This is the new Omoda 4 and Omoda 5: two electrified SUVs for 2027 that leave us with one doubt

Omoda is not easing off the accelerator. The Chinese brand, which entered our market in February 2024 under the Chery group, has become one of the new protagonists of the Spanish market. And not only because of its sales figures, which continue to grow at a good pace (more than 80% year to date compared with the same period last year), but also because of the speed with which it is expanding its range and evolving its technological offering.

Electrification has a lot to do with this success. Currently, more than 90% of Omoda & Jaecoo sales in Spain are electrified vehicles, with a particular prominence of conventional hybrids (HEV), which account for 53%, and plug-in hybrids (PHEV), with 35%. These figures explain why the SHS (Super Hybrid System) hybrid technology has become one of the pillars of its commercial strategy.

Now, taking advantage of the Paris Motor Show, Omoda is presenting two particularly important new models for 2027: the new Omoda 4 and the second generation of the Omoda 5. The first will become the entry model in the range, while the second takes over from the vehicle with which the brand began its journey in Spain and of which more than 30,000 units have already been sold.

Both will arrive during the first half of 2027, the Omoda 5 first and the Omoda 4 later, with self-charging hybrid and 100% electric versions. We have been able to see them up close, sit in their cabins and check how they have evolved in design and perceived quality. There are some things that particularly pleased us, although we also have certain doubts about how two models that, on paper, have a lot in common will fit commercially.

Omoda 4: the smallest, but also the boldest

If I had to choose one of the two for its design, I would go for the Omoda 4. And that is despite it theoretically being the entry model in the range. But its styling strikes me as more personal and eye-catching than that of its bigger sibling. At 4.42 metres long, 1.86 metres wide and 1.57 metres high, the Omoda 4 sits squarely in the compact SUV segment. Its wheelbase is 2.70 metres, an interesting figure for a vehicle of this size and one that allows good use of the interior space.

Omoda says it drew inspiration from the world of supercars for the design of its bodywork. Beyond this kind of reference, what we find is an SUV with very pronounced lines, angular surfaces and a silhouette that aims to convey dynamism. The front, with very sharp LED light units and striking geometric shapes, is probably its most characteristic element. It also has personality in profile, with a rising waistline, well-defined wheel arches and 18-inch wheels. At the rear, the lightning-bolt-shaped light signature stands out, another of those details that help make the car easily recognisable.

Personally, I think it is a well-resolved, modern design with enough character to stand apart from many of its rivals. It may not appeal to everyone, precisely because of how bold some of the solutions are, but at least it does not look like just another SUV.

A technology-focused interior with some sporty nods

The cabin follows the same philosophy as the exterior. The driving position is dominated by a 13.2-inch central screen mounted in portrait orientation, accompanied by an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel, flattened at both the top and the bottom, reinforces that sporty image. There are also trims that imitate carbon fibre and a rather curious detail: the start button is protected by a small flip-up cover, in the style of some supercars.

These design features add personality, although not all of them necessarily have a practical advantage. In fact, we will need to check in a more complete test whether concentrating so many functions in the central screen, including climate control, is comfortable while driving. It is an increasingly common solution, but not always more ergonomic than good physical controls. In these cases, as I always say, I recommend getting “familiar” with voice control.

As for interior space, the dimensions and wheelbase promise reasonable room for four adults. Omoda announces a boot of more than 400 litres in both the hybrid and electric versions, with a volume exceeding 1,100 litres with the rear seatbacks folded. These figures are provisional, pending homologation, but the impression is good in any case, with a spacious cabin and a boot that is very practical for the size of the car.

Equipment will also be one of its selling points. There will be two trims, Pure and Premium, and from the first one, features contemplated include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, rear camera, adaptive cruise control and wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium will add, among other items, electrically adjustable ventilated seats, a panoramic roof, electric tailgate, 540-degree camera and automatic parking systems, including one that allows certain manoeuvres to be performed from outside the vehicle.

Omoda 4 HEV and electric: up to 224 CV and more than 450 km of range

The Omoda 4’s mechanical range will initially consist of two versions, both with front-wheel drive and automatic gearbox.

The Omoda 4 SHS self-charging hybrid uses a 1.5 TGDI four-cylinder petrol engine with 143 CV, combined with two electric motors and a specific 1DHT transmission. Combined maximum power is 224 CV, with 295 Nm of torque. The battery has a capacity of 1.83 kWh and allows the system to operate in different modes, alternating electric, thermal or a combination of both depending on driving conditions. Omoda announces a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.1 seconds, a projected combined consumption of 5.2 l/100 km and a total range of more than 900 kilometres thanks to the 51-litre fuel tank.

