Omoda C5 in the UAE: Specs, features, pricing expectations & rivals

The Omoda C5, launched in February 2026, enters the UAE's compact SUV market with a starting price of AED 69,900 for the Comfort 1.5T variant. This SUV targets younger buyers with a stylish design, advanced features, and competitive pricing. Key highlights include:

• Engine Options:

  • 1.5-litre turbo engine (147–156 hp, 230 Nm) for Comfort and Luxury trims.

  • 1.6-litre turbo engine (197 hp, 290 Nm) for the Sport trim, with 0–100 km/h in 8 seconds.

• Technology: Dual 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 50W wireless charger.

• Safety: Level 2+ ADAS with 16+ features, 5-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP ratings, and a sturdy steel body.

• Pricing: AED 69,900 (Comfort), AED 80,900–81,000 (Luxury), AED 88,400 (Sport).

Competitors:

1. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Priced at AED 82,500, it offers AWD and a spacious interior but lacks the C5's advanced tech.

2. Geely Coolray: Starting at AED 75,900, it delivers stronger base performance but at a higher price.

3. MG ZS: With prices from AED 58,037, it focuses on affordability and fuel economy but sacrifices power and luxury.

The Omoda C5 combines style, performance, and tech at a competitive price, making it an appealing choice for UAE buyers. However, its resale value and after-sales network are still developing.

1. Omoda C5

Performance

The Omoda C5 offers two engine configurations to suit different driving preferences. The Comfort and Luxury trims are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering between 147 and 156 hp with 230 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with either a CVT or 9-speed CVT transmission, striking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 14–15 km/l. For those seeking more power, the Sport variant features a 1.6-litre turbo engine that produces 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup enables a 0–100 km/h acceleration in approximately 8 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h, making it ideal for quick overtaking and highway drives.

Features

The C5's interior is designed with comfort and practicality in mind, catering to the UAE's diverse and demanding conditions. A standout feature is the dual-screen setup, available in either twin 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch displays, which integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system seamlessly. The cabin also includes ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control, ensuring a comfortable ride even in the Emirates' hot climate. Voice command functionality supports Arabic, English, and Russian, reflecting the region's multicultural population.

Standard features include a 50W wireless charger and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims enhance the experience with an 8-speaker Sony sound system and 64-colour ambient lighting to create a premium atmosphere. For practicality, the boot offers 378 litres of storage, expandable to 1,075 litres when the rear seats are folded - perfect for family outings or weekend adventures.

Safety

Safety is a priority for the C5, equipped with Level 2 ADAS and a sturdy structural design. Key safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and a 360° panoramic camera that provides a "540-degree" view to aid in tight parking situations. The vehicle's body is constructed with high-strength and thermo-forming steel for added durability. While some drivers have found the ADAS systems to be overly sensitive in UAE traffic, this reflects a focus on cautious driving assistance.

Pricing

The Omoda C5 combines its features and performance with competitive pricing. The Comfort 1.5T starts at AED 69,900, the Luxury 1.5T is priced between AED 80,900 and AED 81,000, and the Sport 1.6T is available for AED 88,400. Automotive journalist Kiran Bajad highlights the appeal of Chinese brands, stating:

at a reasonably affordable price, they get the latest features and modern technologies, which are otherwise available in few segments above in established brands.

In February 2026, Omoda & Jaecoo UAE announced a milestone of selling over 3,000 vehicles in the Emirates during their first year of operations. This success was driven by the C5's launch and the expansion of their dealership network through partners like Autorun OJC Car Trading LLC in Dubai.

2. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

Performance

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro comes equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produces 156 hp and 230 Nm of torque, paired with an automatic transmission. This setup is comparable to the base model of the Omoda C5. Unlike the Omoda C5, which is limited to front-wheel drive, the Tiggo 7 Pro offers all-wheel drive (AWD). This addition gives it an edge in handling off-road terrains or low-traction conditions. Beyond its drivetrain, the Tiggo 7 Pro focuses on providing a family-friendly interior with modern technology.

Features

The Tiggo 7 Pro leans towards a more traditional SUV design, offering a spacious and practical layout, unlike the sportier, coupe-like styling of the Omoda C5. Its roomy cabin and thoughtful seating arrangements have earned praise from users:

The Tiggo 7 Pro Max is a nice car... it's not all that fancy, but the car has a nice sunroof, and its overall features are pretty decent. The cabin space is also nice and seats me and my family nicely.

In terms of tech, the Tiggo 7 Pro features a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen compared to the Omoda C5's 10.25-inch display. It also includes an 8-speaker Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Safety-wise, the SUV is equipped with six airbags, a 360-degree camera system, ABS, and keyless entry. These features contribute to its appeal as a practical yet well-equipped family vehicle.

