Electric Chery Omoda E5, Mini Countryman and BMW i5 details revealed
One, the Chery Omoda E5, is the Chinese carmaker’s first foray into the local pure electric market. Mini is introducing its first four-door, the Countryman, which joins the two-door Cooper Electric Hatch.
Meanwhile BMW is adding yet another all-electric, but whereas much of its stable consists of sedans and SUVs, this time it’s offering something different: a wagon with a long-winded moniker: the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring.
Chery Omoda E5 electric SUV
Chinese carmaker Chery has finally announced the launch of its first all-electric vehicle (EV) in Australia: the Omoda E5.
Slated for a mid-year debut in 2024, this stylish and sporty SUV is poised to make waves in Australia as it joins the throng of electric SUVs now flooding the market.
The Omoda E5, which offers popular crossover appeal, has an electric motor delivering 150kW and 340Nm of torque. This ensures a 0-100 km/hr dash in just 7.6 seconds.
The Omoda E5's battery size for the local market is unconfirmed but overseas there is a 61kWh pack under the floor.
Beyond its performance metrics, the Omoda E5 promises to impress with a suite of intelligent, high-tech features. A 12.3-inch large, curved screen, panoramic sunroof, and digital instrument cluster are just the beginning. These are complemented by numerous exterior and interior colour options.
Available in Standard and Premium trim levels, local pricing is as yet unknown. With its petrol version starting from $32,990 before on-roads in Australia, it will likely compete with Asia-sourced rivals such as the BYD Atto 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric around the $50,000-55,000 price mark.
Complete pricing and specifications will be released closer to the launch date.
— Bridie Schmidt
Mini Countryman E and SE ALL4
BMW brand Mini has revealed official pricing and local specifications for the all-electric Countryman four-door. There are two electric variants—the Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4—alongside the petrol John Cooper Works (JCW) Countryman ALL4.
Both electric models boast a 63.8kWh battery, promising an electric range of 462km for the front-wheel-drive E variant and 433km for the all-wheel-drive SE ALL4 (preliminary figures.)
Both variants up the ante on comfort and convenience with a high-level specification standard, including a driving and parking assistant, eight “experience modes” to enhance the driving experience further, as well as a new 240mm round OLED centre console screen.
All in all, there are six price points based on variant and trim:
- Mini Countryman E Core: At $64,990 before on-roads, the core electric offering comes with standard cruise control, parking assistant, a 6-speaker sound system, and wireless connectivity, featuring the classic trim with piano black highlights and ambient lighting.
- Mini Countryman E Classic: At $67,990, this builds on the core offering by adding advanced features like adaptive cruise control, parking assistant plus with surround view, and an interior camera, coupled with comfort-oriented options such as seat heating and a panorama glass roof, for an enhanced driving experience.
- Mini Countryman E Favoured: At $70,990, this trim level adds a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, John Cooper Works seats with active functions and electric adjustment for the driver, and sun protection glazing, all wrapped in an exclusive interior styling with vibrant silver highlights and a dark petrol/vintage brown colour scheme.
- Mini Countryman SE ALL4 Classic: At $72,990 before on-roads this is equipped with the same features as the Countryman E Classic on a dual motor, all-wheel drive format, all wrapped up in the iconic Mini design with piano black highlights.
- Mini Countryman SE ALL4 Favoured: Priced at $75,990, this elevates the Classic trim with luxurious additions such as a Harman/Kardon sound system with 12 speakers, JCW seats with active functions and memory settings for the front seats, sun protection glazing, and unique trim design elements, all set against an upscale dark petrol/vintage brown interior.
- Mini Countryman SE ALL4 with JCW Sport trim: At $77,990, this tops the range with exclusive JCW enhancements including a bespoke steering wheel, distinctive exterior styling, optional sport stripes in jet black or chilli red, and an assertive black/red interior design, all complemented by the performance-focused JCW sport brakes.
The all-electric Countryman range is due to arrive in the third quarter of 2024.
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring will make its Australian debut in the third quarter of 2024 as only the second true electric wagon on the local market (the other being the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo.)
It's BMW's first fully electric touring model, and as such is suitably packed with features. Its 84kWh battery delivers a solid 506km range (WLTP), promising to ensure range anxiety and a long-distance trip do not coincide.
That said, as with the i7, this is an all-electric built on an ICE (internal combustion engine) platform.
Don’t expect mind-boggling efficiency: in WLTP combined city and highway testing, it uses 18.3-20.8kWh/100km due to its dual motor setup which delivers 442kW and a hefty 800Nm of torque.
This does mean a sprint to 100km/hr from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds. At least its 205kW maximum charging capability, i5 owners won't be lingering too long at charging stations.
The The i5 M60 xDrive Touring is not just about power and range, though. It brings luxury to the electric wagon world, borrowing interior design cues from the flagship i7. It features the BMW Iconic Glow grille, adaptive LED headlights, and a top-tier Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 17 speakers.
Tech-wise, it's loaded with the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 and even includes in-car gaming, courtesy of the AirConsole App.
With a price tag of $219,900, it's clearly positioned at the premium end of the market, but for that, you're getting a vehicle that's part luxury sedan, part high-performance EV, and all BMW.
