Roewe RX5

Model Overview

The Roewe RX5 is a C-segment SUV under SAIC Motor's Roewe brand, officially launched in 2016. Serving as the pioneer of SAIC Roewe’s "RX" series, it was the world’s first mass-produced "Internet SUV" co-developed by SAIC Motor and Alibaba Group. On 5 August 2022, the all-new third-generation Roewe RX5 officially went on sale. By 2024, cumulative sales of the Roewe RX5 line-up had surpassed 1.05 million units. Current variants on sale include the 2025 petrol (ICE) version and the plug-in hybrid (eRX5). The official retail price for the petrol version ranges from RM99,800 to RM159,800; the facelifted 2025 PLUS 330TGI Dual-Clutch Lingchao Zhihui Edition was launched on 29 April 2025, priced at RM104,900. Key segment rivals include the Haval H6, Changan CS75 PLUS, and Geely Boyue.

Design Language

The Roewe RX5 adopts the brand's signature "Rhythm Design" language. Up front, it features a prominent inverted trapezoidal grille with black mesh detailing, flanked by integrated headlamps, while sculpted bonnet lines add visual depth. The third-generation model switches to a bolder 7-shaped front grille with a diamond weave pattern, complemented by a black-backed Roewe emblem. Along the sides, smooth character lines and a distinctive dual shoulder line create a dynamic stance, with selected variants riding on 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, split-type tail lamps are linked by a full-width chrome trim strip. Dimensions vary across model years: the 2025 PLUS variant measures 4,571 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,719 mm in height, with a 2,708 mm wheelbase; other variants measure 4,655 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, with a 2,765 mm wheelbase. Inside, the cabin features a driver-centric wraparound layout. It is equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster alongside a 10.4-inch or larger infotainment touchscreen. The third-generation model steps up with a 27-inch panoramic sliding screen, featuring a Chinese landscape UI theme and 24 solar terms interactive display modes. The cabin is extensively trimmed with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery, elevating the overall premium feel.

Powertrain and Performance

The petrol-powered Roewe RX5 is driven by SAIC's "NetBlue" 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine across the range. In the 2025 PLUS variant, the 1.5T unit delivers 133 kW (approx. 181 PS) and 285 Nm of torque, while selected high-output variants produce 138 kW (approx. 188 PS) and 300 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sending drive exclusively to the front wheels (FWD). It achieves a top speed of 190 km/h, with a WLTC-rated combined fuel consumption of 7.3 to 7.45 L/100 km. The vehicle runs on minimum RON 92 petrol and is fitted with a 55-litre fuel tank. It comes with a 3-year or 100,000 km manufacturer warranty. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid (eRX5) pairs the 1.5T engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to deliver a combined 245 PS and 570 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds, with an NEDC-rated pure electric range of 61 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Roewe RX5 sits on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. The chassis is tuned primarily for family-oriented ride comfort, while selectable drive modes provide adequate handling versatility. In standard or comfort mode, the softer damping effectively soaks up road imperfections and speed bumps; switching to sport mode stiffens the dampers to rein in body roll through corners. Steering is managed by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, which is light and effortless in standard mode and weights up reassuringly with speed in sport mode for greater driving confidence. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Higher-spec variants ride on 235/45 R19 or 245/45 R20 tyres. The rear multi-link setup isolates road chatter efficiently, delivering a refined ride quality uncommon for an SUV in the RM100,000 price bracket.

Cabin and Equipment

On the smart cabin front, the third-generation Roewe RX5 debuts an industry-first 27-inch 4K panoramic intelligent sliding display. The screen can slide horizontally by up to 300 mm, transitioning seamlessly between driver and front passenger to serve distinct "Smart Driving" and "Smart Entertainment" functions. It features Local Dimming and Mini-LED backlighting with over 800 individual dimming zones, a 100,000:1 ultra-high contrast ratio, and 85% NTSC colour gamut coverage. The infotainment is powered by an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor running the latest Luoshen OS. Features include AI voice command with continuous dialogue support, smartphone remote app connectivity, and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. High-spec variants are treated to a premium BOSE sound system. Other creature comforts include leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a Qi wireless smartphone charger. Boot capacity starts at 430 litres, expandable to 1,639 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the Roewe RX5 is built around an ultra-high-strength safety cage, utilizing 79% high-strength steel and 44% ultra-high-strength steel. It achieved the highest 'G' (Good) rating in China's C-IASI crash safety tests. Standard passive safety kit comprises front dual airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Active safety systems equipped across the range include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Higher variants feature a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which incorporates Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection/Lane Change Assist, and Automated Parking Assist (APA). Maneuvering aids such as a 360-degree surround-view monitor, Auto Brake Hold, and Hill-Start Assist (HSA) are also standard.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Roewe RX5 enjoyed stellar market success following its initial debut. Between 2018 and 2020, monthly deliveries consistently topped 10,000 units, occasionally peaking above 20,000 units, with full-year sales in 2020 exceeding 167,000 units. However, sales experienced a sharp downturn in subsequent years—falling to 80,510 units in 2021, 72,269 units in 2022, 37,592 units in 2023, and just 18,678 units in 2024. Total sales for 2025 stood at 18,738 units, with December accounting for 2,492 units. In just four years, its sales trajectory plummeted from five-figure monthly volumes to an average of just 1,562 units per month. Market analysts attribute this decline to product shortcomings (such as gearbox reliability concerns), a slow transition towards electrification (NEV), aggressive rivalry from newer competitors, and strategic brand missteps. On the owner front, users praise its generous interior space, competitive fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge tech features, though tyre roar at highway speeds remains a common complaint. In summary, with its early-mover advantage as an "Internet SUV", innovative 27-inch sliding cockpit display, capable 1.5T powertrain, and Level 2 ADAS suite, the Roewe RX5 holds a memorable place in the RM100,000 to RM160,000 C-SUV segment, though revitalising its market share amidst today's cut-throat competition remains an uphill battle.