Pricing

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is priced at approximately AED 82,500 in the UAE, placing it in the same bracket as the Omoda C5, which ranges from AED 69,900 to AED 88,400. While the Omoda C5 may offer more advanced safety and comfort features for a similar price, the Tiggo 7 Pro's AWD and spacious interior give it a unique advantage. With a 4.5/5 rating from 85 user reviews, it has gained popularity among families for its straightforward, functional SUV design.

3. Geely Coolray

Performance

The Geely Coolray packs a punch with its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 172 hp and 290 Nm of torque. This is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering a boost of 16 hp and 60 Nm over the base 1.5-litre engine of the Omoda C5. Meanwhile, the Omoda C5 Sport, with its 1.6-litre turbo engine, produces 197 hp while matching the Coolray's torque output. In terms of acceleration, the Coolray sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, edging out the Omoda C5 Sport, which takes around 8 seconds. These figures make the Coolray a strong competitor in its class.

Features

The Coolray doesn't just rely on performance; it also impresses with its tech-forward interior. The 2026 update introduced a 13.25-inch touchscreen, surpassing the Omoda C5's dual 10.25-inch screens. This larger display enhances the in-cabin experience, giving the Coolray an edge in user-friendly technology. Safety features on higher trims include a 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Although slightly more compact than the Omoda C5, the Coolray rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, adding to its sporty appeal. It has received glowing reviews from users, boasting a 4.5/5 rating for its stylish design and smooth handling. With global sales topping 800,000 units as of February 2024, its popularity speaks for itself.

Pricing

In the UAE, the Geely Coolray is priced between AED 75,900 and AED 90,800. The base GL trim starts at AED 75,900, the mid-level GF at AED 89,300, and the top-tier GF Plus at AED 90,800. This puts it above the Omoda C5's base price of AED 69,900. While the Coolray's base model outperforms the Omoda C5 Comfort, the Omoda C5 Sport - with its 197 hp 1.6-litre turbo engine - offers a competitive option at AED 88,400. To sweeten the deal, Geely provides a 7-year or 200,000 km warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind.

4. MG ZS

Performance

The MG ZS leans more towards practicality than raw power. Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine delivers 118 hp and 180 Nm of torque, which falls short compared to the turbocharged options found in the Omoda C5.

When it comes to acceleration, the MG ZS takes 12.8 seconds to go from 0–100 km/h. This is slower than the Omoda C5 base model, which does it in 10.1 seconds, and the C5 Sport, which achieves it in around 8 seconds. However, the MG ZS shines in fuel efficiency, offering 17.2 kmpl, far better than the Omoda C5's real-world average of 10 kmpl. For daily commutes in UAE's urban traffic, this fuel economy could mean noticeable savings on petrol, making it a practical choice for cost-conscious drivers.

Features

The MG ZS is equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a panoramic sunroof. While these features cover the essentials, the Omoda C5 delivers a more upscale experience. This difference in tech and luxury highlights the MG ZS's focus on providing value rather than premium frills.

Pricing

Affordability is where the MG ZS truly stands out. Priced between AED 58,037 and AED 74,825, it is about AED 11,863 cheaper than the base Omoda C5. Even the highest-spec MG ZS at AED 74,825 remains over AED 6,000 more affordable than the Omoda C5 Luxury variant. For buyers in the UAE prioritising cost savings over high performance, the MG ZS offers a compelling package that balances features and price effectively.

Omoda C5 1.5T Review / Best value for money Compact SUV?

Pros and Cons

Here's a breakdown of how the Omoda C5 stacks up against its competitors in the UAE market, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Each model brings something different to the table. For instance, the Omoda C5 stands out with its futuristic design and tech-heavy features, but potential buyers should pay close attention to the ADAS system during a test drive. Some reviews have pointed out its sensitivity and less responsive steering feedback.

Conclusion

The Omoda C5 makes a strong impression in the UAE's compact SUV market by blending cutting-edge features, eye-catching design, and solid performance - all starting at an attractive price of AED 69,900. This positions it AED 6,000 below the Geely Coolray.

"The Omoda C5 is promising contemporary styling, advanced tech, and a plethora of safety features at a starting price of AED 69,900. That's significantly less than established Japanese and Korean competitors."
– Kiran Bajad, Automotive Journalist

For families mindful of their budget, the Comfort 1.5T variant delivers excellent value, packing essential safety and connectivity features. On the other hand, tech enthusiasts will be drawn to the Luxury or Sport trims, which come equipped with premium touches like an 8-speaker Sony sound system and a comprehensive ADAS suite. For those prioritising performance, the Sport 1.6T variant offers a thrilling drive, boasting a 197 hp engine paired with a 7-speed DCT, enabling it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in around 8 seconds. This range of options ensures there's something for every type of driver.

That said, buyers who prioritise long-term resale value and established reliability might hesitate, as the C5 is still building its reputation in the UAE. Its after-sales network is growing, but resale value remains uncertain for this newer brand. Even so, the brand's momentum is undeniable, with Omoda & Jaecoo achieving 3,000 sales in their first year in the UAE - a testament to the growing trust among local consumers.

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