The 2026 Chery E5 Ultimate remains a compelling, budget-friendly electric SUV in Australia, though its refinement lags behind newer competitors , raising questions about its evolving relevance in a rapidly shifting segment.
Chery’s E5 has become one of the sharper-priced electric SUVs in Australia, but the question is no longer simply whether it is cheap. The more relevant test is whether it feels complete enough to justify itself against newer rivals. A week with the 2026 Chery E5 Ultimate suggests that the answer depends on how much weight a buyer gives to equipment, range and price against the finer points of ride quality, cabin polish and chassis control.
For 2026, Chery Australia has simplified the range and pushed the value proposition harder. According to the company’s local pricing and specification release, the E5 now starts at $37,990 drive-away, with the former entry-level Urban deleted and the Ultimate left as the only variant. That makes the current model $3,000 cheaper than the earlier top specification, even though the drive-away price has risen by $1,000 compared with the MY25 line-up. The car still centres on a 58.9kWh LFP battery, a WLTP-rated range of 430km and a front-mounted electric motor producing 155kW, putting it in the same conversation as some of the most affordable electric SUVs sold in the market.
That specification sheet remains appealing on paper, particularly for buyers who want a mainstream electric SUV without paying a premium badge tax. Chery says the battery can accept charging at up to 130kW, with a 30-to-80 per cent charge taking a claimed 30 minutes. In a market where many EVs in this class still ask more money for similar range claims, the E5’s revised pricing sharpens its case further. The trade-off, however, is that the model has not been fully refreshed to match the pace of improvement seen in newer competitors.
The driving experience is where the E5 is likely to divide opinion. Chery positions the car as a practical, affordable family EV, and the package does deliver the basics expected at this price. But the broader sense from the road test is that the car still feels less resolved than the best new entrants in the segment, particularly in the way its ride, handling and regenerative braking are calibrated. That is important because the electric SUV market now includes several options that combine similar pricing with a more mature chassis tune and a more cohesive feel behind the wheel.
Inside, the E5 is best understood as a value-led product rather than a class leader in refinement. It offers the technology and practicality expected from a modern electric SUV, but it does not completely hide its cost-conscious origins. That mirrors the assessment from other market coverage, including reviews that have described the broader Chery-related E5 family as decent on range and performance without being especially exciting, while still good enough to feel competitive on price. TopGear’s coverage of the related Jaecoo E5 also noted features aimed at lifestyle buyers, such as Pet Mode and Camping Mode, underlining how Chery’s brands are trying to add personality to otherwise straightforward EV hardware.
That strategy matters because Chery’s electric offerings are now spread across multiple nameplates and markets. Chery EVs are sold in regions including Australia, parts of Europe, South-east Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, but not in the United States or Canada, according to industry buying guides. In Australia, the E5 is being positioned as an accessible entry point into electric motoring, and on that measure it remains compelling. The question is whether the near-term update expected for the model will address the areas where it currently feels unfinished, or whether the present car already does enough for buyers whose first priority is price.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
