2027 Chery E5 Detailed for Australia: Sub-$40k Electric SUV Gains 15.6-Inch Screen, Massage Seats, and Active Grille

Chery Motor Australia has detailed a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh for its sole electric offering, the 2027 Chery E5 (MY27).

The E5—which originally launched locally in 2024 badged as the Omoda E5—is currently sold in a single high-spec Ultimate grade. While Chery Australia has not yet finalized MY27 showroom delivery dates or confirmed if pricing will deviate from its current $37,990 drive-away benchmark, the updates are designed to defend its volume against surging competition and maintain its edge over its corporate sibling, the Jaecoo J5 EV.

Chery Australia will reveal final pricing and local delivery schedules closer to its fourth-quarter showroom arrival.

In an increasingly crowded sub-compact and small EV market, the Chery E5 remains a sharp value proposition. At $37,990 drive-away, it substantially undercuts key rivals, including the updated BYD Atto 3 ($41,990 before on-road costs), the newly arrived Geely EX5 ($41,990 plus on-roads), and the MG S5 EV ($42,990 drive-away).

Interior Overhaul: 15.6-Inch Display, Massaging & Ventilated Seats

The most noticeable enhancements for the 2027 model year occur inside the cabin.

Taking cues from E5 models already exported to Thailand and Brazil, the Australian specification receives substantial convenience and ergonomic upgrades:

• 15.6-Inch Central Touchscreen: Replaces the previous 12.3-inch display with a floating 15.6-inch high-definition screen featuring wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and voice command.
• Upgraded Driver’s Seat: The driver’s seat gains four-way power lumbar support, pneumatic massage functionality, and seat ventilation in addition to heating.
• Upgraded Passenger Seat: The front passenger pew is elevated from four-way to six-way electric adjustment and adds cooling seat ventilation.
• Auto-Dimming Mirror: An electrochromatic auto-dimming rear-view mirror replaces the manual day/night flip mirror.

Exterior Restyling & Powertrain Continuity

On the outside, the updated E5 gains redesigned front and rear bumpers for a cleaner aesthetic. Up front, an active front grille shutter (AGS) opens only when thermal cooling is required for the battery and powertrain, closing at cruising speeds to optimize aerodynamics and highway efficiency.

Additionally, an electrically operated charging flap replaces the previous manual latch, bringing extra convenience during plug-in sessions.

Under the skin, the mechanical package carries over unchanged:

• Electric Motor: A single front-mounted permanent magnet motor driving the front wheels, outputting 155kW of power and 288Nm of torque.
• Battery & Range: Chery quotes an official WLTP driving range of 430km from a single charge.
• Standard Equipment: Carryover equipment includes 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker audio system, and a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite backing its existing five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Drivetrain & Technical Specification Table