2027 Chery E5 electric SUV refresh brings bolder styling, more luxury features

The Chery E5 electric SUV is being updated for the 2027 model year (MY27), with revised styling inside and out that should keep it fresh against its more popular Jaecoo J5 EV corporate cousin.

The E5, which was launched in Australia in 2024 as the Chery Omoda E5, is currently offered in a single Ultimate grade. Chery has yet to confirm MY27 pricing and availability, or whether there will be any changes to its current $37,990 drive-away price.

Currently the only electric vehicle (EV) in Chery Australia showrooms, the E5 costs less than the updated BYD Atto 3, which starts at $41,990 before on-road costs; the MG S5 EV, priced from $42,990 drive-away; and the hot-selling Geely EX5, which starts at $41,990 before on-road costs.

The MY27 Chery E5 update brings exterior changes, including an active front grille shutter with redesigned front and rear bumpers for a cleaner, simpler look. There's also an electrically operated charging-port cover in place of the existing manual version.

Overseas, Chery calls the more aggressive front-end an example of 'Robo Shark design'.

Inside, the central infotainment touchscreen grows from 12.3 to 15.6 inches, while an auto-dimming rear-view mirror is added to the standard equipment list.

Also new for 2027, the driver’s seat gains four-way lumbar adjustment, ventilation and massage functions. The front passenger seat is now six-way power-adjustable – previously four-way – and also gains ventilation.

The updated equipment is already standard on E5s sold in overseas markets such as Thailand, and has also been revealed for Brazil, with the electric SUV primarily an export model for the Chinese automaker.

There are no announced changes to the E5’s front-mounted electric motor, which continues to produce 155kW and 288Nm. Chery also continues to claim 430km of WLTP range from a single charge.

Carryover equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic-leather seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control and an eight-speaker audio system.

The E5 has a five-star safety rating from independent safety authority ANCAP and comes with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Chery sales have increased by 64.3 per cent so far in 2026. Its top seller is the Tiggo 4 small SUV, which is offered with petrol or hybrid powertrains and is currently tied with the Mahindra XUV 3XO as Australia’s cheapest SUV.

MORE: Explore the Chery E5 showroom