The Omoda 5’s second major update in less than a year shows why China will lead the automotive world

► Facelifted Omoda 5 quietly revealed
► Fresh look inside and out
► Hybrid model to launch in 2026 

We know the Chinese automotive industry doesn’t stand still, but there’s still something quite astonishing about the Omoda 5 receiving its second major update in the matter of only a few months. 

Quietly revealed as part of a summit event for Omoda’s parent company Chery, the facelifted 5 was on display for journalists to have a look around in a rainy car park without any song and dance or even an official mention.

It’s primarily a visual facelift, though major changes have been made across both the exterior and interior of what is currently Omoda’s core model. 

Yes, Omoda UK announced a raft of changes to the 5 only in August 2025. These were mainly aimed at improving the way the Omoda 5 drives and revised powertrains, including updated front suspension and a revised electronic power steering setup. 

The electric Omoda E5 also received a new 61kWh battery, while rapid charging speeds were increased from a meagre 80kW to 130kW. The power of the petrol 5’s 1.6-litre petrol engine was cut from 183bhp to 145bhp to make it emissions compliant. Petrol versions also gain the same interior as the E5, including higher-quality materials and larger curved displays. 

This 2026 update is primarily focused on the visuals, or at least as we know so far. The car pictured here is badged as an Omoda C5 (as it’s known in many other markets), but is reflective of the petrol 5 model we’ll get in the UK. Whereas there was a big differentiation between the front-end styling of electric and petrol models previously – the latter having an intricate patterned grille – there has been a move to make ICE and EV models look more similar, with the fancy grille removed. 

A new lightning-inspired LED signature, as seen on the recently unveiled Omoda 4, also features. New wheel designs are also available, while around the back the number plate has been relocated from the centre of the tailgate to the lower bumper, giving an overall cleaner look.

There are some pretty significant changes inside the facelifted Omoda 5’s interior, too, with the previous model’s merged instrument cluster and digital dashboard display ditched. A larger horizontal screen is now present, bringing quicker response times and a more modern look, if a bit generic. The instrument cluster is replaced by a thin digital screen, while the centre console area has been redesigned, with the previous gloss black area replaced by a more open section comprising wireless smartphone chargers, twin cupholders and a small number of physical buttons.

Other changes include a more ‘wraparound’ feel to the cabin, with the door card trim better integrated into the main dashboard, with conventional internal door handles replaced by new levers. 

Yes, Omoda’s parent company Chery is leaning heavily into hybrid powertrains, and the firm has confirmed the updated model will be sold in the UK with a hybrid setup. Though a plug-in hybrid SHS (super hybrid system) setup can be found in the similarly-sized Jaecoo 7, it’s expected that a self-charging version will come with the Omoda 5.

While UK representatives wouldn’t confirm what the setup sold here will be, it’s more than likely to follow the SHS-H setup already available to order in countries such as Spain. This will see a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to an electric motor and 1.83kWh battery, with a total power output of 221bhp, giving a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds. It might also receive styling changes to set it apart from petrol and electric models. 

Omoda is only just introducing the recently-announced updates to the 5 and E5, so these models will come first before this ‘proper’ facelifted model arrives. 

We expect it to arrive in the UK in the second half of 2026, though, between the January launch of the Kia Sportage-rivalling Omoda 7 and Omoda 4 at the end of the year.

New cars editor, car reviewer, news hound, avid car detailer

By Ted Welford

New cars editor for CAR and Parkers. Loves a car auction. Enjoys making things shiny