In the increasingly crowded electric vehicle mosh pit, standing out requires a bold move. OMODA JAECOO has clearly understood the assignment, pulling the covers off an updated E5 model for New Zealand that manages to be both more powerful and, crucially, cheaper.
The Chinese automaker has officially announced its updated E5 MY25.5 range, and the headline act is a new entry-level price that dips to a tempting $40,990 + ORC. It’s the automotive equivalent of your favourite cafe lowering the price of a flat white while adding an extra shot of espresso for free.
That extra shot comes in the form of a power boost, with the E5’s motor now churning out a healthy 155kW, promising more effortless get-up-and-go for town and country driving. Despite the extra grunt, the range remains a respectable 430km (WLTP) on a full charge, meaning range anxiety can stay firmly in the rear-view mirror.
“Fine tuning an already competitive product, these changes represent another step forward for the OMODA brand within New Zealand,” said Roy Munoz, the Chief Commercial Officer for OMODA JAECOO NZ. “We are committed to offering a class-leading driving experience and unbeatable value for money.”
The range is now split into two distinct flavours: the entry-level BX ($40,990) and the top-spec EX ($44,990). The good news for bargain hunters is that “entry-level” is far from basic. Standard kit across the board includes a slick dual 12.3-inch screen setup combining the instrument cluster and multimedia touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the “Hello OMODA” voice control system for when you feel like having a chat with your car.
Safety hasn’t been scrimped on either, with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) included as standard. This means you get Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) without having to tick a single option box.
For those wanting the full-fat experience, an extra four grand for the EX variant unlocks a treasure trove of creature comforts. This includes heated seats for both front and outboard rear passengers, customisable ambient lighting, an 8-speaker Sony sound system, a powerful 50W wireless phone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and the ever-useful 360° surround-view camera for squeezing into tight city parks.
In a market where every dollar and every kilowatt counts, this update is a clear statement of intent. OMODA is backing its sharp pricing and generous spec sheet with a reassuringly solid warranty: seven years with unlimited kilometres for the car, and eight years for the high-voltage battery. It’s a compelling package designed to turn the heads of Kiwi EV buyers and give established players a serious run for their money.
