Thai Motor Show
What next, What’s best, and all about.
Roewe RX5/eRX5
The Roewe RX5 and its electric variant, the Roewe eRX5, are part of SAIC Motor’s Roewe brand’s push into the compact SUV segment, offering modern features, a stylish design, and a focus on performance and value. Positioned as a mid-range SUV, the RX5 is designed to meet the growing demand for affordable and feature-rich vehicles in the competitive compact SUV market, with a particular focus on young professionals, families, and urban buyers in China.
Type: SUV
Engine type: EV
Engine size (cc): 1500-2000
Number of doors: 4
Number of seats: 5
The Roewe RX5 debuted in 2016 and quickly became one of Roewe's best-selling models due to its blend of modern styling, advanced tech, and affordable pricing. The electric variant, Roewe eRX5, was launched later, making the RX5 series a key part of SAIC's electric vehicle (EV) lineup.
The RX5 family is designed to appeal to buyers looking for a stylish, efficient, and well-equipped SUV with good value for money. The eRX5, being an electric vehicle, is a direct answer to the demand for more sustainable transportation, combining all the features of the traditional RX5 with the added benefit of zero-emissions driving.
1. Overview & Positioning
The Roewe RX5 is a compact to mid-size SUV designed to offer a good balance between performance, comfort, and technology at an affordable price point. It competes with other vehicles in the compact SUV segment, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, and Hyundai Tucson. The RX5 is offered in both traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) versions and plug-in hybrid (PHEV)/ electric (EV) variants, expanding its appeal to different types of buyers.
The eRX5 is an all-electric SUV based on the same platform as the RX5, offering zero-emissions driving for those looking to make the transition to electric mobility. It combines the RX5’s core features with a modern electric powertrain, making it a more eco-friendly option within the same price range.
2. Exterior Design
The Roewe RX5 features a modern, stylish design with a focus on sleek lines and a commanding presence. Its exterior is clean, with a combination of bold elements and smooth contours that convey both premium appeal and practicality.
Front Design
Roewe Signature Grille: The RX5 features a large hexagonal grille, with chrome accents and a prominent Roewe emblem at the center. This grille provides a bold, distinctive look, complemented by sleek LED headlights that give the car a modern feel.
LED Headlights: The car’s headlamp design is sharp and angular, with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) integrated into the overall design, contributing to the car’s more futuristic and premium aesthetic.
Front Bumper: The front bumper features a well-integrated design with air intakes, contributing to the SUV's aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining a balanced, refined look.
Side Profile
Smooth and Flowing Lines: The RX5’s side profile features smooth lines and sculpted surfaces that convey a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary. The car’s proportions are designed for both elegance and utility, giving it a balance of style and practicality.
Large Wheels: Depending on the trim, the RX5 comes with wheels that range from 17-inch to 19-inch alloys, providing a sophisticated look while also improving road handling and stability.
Rear Design
LED Taillights: At the rear, the RX5 features slim, LED taillights that span across the width of the car, giving it a wide stance and a modern, premium feel. The tailgate is sleek, and the rear bumper is clean with minimal styling elements.
Dual Exhausts: The internal combustion engine version of the RX5 features dual exhaust outlets, which enhance the SUV's sporty and refined design.
Roof Spoiler: A subtle rear roof spoiler adds a sporty touch to the overall design.
Dimensions
Length: Around 4,600 mm (181.1 inches) — Compact but spacious for an SUV.
Width: Approximately 1,855 mm (73 inches) — Offers a wide, stable stance.
Height: About 1,670 mm (65.7 inches) — Gives a good blend of ground clearance and roof height for a mid-size SUV.
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm (106.3 inches) — Contributing to more interior space and ride comfort.
3. Interior and Comfort
The Roewe RX5 boasts a spacious and modern interior, designed to provide comfort and convenience to both the driver and passengers. High-quality materials and a tech-heavy cabin make the RX5 feel more upscale than its price point might suggest.
Cabin Design
Premium Materials: The RX5 features soft-touch materials, premium upholstery (available in leather or synthetic options), and stylish wood and metal accents throughout the cabin. This gives it a luxurious feel, suitable for a vehicle in this price range.
Spacious and Versatile Layout: The cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The flat floor in the rear ensures that there is no intrusion for the middle seat, making it more comfortable for the third passenger. The front and rear seats are designed for comfort, with the driver’s seat offering multiple adjustments for a good driving position.
