C5 EV

Driving Experience

The C5 EV feels noticeably firmer than before—suspension is tighter, steering has more weight in Sport mode—but the steering doesn't yet feel natural or precise when you need it. Acceleration is strong thanks to 211 hp, and regen braking works well once you dial it in.

Pros

• Sharper, sportier design inside and out
• 19 safety features including lane-keep assist
• 15.6-inch touchscreen is the largest in class
• Larger 50.6 kWh battery with 422 km range
• Cabin is spacious with good rear legroom
• Front seat is well-equipped with massage and heating
• DC fast charging at 150 kW is fastest in segment

Cons

• Charging port still on front—poor placement for safety
• Steering feels synthetic and needs more feel
• Rear window is quite narrow, makes cabin feel cramped
• Steering doesn't track naturally when you change lanes quickly
• Rear seats lack individual climate controls
• Steering wheel feedback disconnected from suspension feel

Value for Money

At roughly 600,000 baht, you get a lot of equipment and features that usually appear in pricier segments. The safety tech and spacious interior are genuine strengths, though some rivals offer tighter handling and more natural steering. Build quality is solid for the price point.

Verdict

If you want a spacious city EV with good tech and don't mind steering that needs some getting used to, the C5 EV is a smart choice. Skip it only if precise, natural handling is non-negotiable for you.

Driving Experience

Smooth and composed in everyday driving, with strong acceleration that's more than capable for city use. The suspension is tuned for comfort over handling, so it absorbs bumps beautifully but doesn't inspire confidence in aggressive driving.

Pros

• Phenomenal torque at 340 Nm, best-in-class for the segment
• Safety and driver-assist systems are genuinely comprehensive and class-leading
• Interior materials feel premium and well-assembled
• Charging is flexible with both AC 11 kW and DC 110 kW, reaching 80% in 40 minutes
• Can discharge to power devices via V2L
• Very comfortable front seats with good all-round visibility

Cons

• Rear seats feel cramped and less comfortable than the front
• Soft suspension can feel floaty at higher speeds
• Charging port on the front is awkward for typical charging setups
• Only 830-liter trunk, smaller than main competitors
• No panoramic sunroof, just a half-width sunroof
• Rear air vent is single, not individually controlled like competitors

Value for Money

You get solid build quality, comprehensive safety tech, and respectable performance that feels genuinely thought-out for Thai family use. If priced under 1 million baht, it offers compelling value against rivals like the Atto 3 and Neta X.

Verdict

The Omoda C5 is a confident entry from Chery that doesn't try to be everything. It's a comfortable, safe, practical EV for families who value everyday usability over thrills. The real test will be pricing—if it undercuts the competition, it's a no-brainer for conservative buyers.

Driving Experience

Haven't had a chance to properly test this yet, so I can't comment on how it actually drives. That said, the 172 km/h top speed and 7.22-second 0-100 acceleration suggest it's quick enough for daily use.

Pros

• Compact dimensions make it nimble in urban traffic and parking
• Impressive 505 km range on a single charge by NEDC standard
• Thoughtful interior with quality materials and good ergonomics
• Well-designed climate control with Dual Zone AC and cabin filtration
• Comprehensive ADAS suite including lane-keeping and collision warning
• Spacious rear seats that fold 60/40 with good cargo versatility
• Front storage compartment accessible for easy charging
• Strong safety structure with 5-star Euro NCAP rating

Cons

• Undercarriage not completely flat—ground clearance needs careful consideration over obstacles
• Charging cable not included with Dynamic trim; Max trim gets it standard
• Rear window is relatively small, limiting rear visibility for taller passengers
• Back seat padding could be more refined in some areas
• No sunroof on Dynamic trim—top model gets that feature
• Wireless charging pad placement requires reaching quite far
• V2L 3 kW output is modest for powering larger appliances

Value for Money

You get a lot of practical features here—Sony audio, comprehensive driving aids, quality interior materials, and genuine EV range without feeling shortchanged. Compared to competitors like the Audi Q3 Ion or Honda e:NY1, this C5 punches well above its weight for the equipped features and real-world usability you're getting.

Verdict

The Omoda C5 EV is a genuinely competent choice for buyers who want practical electric transport without compromise. It's best suited to those who value interior space and daily usability over flashy performance—a proper family EV that happens to be affordable.

Driving Experience

The acceleration is smooth and linear rather than thrilling, and the steering feels responsive with nicely calibrated brakes. I switched to sport mode on an empty stretch and felt decent progression, though nothing jaw-dropping.

Pros

• Soft touch materials throughout the interior
• Steering feel is responsive and engaging
• Smooth, comfortable ride quality
• Well-equipped central console storage with two levels
• Decent door panel build quality
• Responsive and calibrated brakes
• Nice metallic speaker grille detail

Cons

• Constant warning chimes and distraction alerts are genuinely unbearable
• Poor rear visibility due to steeply raked C-pillar
• Armrest padding is inadequate, feels hollow
• USB ports positioned inconveniently on driver's left
• Back seat legroom and headroom just average for the class
• Acceleration is linear and smooth but not particularly quick

Value for Money

You get a solid package of soft-touch materials, decent interior styling cues borrowed from premium brands, and respectable driving dynamics. The C5 EV competes well against other compact electric SUVs in Thailand, though it entered the market after rivals had already established themselves.

Verdict

If you can live with the relentless warning system and limited rear space, the C5 EV offers good interior quality and competent driving manners for a compact electric SUV. It's a solid option but not groundbreaking enough to overshadow the competition.