Changan Oushang X5

Model Overview

The Changan Oushang X5 is the first strategic sporty SUV rolled out by Changan Oushang Auto on 29 November 2020. Positioned as a compact SUV, it measures 4,490 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,580 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,710 mm. At launch, the SUV was made available in 8 variants with two powertrain options: 1.6L+5MT/CVT and 1.5T+7DCT, carrying official prices ranging from RM69,900 to RM107,900. Targeted at young car buyers aged 25 to 35, the Changan Oushang X5 champions the slogan "Youth is All About Drive", aiming to offer young consumers a sporty and tech-laden SUV within the RM100,000 price point.

Design Language

The Changan Oushang X5 adopts the brand's "Light-sculpting Aesthetics" design philosophy. Up front, it sports an imposing hexagonal "Cloud Hawk Wing" grille, adorned with cascading vertical chrome slats (9 high-gloss and 8 shadow slats) that deliver depth under varying light conditions. Flanking the grille are lightning-scythe-shaped LED headlamps, fitted as standard across the range. Down the sides, a sharp triple-waistline treatment lends it a purposeful forward-leaning stance and a muscular silhouette. Round the back, the taillights mirror the lightning-scythe motif of the headlamps, complemented by dual exhaust garnishes integrated into the lower bumper. The overall styling exudes a youthful, athletic vibe with striking visual presence.

Inside, the Changan Oushang X5 features a wraparound symmetrical dashboard layout, lined extensively with soft-touch dual-tone materials accented by silver trim pieces. A high-tech cockpit vibe is delivered through a 7-inch digital instrument cluster paired with an 8-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The cabin comes with integrated semi-bucket sports seats, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and red contrast stitching further heightening its sporty character.

Powertrain & Performance

The Changan Oushang X5 is powered by a choice of two petrol engines: a 1.6L naturally aspirated unit and a 1.5T turbocharged mill. The 1.6L unit produces a maximum output of 94 kW (128 PS) and a peak torque of 161 Nm, featuring direct injection alongside an all-aluminium cylinder head and block. The 1.5T unit is from Changan's Blue Whale NE turbocharged direct-injection series, delivering 132 kW (180 PS) and 300 Nm of peak torque across a 1,250 to 3,500 rpm band. This engine was notably crowned one of the "2020 'China Heart' Top Ten Engines". Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a CVT (with 8 virtual ratios), and a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The 1.5T variant clocks a century sprint (0-100 km/h) time of 7.79 seconds, with an NEDC rated combined fuel consumption of 6.0 to 6.3 L/100 km.

Chassis & Handling

Under the skin, the Changan Oushang X5 uses a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. The suspension features MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while braking is managed by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear. Drivers can select between multiple drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Race modes. The chassis setup leans towards a firmer, sportier calibration, delivering weighted steering feel and communicative road feedback.

Cabin & Features

In terms of cabin tech, the Changan Oushang X5 runs on the OnStyle 3.0 intelligent ecosystem. The infotainment system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core processor running at 2.0 GHz, enabling a 5-second quick boot, 1-second network connection, and 0.8-second voice command response. Feature highlights include 3rd-generation facial recognition, gesture control, voice recognition, and full-vehicle over-the-air (OTA) updates. In addition, it comes fitted with a mic-free in-car karaoke function and tailored scenario modes (Car Wash Mode, Friend Mode, Bodyguard Mode). For added comfort, higher-end trims gain an operable panoramic sunroof, Qi wireless smartphone charging, and automatic climate control. Rear boot space remains practical and adequate for its class.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the Changan Oushang X5 comes fitted with passive safety equipment such as front airbags, front side airbags, and curtain airbags. Active safety systems include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/EBA/BAS), Traction Control (TCS/ASR), and Electronic Stability Control (ESP/DSC). Driving assistance kit includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Auto Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Top-spec variants further add a 360-degree ultra-HD panoramic camera, 180-degree rear-view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and automatic collision recording.

Market Performance & Reception

The Changan Oushang X5 enjoyed strong market reception after its launch, with monthly sales surpassing 10,000 units in its very first month. Full-year sales reached 128,526 units in 2021 and 105,462 units in 2022. Maintaining an average monthly sales volume of over 10,000 units post-launch, it consistently ranked among the top five best-selling Chinese-brand SUVs. The model also clinched over ten automotive industry awards, including "Most Anticipated All-New SUV" in 2020 and "Urban SUV of the Year" in 2021. Over its lifecycle, Changan Oushang introduced several special editions, including the Youth Edition (launched in August 2021, limited to 996 units), Sport Edition (introduced in November 2021 in Awakening Orange), Tiger Roar Limited Edition (January 2022, limited to 666 units), and Knight Edition (June 2022).

However, amidst corporate brand restructuring—where the Changan Oushang sub-brand was gradually phased out of Changan's independent brand portfolio and subsequent Oushang X5 iterations were merged into the main Changan brand lineup—sales of the model saw a noticeable downturn. Annual sales dropped to 64,878 units in 2023, with the 2023 Changxiang Edition 1.5T Luxury variant officially marked as discontinued. Overall, as an important contender for Changan Oushang in the RM100,000 sporty SUV segment, the Oushang X5 made a strong impression in its early days thanks to its Blue Whale powertrain, OnStyle smart cabin, and striking design; however, with internal brand consolidation and the rapid rise of the new energy vehicle (NEV) market, the model has steadily faded from the market.