Gridly
Overview
The Chery E5 Ultimate is the top-specification variant of Chery’s compact electric SUV for the Australian market. Where the Urban targets the budget-first buyer with basic specification and a lower sticker price, the Ultimate fills the car out with a 61.1kWh battery, 130kW DC fast charging, and a more complete interior fit-out designed to compete head-on with the MG4 Excite 64 and BYD Dolphin Premium.
Chery is one of China’s largest and most established automotive manufacturers, with global exports exceeding 900,000 vehicles annually and a presence in over 80 markets. The E5 represents the brand’s deliberate push into Australia’s growing small EV segment - a market that has rewarded affordable, well-specified Chinese EVs from MG and BYD. The E5 Ultimate positions Chery as a credible alternative with class-competitive range, a 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty (one of the best in the segment), and 130kW DC charging that outpaces both the MG4 Excite 64 and BYD Dolphin Premium.
At $45,990, the E5 Ultimate sits at the top of Chery’s E5 range. Buyers considering it should evaluate it alongside the MG4 Excite 64 ($38,990) and BYD Dolphin Premium ($39,990), as the $6,000–$7,000 premium is offset by the faster DC charging and warranty advantage.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | Range | DC Charge | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E5 Urban | 61.1 kWh | 430 km | 100 kW | $38,990 |
| E5 Ultimate | 61.1 kWh | 430 km | 130 kW | $45,990 |
Both variants share the same 61.1kWh LFP blade battery and 430km WLTP range. The Ultimate adds 130kW DC charging (vs 100kW), upgraded interior specification, and additional driver assistance features.
Performance
The E5 Ultimate is powered by a single front-mounted motor driving the front wheels. Drive type is FWD. BYD-sourced LFP blade battery chemistry provides consistent power delivery across the charge cycle. The 0–100 km/h time is 7.6 seconds - competitive for a compact SUV EV at this price. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h, adequate for Australian highway use.
FWD limits all-weather performance compared to AWD competitors, but in the dry and wet conditions that describe the majority of Australian driving, the traction and handling balance is practical and predictable.
Range and Charging
WLTP range is 430km from the 61.1kWh battery. Real-world highway range at 110 km/h typically lands between 340–370km depending on climate use, terrain, and load. Urban economy is closer to the WLTP figure. For the majority of Australian daily drivers, the E5 Ultimate requires charging approximately once per week from a home wallbox.
The Ultimate’s 130kW DC charging speed is a key differentiator over the Urban’s 100kW cap. At 130kW, a 10–80% charge takes approximately 30 minutes - well within the usable range of a highway fast-charge stop. AC charging via Type 2 runs at up to 6.6kW single-phase, providing a full overnight charge in around 9 hours on a standard home wallbox.
Interior and Technology
The Ultimate’s cabin steps up from the Urban with upgraded upholstery, a larger central display, and additional ambient lighting. A 15.6-inch touchscreen manages infotainment, climate, and vehicle settings, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The digital instrument cluster provides clear speed and range readouts.
ADAS equipment includes adaptive cruise control with lane centring, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A 360-degree camera system is standard on the Ultimate. Over-the-air software updates are supported.
Practicality
The E5 Ultimate seats five with adequate rear legroom for adults. Boot space is approximately 460L behind the rear seats - comparable to the MG4 and BYD Dolphin. Towing is rated at 750kg braked, suitable for a light trailer or bike carrier but not a significant boat or caravan. There is no V2L or V2H capability on the E5 Ultimate.
Safety
The Chery E5 has been submitted for ANCAP testing in Australia; confirm current rating status. Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, and a reversing camera. The Ultimate adds the more comprehensive ADAS suite over the Urban.
Running Costs and Ownership
Running cost calculation: (61.1 kWh ÷ 430 km) × 100 × $0.30 = approximately $4.26/100km at $0.30/kWh. This compares favourably with a petrol compact SUV at 7–8L/100km ($11–$13/100km at current unleaded prices).
Chery’s 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty on the E5 is among the best in the compact EV segment - surpassing BYD’s 6-year/150,000km and MG’s 7-year/unlimited offer, though matching MG on the mileage point. Battery warranty covers 70% retention over the warranty term. Confirm local service coverage with Chery Australia before purchase, as the dealer network is in active expansion.
Verdict
The Chery E5 Ultimate makes its case on fast charging speed and warranty coverage. The 130kW DC rate is faster than most competitors in the $40,000–$46,000 bracket, and the 7-year unlimited warranty removes a key concern around buying from a newer brand. The FWD-only drivetrain and 750kg towing cap are limitations for buyers who need all-weather or towing capability, but for urban-to-regional buyers who prioritise range and charging convenience, the Ultimate is a complete and compelling package.
The $7,000 premium over the Urban needs justification: it comes down to how frequently you use public DC chargers. If highway travel is regular and fast charging matters, the Ultimate’s 130kW speed repays the premium in time savings. For primarily urban drivers, the Urban is the more rational buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Chery E5 Ultimate compare to the MG4 Excite 64?
The MG4 Excite 64 ($38,990) offers 64kWh, 425km WLTP, and 80kW DC charging with a 7-year warranty. The E5 Ultimate offers 430km WLTP, 130kW DC charging, and a 7-year unlimited warranty at $45,990. The E5 Ultimate’s DC charging advantage is significant for highway users; the MG4 is the better value for primarily urban drivers.
Is the E5 the same as the Chery Omoda E5?
In some markets the E5 is badged as the Omoda E5. For Australia, confirm current branding with Chery Australia. The underlying vehicle and powertrain are equivalent.
What is the real-world range of the Chery E5 Ultimate?
WLTP is 430km. Real-world at 110 km/h highway is approximately 340–370km. In mixed urban-suburban driving closer to the WLTP cycle, 390–410km is achievable. Cold weather will reduce range by 15–20%.