For its part, the Omoda 4 EV uses an electric motor producing 218 CV and 275 Nm, powered by a 67 kWh LFP battery. The announced range reaches 450 kilometres and maximum fast-charging power reaches 120 kW, which would allow recovering from 30 to 80% of the battery in about 22 minutes. Curiously, the electric version is slightly quicker from 0 to 100 km/h, at 7.9 seconds, although it is also considerably heavier: 1,760 kg compared with the hybrid’s 1,550 kg.

On paper, both options look interesting. That said, in the case of the electric version we will need to check whether the 120 kW maximum charging power translates into competitive times in real-world conditions, especially compared with some rivals that already offer more powerful charging systems.

Otherwise, the Omoda 4 will feature a McPherson front suspension and a multi-link layout at the rear axle, a configuration that points to a more sophisticated approach than that of other entry-level SUVs that use a torsion beam. We will need to drive it to see how all this translates into comfort and dynamic behaviour.

New Omoda 5: the most significant changes, inside

The Omoda 5 was the brand’s first model in Spain and, to a large extent, the one responsible for introducing it. Now it receives a thorough renewal affecting design, equipment, technology and engines. The new model grows to 4.53 metres long, eleven centimetres more than the Omoda 4, an increase that should reinforce its positioning within the range, now that it has a “smaller brother”.

The original Omoda 5 had a very distinctive front end, dominated by a huge grille with a lattice of geometric elements that visually integrated with the bodywork. It could be more or less appealing, but it was unmistakable. Now, the new model abandons that solution and opts for a cleaner front, with a closed surface, more horizontal lines and sharp light units. It is a more modern aesthetic, aligned with the latest design trends, especially those we see on many electric cars… and on many new Chinese cars.

The result is a visually more sophisticated car but, in my view, also a little less personal. The new look loses some of the distinctive character that the original Omoda 5 had and that helped identify it instantly in traffic. In the side view we find revised proportions and 18-inch wheels, while the rear incorporates a new light signature inspired by that of the Omoda 7 and hidden exhausts that reinforce the clean look of the whole.

The big leap is in the cabin

Where the new Omoda 5 has really moved forward is in the interior, which gives a very positive impression. The evolution in design, presentation and perceived quality is evident. The materials convey a greater sense of quality and the dashboard has a cleaner, more modern layout.

One of the most important changes is the new screen arrangement. The previous approach, with two screens integrated into a single horizontal unit, disappears, and now we find an 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 15.6-inch central screen, which takes centre stage. This new layout helps the driving position look clearer and more up to date. It also improves the car’s technological perception, although a screen of that size is not necessarily a guarantee of better ergonomics. What is a real guarantee is the Qualcomm 8155 processor, the same one the Omoda 4 incorporates, with an eight-core architecture and a start-up time announced as under two seconds.

There will also be two equipment levels, Pure and Premium, with a very complete technological specification and level 2 driver assistance systems, as well as advanced parking functions on the higher versions.

Omoda 5 HEV and EV: two electrified alternatives

In the mechanical section, the new Omoda 5 will share much of its technology with the Omoda 4. The hybrid version will use the same SHS system, with the 1.5 TGDI petrol engine and a combined power of 224 CV. In the new Omoda 5 EV the electric motor announces 211 CV and will be paired with a 61 kWh LFP battery, with an announced range of up to 430 kilometres. Maximum DC charging power will be 130 kW.

And here we find a first curiosity: the electric Omoda 4, despite being the smallest model and the entry point to the range, announces a battery of greater capacity, more power and also more range than its bigger sibling. This is not necessarily a drawback for the Omoda 5, which could offer advantages in other areas, such as interior space or comfort, but it is a striking detail when comparing both models.

As for the chassis, the Omoda 5 will also use a McPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear, with different driving modes.

Omoda 4 versus Omoda 5: too close to each other?

After a first static contact with both models, my conclusion is clear: the Omoda 4 strikes me as more attractive in design and I think it can work well in such a competitive segment. As for the second, the new Omoda 5 has taken an important step forward in perceived quality and interior presentation. But a doubt also arises for me: aren’t they going to be too close to each other?

The length difference is barely eleven centimetres. Both share a platform, hybrid technology, suspension architecture, front-wheel drive and a good part of their equipment. Even the electric versions offer very similar performance and ranges, with some figures that actually favour the smaller model.

Omoda positions the 4 as a more youthful, sporty and bold proposal, while the 5 should offer a somewhat more sophisticated experience with a greater focus on comfort. We will see what buyers say, although a decisive factor will come into play here: price. We do not yet know the prices for Spain, but they will be fundamental to understanding the positioning of both cars. If the gap is wide enough, the Omoda 4 could become a very attractive option for those looking for a compact electrified SUV with plenty of equipment and a different design. If the prices end up too close together, the choice will be considerably harder.