dynamic and sleek exterior, highlighted by its striking front end with a minimalist grille, elegant LED headlights, sequential turn signals, and ambient lighting that adds a touch of sophistication. The sunroof further elevates the vehicle's luxury appeal, offering an airy and illuminated cabin experience.

This design approach not only enhances the vehicle's visual appeal but also improves aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to better performance and range.

Size wise the Chery Omoda E5 has dimensions of 4,424 millimeters in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,588 mm in height, which puts it around the same size as the BYD Atto 3.

The Omoda E5, with its bold and funky design, unmistakably targets a youthful and dynamic audience who prioritize both style and functionality in their vehicles. On the other hand, the BYD Atto 3 opts for a more traditional and understated SUV look.

Ultimately, it boils down to personal taste; however, for those who prefer subtlety over flamboyance, the Atto 3 stands out as the ideal choice.

Performance and Range

Performance is a key consideration for any EV, and the Omoda E5 is expected to deliver on this front with aplomb.

In Malaysia, the driving range of the Omoda E5 will be a pivotal aspect for consumers. Demonstrating its prowess in Indonesia, the model boasts an impressive blend of performance and efficiency, with 204 PS and 340 Newton-meters of torque.

Chery has chosen lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery technology for its energy source, featuring a robust 61.06 kilowatt-hour capacity. This powerful setup enables the Omoda E5 to achieve an estimated range of 430 kilometers on a single charge, positioning it as a highly competitive option in the electric vehicle market.

So yeah, Malaysian buyers can look forward to a balance of power and efficiency, making the Omoda E5 a practical choice for a wide range of driving scenarios.

When juxtaposed with the BYD Atto 3, the Omoda E5 edges ahead in torque, boasting 340 Nm compared to the Atto 3's 310 Nm, while both share an identical peak power output of 204 PS.

In terms of acceleration, despite the slight torque advantage, the BYD Atto 3 slightly outperforms the E5, achieving 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds against the E5's 7.6 seconds. However, this marginal difference is so minimal that it's unlikely to impact any off the line drag races. Both EVs also send power to the front wheels.

The Atto 3 Extended Range model features a 60.48-kWh blade technology battery, delivering a range of 420 km, while its base variant comes equipped with a 49.92-kWh battery, offering a range of 345 km. 

Interior and Technology

The interior of the Chery Omoda E5 is a fusion of comfort, style, and cutting-edge technology. Just like the ICE variant, The cabin has a clean and contemporary design with high-quality materials and an intuitive layout.

The E5 is expected to come equipped with cutting-edge infotainment systems, vibrant digital displays, and a plethora of connectivity features as standard, ensuring a smooth and captivating user experience.

Both driver and passengers will enjoy the luxury of an entertainment system showcased on a sprawling 24.6-inch screen, complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, and Intelligent Voice Interaction for effortless connectivity.

Adding to the allure, the vehicle boasts a premium Sony audio system and offers a powerful 50-watt wireless charging capability for quick and convenient smartphone charging.

In comparison to the Atto 3, the BYD features a versatile 12.8-inch rotatable infotainment display, a compact 5-inch digital instrument cluster, and an immersive 8-speaker DIRAC HD Sound System in the Extended Range version (6 speakers in the standard variant), alongside a wireless phone charger. However, the charging speed for the wireless charger is not specified.

Both vehicles are outfitted with comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a robust suite of standard safety features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go functionality, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front and Rear Collision Warning (FCW and RCW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), ensuring a safe and secure driving experience.

Market Positioning and Pricing

Chery's strategy for the Omoda E5 involves positioning it as a highly competitive option within the burgeoning Malaysian EV market. The brand aims to attract a broad spectrum of buyers by offering a compelling combination of design, performance, and technological features at an attractive price point.

While exact pricing will be revealed at the launch, expectations are set for the Omoda E5 to be an accessible entry into the EV space, potentially underpinning Chery's reputation as a manufacturer that delivers value and innovation.

In Indonesia, the Chery Omoda E5 carries a price tag of IDR498.8 million, with an enticing offer for the first 1,000 customers to secure it at a special rate of IDR488.8 million.

Converting these figures to Malaysian currency, based on current exchange rates, this positions the Omoda E5 at approximately RM150,000 for its standard pricing, and a promotional price of around RM147,000 for the early birds.

If the E5's pricing strategy stays the same in Malaysia, not only will this make the Omoda E5 an attractive proposition but also underscores Chery's commitment to offering competitive value in the electric vehicle market.

As per the latest information available on their official website, the BYD Atto 3 is offered at a starting price of RM149,800 for the standard variant, with the extended range model available at RM167,800.

Charging 

The adoption of EVs in Malaysia, similar to other countries, heavily depends on the availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure. 

Comparing the charging capabilities of both vehicles, the Chery Omoda E5 which has the charging port at the front of the vehicle offers AC charging at a rate of 9.9kW and DC fast charging at 80kW. Impressively, its fast DC charging feature can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

On the other hand, the BYD Atto 3 accommodates AC charging up to 7 kW and DC fast charging with a maximum rate of 70 kW for the Standard Range (SR) variant and 80 kW for the Extended Range (ER) model. With the higher rate, the Atto 3 can achieve a 0-80% charge in approximately 45 minutes, showcasing the advanced charging technology of both vehicles.

Conclusion

As the Chery Omoda E5 prepares to enter the Malaysian market, it brings with it the promise of a new era for Chery Malaysia in electric mobility.

With its stylish design, commendable performance, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, the Omoda E5 is well-positioned to appeal to a diverse range of buyers. 

Picture credit: oto.com

Ultimately, the choice between the Chery Omoda E5 and the BYD Atto 3 comes down to personal preferences regarding design, specific performance metrics, and value for money.

Both vehicles boast an impressive array of features and capabilities, positioning them as formidable options within the burgeoning Malaysian EV market. However, should the Chery Omoda E5 be introduced at a price point comparable to the BYD Atto 3's standard range, the value proposition of the Chery EV becomes increasingly compelling, offering an attractive balance of performance and price.

Yet, the final decision often transcends mere cost-effectiveness. Brand, aesthetics, the breadth of the dealer network, and the extent of warranty coverage significantly influence consumer choice, underscoring the multifaceted nature of purchasing preferences in the electric vehicle domain.

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