Omoda has answered criticism of the Omoda 5 EV’s interior with a complete cabin redesign as the brand prepares to build the electric SUV in Barcelona. The technical platform stays the same, but the new interior is meant to address the model’s basic weak points for European buyers.
The dashboard sees the biggest change. Glossy plastics and awkward controls are gone, replaced by a more solid, driver-focused layout. The old pair of 12.3-inch screens has given way to a single 15.6-inch central touchscreen, while the instrument cluster remains 8.8 inches. The new setup puts basic controls and information within easy reach. Omoda has also updated the software, redesigned the center console with larger air vents and fitted a new steering wheel with separate physical buttons. Better-feeling materials replace the unpopular black plastic, bringing the Omoda 5 EV closer to European buyers’ expectations.
The updated Omoda E5/5 EV, with its new 15.6-inch screen, seat massage and active grille shutter, was unveiled publicly at Everything Electric Sydney. The manufacturer has already shown these changes.
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The seats have also been improved. The driver now gets four-way electric lumbar adjustment, ventilation and a massage function. The passenger seat adds two-way electric adjustment and ventilation, addressing the previous lack of height adjustment. Standard equipment also includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-speaker audio and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Overall, the package is far more competitive than before.
Outside, the Omoda 5 EV gets a new "Robo Shark" front end, sharper headlights with a slim LED strip and a rear light bar spanning the car’s full width. The bumpers are new, the 18-inch wheels have a fresh design, and the car now measures 4.54 meters long, noticeably more than the current Spanish version. Two practical upgrades stand out: an active grille that closes to improve aerodynamics when cooling isn’t needed, plus an electric charging port cover. The changes target efficiency and everyday use as well as appearance.
Mechanically, little has changed. The Omoda 5 EV keeps its 155 kW (211 hp) motor and 288 Nm of torque, along with an LFP battery and a WLTP range of 430 km. Australia recently switched to a 58.9 kWh battery without losing range, while Spain still gets the 61 kWh version. If the smaller pack reaches Europe, that would point to better efficiency, likely helped by the active grille and improved thermal management. Charging speeds are less clear: international specifications list 80 kW DC charging, while the Spanish model currently supports 130 kW and can charge from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes. Omoda raised the rate after launch, with no sign that the Spanish version will revert to the slower speed. It’s an impressive detail for buyers who travel long distances.
Independent reviews have found the current Omoda E5 well equipped but criticized its interior and ergonomics. That helps explain why the latest update focuses on cabin quality, screens and materials. European specifications list a WLTP range of 267 miles and a 61 kWh LFP battery. The updated model’s extra length in Europe remains unconfirmed.
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Price remains a sticking point. Buyers can reach the headline figure of €23,000 only by combining every available discount: brand and dealer incentives, scrappage, Open Bank financing, energy certificate bonuses and the Auto+ subsidy advance. Without them, the financed price is closer to €26,200, while the actual sticker price is higher. The Omoda 5 EV is competitive, but most buyers cannot reach the €23,000 price. That matters because its "Cero" emissions label and aggressive pricing helped make it a bestseller among electric cars in Spain.
Why does 2027 look like the likely arrival date for the updated model in Spain? Omoda has not confirmed a European launch, but the signs point to a debut alongside the start of local production at Chery’s new Barcelona plant, formerly Nissan’s Zona Franca facility, between late 2026 and early 2027. Pairing the refreshed Omoda 5 EV with local assembly would let the brand use a "Made in Spain" badge and avoid EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. The timing also aligns with the smaller Omoda 4’s launch. That model will push the Omoda 5 EV upmarket, making its improved interior more impressive.
Asian brands are already reshaping the Spanish market, as the recent shift away from traditional domestic names shows. Omoda’s plan is straightforward: keep the technical package stable, address its basic weaknesses and use local production to compete on price and tariffs.
This restyling is a measured adjustment, not a revolution. With a better interior and its existing charging speeds and equipment, the Omoda 5 EV becomes a stronger contender for Spanish buyers, provided the brand does not quietly downgrade specifications or raise prices when local production starts. European rivals can no longer count on interior quality as a clear advantage.
