Roewe eRX5

Model Overview

The Roewe eRX5 is a C-segment plug-in hybrid SUV produced under SAIC Motor's Roewe marque, representing the new energy arm of the Roewe RX5 model lineup. As the PHEV variant of the RX5—widely recognized as the world's first mass-produced "Internet SUV"—the eRX5 was originally launched alongside its petrol counterpart in 2016, with the third-generation iteration officially debuting on 5 August 2022. The 2023 lineup offered three variants: Super Hybrid Comfort, Super Hybrid Superior, and Super Hybrid Prestige, priced between RM147,900 and RM159,900. In November 2025, the 2026 eRX5 Super Hybrid Executive joined the range at RM153,900. Built upon SAIC's Everest platform and marketed as a "Super Hybrid SUV", it competes primarily against rival PHEV SUVs in the segment, including the BYD Song Pro DM-i and Geely Galaxy L7.

Design Language

The Roewe eRX5 adopts the brand's signature "Digital Rhythm" design philosophy, marrying oriental aesthetic elements with modern automotive tech. Up front, it features an imposing funnel-shaped radiator grille lined with hundreds of feather-inspired motifs, creating an intricate visual texture inspired by classical Chinese mythology. Sleek LED daytime running lights are seamlessly integrated into the front grille assembly, complemented by LED Dragon Crystal headlights that produce a striking dragon-scale dynamic lighting effect when switched on. The side profile is accentuated by sharp, segmented character lines and flush pop-out door handles, while the rear features a full-width LED taillight cluster alongside twin chrome exhaust tips. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,655 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,664 mm in height, riding on a 2,765 mm wheelbase. Compared to its predecessor, it is 84 mm longer, 35 mm wider, and gains an extra 57 mm in wheelbase. Exterior paint options include a range of distinct finishes, highlighted by the bespoke Arctic Blue.

Inside, range-topping variants boast a class-exclusive 27-inch 4K sliding infotainment display capable of travelling laterally by up to 300 mm across the dashboard. Meanwhile, the 2026 Super Hybrid Executive variant comes fitted with a dual-screen setup comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.3-inch 2.5K curved centre touchscreen. The cabin is trimmed with generous soft-touch padding and woodgrain inlays, finished in an elegant dual-tone beige and brown colour scheme. A sporty three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel is standard, with selected variants gaining an upscale crystal gear selector.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Roewe eRX5 runs on a plug-in hybrid powertrain pairing SAIC's Blue Core GS61 1.5-litre VTGI turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine with the EDU G2 Plus electric drive system. The internal combustion engine produces 138 kW (approx. 188 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, whilst the electric motor delivers 180 kW and 270 Nm. Combined, the hybrid system punches out a potent 432 PS (approx. 318 kW) and 570 Nm of maximum torque. Power is channelled through a 10-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). It completes the century sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h.

Energy is stored in a 12.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack sourced from Shanghai Jiexin. It delivers a pure electric driving range of 61 km on the NEDC cycle, or 50 km based on the WLTC cycle. Fuel consumption is rated at a frugal 1.4 L/100 km under NEDC testing, 3.3 L/100 km under WLTC conditions, with battery-depleted figures coming in at 6.23 L/100 km (WLTC) and 4.8 L/100 km (NEDC). With a full tank and fully charged battery, total cruising range exceeds 1,050 km (NEDC). An AC slow charge takes 4 hours. The vehicle requires minimum RON 92 petrol and is fitted with a 48-litre fuel tank.

Ride and Handling

The Roewe eRX5 rides on a MacPherson strut independent front suspension setup and a multi-link independent rear axle, tuned primarily for passenger comfort. Capitalising on the low centre-of-gravity engineering of the Everest modular platform, the SUV benefits from optimised axle-load distribution, providing enhanced cornering stability and higher handling thresholds. Torsional rigidity is rated at an impressive 25,000 Nm/deg. The power steering features switchable weight settings, and the turning circle measures 11.4 metres. The overall ride feels planted and well-damped, offering reassuring chassis control. Stopping power is provided by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, mated to an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on standard 225/55 R19 tyres across the board.

Cabin and Amenities

In terms of infotainment and connectivity, flagship trims feature the 27-inch 4K sliding display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor running the Luoshen OS. The 2026 Super Hybrid Executive variant adopts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.3-inch 2.5K curved infotainment display driven by Zebra Venus 4.0, complete with voice command, connected telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. A panoramic glass roof with tilt/slide functionality comes standard across the range. Seats are upholstered in synthetic leather, with the driver seat offering 8-way power adjustment. Higher variants add front seat heating and a powered tailgate. NVH levels are well contained via 42 strategic sound-damping placements, keeping idle noise levels down to just 35.7 dB. Boot capacity stands at 507 litres, expandable to 1,484 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Passive safety is anchored by a high-strength safety cage construction, complemented by 6 airbags as standard. Active safety systems include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The LFP battery system also incorporates dedicated thermal runaway prevention tech to eliminate combustion risks.

Driver assistance kit varies significantly across the model year range. The 2026 Super Hybrid Executive variant omits features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), retaining essential aids like a 360-degree surround-view monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Conversely, mid-to-high variants of the 2023 lineup come equipped with a full Level 2 ADAS suite, encompassing Full-Speed ACC, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

Market Performance and Reception

The Roewe eRX5 started off reasonably well following its market introduction. Between August and December 2022, monthly sales averaged around 2,000 units; wholesale deliveries grew steadily through 2024, peaking at 4,300 units in September and taking full-year 2024 volume to 20,741 units. However, sales momentum subsequently dipped sharply—retail deliveries fell to 873 units in March 2025, tumbling further to just 116 units in July 2025, before recording zero retail sales by March 2026. Customer feedback has generally been positive regarding its brisk 6.9-second acceleration, the futuristic appeal of its 27-inch sliding screen, and the overall usability of the PHEV system; however, some owners noted that its 61 km pure EV range falls behind class rivals; furthermore, the omission of key ADAS features on the 2026 Super Hybrid Executive variant drew mixed reactions. In summary, whilst the Roewe eRX5 carved out a distinct niche in the RM140,000 to RM160,000 PHEV SUV segment on the back of its 1.5T hybrid powertrain, brisk acceleration, high-tech sliding cockpit, and Level 2 ADAS capabilities, wider brand equity limitations, product repositioning, and fierce segment competition have led to considerable volatility in its sales performance.