OMODA C5

Vehicle Overview

The OMODA C5 is a compact SUV under Chery Automobile's OMODA sub-brand, serving as the marque's first strategic global model engineered from the ground up for international markets. The vehicle made its global premiere in the Russian market in October 2022 under the "OMODA C5" nameplate, following the debut of its domestic Chinese counterpart, the "OMODA 5", in July 2022 with starting prices from RM79,900. As Chery's first forward-engineered model developed strictly around international market demands, the OMODA C5 is targeted primarily at overseas markets including Russia, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Europe. In the Russian market, the SUV measures 4,400 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,588 mm in height, with a 2,630 mm wheelbase, positioning it firmly in the compact SUV segment with a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm to 190 mm depending on the variant. In December 2025, OMODA's Russian office announced the all-new next-generation OMODA C5, slated for an official market launch in 2026.

Design Language

The OMODA C5 embodies the brand's "Art in motion" design philosophy, combining the sporty stance of a coupe-SUV with high-tech aesthetics. Up front, the first-generation model features a borderless diamond matrix grille, complemented by split-type LED headlamps and full-width daytime running lights (DRLs). Along the sides, a fastback roofline and floating roof design accentuate its dynamic coupe-SUV profile, riding on 18-inch smoked dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, full-width LED taillights paired with a dual-tier progressive roof spoiler enhance both visual distinction and aerodynamic performance.

Official photos of the next-generation OMODA C5 were revealed in late 2025, showcasing a shark-inspired front fascia with a more sculpted bonnet and a closed-off grille flanked by slim horizontal air intakes, giving it a sharper, EV-like futuristic character. The new model adopts twin-stacked LED headlamps, featuring dual-strip DRLs at the top while the main high/low beam projectors are housed within the bumper corners and trimmed in gloss black. Round back, the number plate recess has moved down to the rear bumper, while the taillights gain a striking zig-zag lightning signature akin to the OMODA C7. The next-generation model retains the signature floating fastback roofline, matched with fresh 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

Powertrain and Performance

The OMODA C5 offers different powertrain configurations across markets and model years. The Chinese-spec OMODA is offered with two Kunpeng petrol engines: a 1.5T producing 115 kW (156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, and a 1.6T delivering 145 kW (197 PS) and 290 Nm, with the 1.6T completing the 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds. Under the WLTC cycle, combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 L/100km for the 1.5T and 7.1 L/100km for the 1.6T. Early Russian-spec models featured a 1.5T engine outputting 147 PS and 210 Nm paired with a CVT driving the front wheels, alongside a 1.6T variant producing 150 PS and 275 Nm mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD).

The 2025 Russian-market OMODA C5 is exclusively available with the high-output 1.6T engine, 7-speed DCT, and AWD drivetrain. The next-generation OMODA C5 is expected to retain the 1.5T turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 6-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, with an AWD option still on offer. Meanwhile, the brand has also launched the all-electric Omoda E5, delivering an electric driving range of up to 450 km with fast-charging support.

Chassis and Handling

Built on Chery's global modular platform, the OMODA C5 is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) layouts, with AWD coming standard on the 1.6T variant. Chassis-wise, 1.5T models utilise a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension setup tuned for smooth comfort and fuel efficiency, whereas the 1.6T Kunpeng variant steps up to a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension. The multi-link rear suspension delivers a superior balance between handling stability and ride comfort, offering better wheel tracking and bump absorption during high-speed cornering and on uneven roads. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, complete with an electronic parking brake (EPB). Electric power steering (EPS) is standard across the range, offering light and accurate response. Ground clearance ranges from 180 mm to 190 mm depending on spec, ensuring decent capability over unpaved surfaces.

Cabin and Features

The first-generation OMODA C5 interior features a dual-screen layout with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the digital meter cluster and central infotainment display. It runs Chery's Lion 5.0 AI smart cockpit system, supporting voice recognition, telematics remote control, in-car apps, and an HMI 5.0 interface, while select variants add an AI emotion monitoring system to tailor driving modes to driver preferences. In terms of seating, higher-spec trims come equipped with integrated sports seats and heated front seats.

The next-generation OMODA C5 receives a completely overhauled interior with a cleaner, freestanding dual-screen layout—comprising a slim-bezel digital meter panel and a floating central touchscreen—paired with full-width air vents that visually widen the dashboard, alongside a restyled multifunction steering wheel. Powered by the Lion 5.0 AI operating system, the infotainment unit supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. For added comfort, the new model offers front sports seats, heated rear seats, a Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof, two-tone upholstery, and contrast stitching. Russian-spec variants also include a standard "Winter Package", featuring heated front and rear windscreens, heated wing mirrors, as well as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

The OMODA C5 delivers exceptional safety credentials. As Chery's first model to be evaluated by Euro NCAP, it was developed from inception to comply with five major crash safety standards: China's C-NCAP, Euro NCAP, Latin NCAP, ASEAN NCAP, and Australasian ANCAP. In Euro NCAP testing, the OMODA C5 earned a maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 87% for Adult Occupant Protection, 87% for Child Occupant Protection, and 88% for Safety Assist systems. Its safety cell utilises a high-strength cage design, with ultra-high-strength steel in critical areas rated to withstand pressures exceeding 1,800 MPa. Its pure-electric sibling, the OMODA 5 EV, similarly achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

In terms of active safety and driver assistance, the OMODA C5 offers up to 16 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features, including full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK). The sensor suite comprises millimetre-wave radars, ultrasonic parking sensors, and HD cameras. Standard safety equipment also includes a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), reverse camera, and rear parking sensors.

Market Performance and Reception

The OMODA C5 has shown contrasting sales performances between its home market and abroad. In China, OMODA sales have remained subdued, with monthly figures lingering in the modest three-digit range. Overseas, however, the SUV has enjoyed immense popularity—particularly in Russia, where cumulative sales reached approximately 95,500 units within three years of its October 2022 debut. In the UK, the OMODA brand logged 4,323 units in the single month of September 2023; in Spain, monthly sales touched 1,306 units in June 2025 (up 57.9% year-on-year), pushing first-half deliveries to 6,043 units. To date, the OMODA 5 has entered over 40 global markets. In Malaysia, the OMODA 5 is priced from around RM108,800 for the C variant (approx. RM164,000) to around RM118,800 for the H variant (approx. RM179,000), competing directly with rivals like the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V. The current Russian-spec OMODA C5 retails between 2,429,900 and 3,029,900 rubles, equivalent to roughly RM185,000 to RM230,000.

In terms of industry recognition, the OMODA 5 was named "Best Value New Car" at the 2025 Autotrader Awards in July 2025. Serving as a crucial pillar in Chery's global expansion, the OMODA C5 has established itself as a benchmark Chinese export SUV thanks to its global-standard forward engineering, Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, and expanding new energy lineup. With the next-generation model due in 2026, it is poised to further consolidate its foothold in the overseas compact SUV segment.