Modern Dashboard: The dashboard features a horizontal layout, creating a sense of openness in the cabin. The controls are intuitive, with a floating center console that houses the infotainment system and climate controls.
Seating
Front Seats: The RX5’s front seats are comfortable and supportive, with heated and ventilated options available on higher trims. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, offering good lumbar support.
Rear Seats: The rear seat area offers good legroom and headroom, with the ability to slide and recline for added comfort. The middle seat is also spacious enough for adults on short trips, though it's more suited for two passengers.
Seating Capacity: The RX5 can comfortably seat five passengers.
Cargo Space
The boot capacity of the RX5 is 500 liters (17.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats up. When the seats are folded down, the total cargo volume can expand, allowing for larger luggage or other cargo. The flat loading floor and wide-opening tailgate make it easy to load and unload the cargo area.
4. Powertrain and Performance
The Roewe RX5 comes with a variety of powertrain options to suit different driving needs, including traditional internal combustion engine variants, hybrid variants, and electric versions.
Engine Options for ICE and PHEV Versions
1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4: This engine produces around 169 hp and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience. This engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4: The more powerful option offers around 224 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. This engine is typically paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), providing a more dynamic driving experience.
For the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, the RX5 uses a combination of a 1.5L turbo engine and an electric motor, offering a combined output of around 250 hp with a range of around 50 km (31 miles) on electric power alone before the gasoline engine kicks in.
Electric Powertrain (eRX5)
Electric Motor: The eRX5 features a purely electric powertrain with a motor producing around 190 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The eRX5 offers strong acceleration and quiet, emissions-free driving.
Battery Capacity and Range: The eRX5 is equipped with a 52.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a range of around 400-450 km (250-280 miles) on a full charge (NEDC cycle). This makes it suitable for urban driving and longer trips without worrying about frequent charging.
Charging Time: Using a standard AC charger, the battery can be fully charged in around 8-9 hours. With a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged to 80% in about 40-50 minutes.
Performance
Acceleration: The eRX5 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 8 seconds, which is quite fast for an electric SUV.
Top Speed: The top speed for the RX5 and eRX5 is approximately 190 km/h (118 mph), which is more than sufficient for highway driving.
Fuel Efficiency: The petrol versions of the RX5 are relatively fuel-efficient, with a combined fuel consumption of around 6.8-7.5 L/100 km (34-39 mpg), depending on the engine and driving conditions.
Handling and Ride Quality
The RX5 offers a smooth ride with precise steering and a suspension system designed for comfort while maintaining good handling dynamics. The independent suspension and low center of gravity (for the eRX5) ensure that the vehicle feels stable on both city roads and highways.
5. Technology and Features
The Roewe RX5 is equipped with a wide array of modern tech features that enhance both convenience and safety.
Infotainment System
10.4-inch or 12.3-inch Touchscreen: The RX5 features a large, vertically-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, with intuitive controls and responsive menus.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: The system supports seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easy access to apps, music, navigation, and more.
Voice Control: A voice recognition system allows the driver to operate key functions hands-free, improving convenience and safety while driving.
Driver Assistance Features
Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from other vehicles on the road.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps prevent unintentional lane departure by providing alerts or corrective steering.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and can automatically apply the brakes.
360-degree Camera System: Provides a bird's-eye view of the surroundings, assisting with parking and low-speed maneuvers.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver if there’s a vehicle in their blind spot.
Additional Features
Wireless Charging for smartphones
Heated and Ventilated Seats
Dual-zone Climate Control
Panoramic Sunroof (available on higher trims)
Heads-up Display
6. Pricing and Market Availability
The Roewe RX5 is primarily available in the Chinese market, where it is positioned as a mid-range SUV with a focus on offering good value for money. The prices for the RX5 and eRX5 vary depending on the trim, engine type, and features, but generally range from ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 (approximately $20,500 to $34,000 USD) for the RX5, and ¥230,000 to ¥300,000 (approximately $31,000 to $41,000 USD) for the eRX5.
Conclusion
The Roewe RX5 and eRX5 represent a smart choice for those looking for a stylish, feature-rich compact SUV with a good balance of performance and value. The traditional RX5 offers multiple engine options and the latest in tech, while the eRX5 provides an electric alternative for buyers seeking a more sustainable driving experience. Both variants deliver modern styling, a comfortable ride, and advanced tech features, making them highly competitive in the growing SUV market, especially within China.
The RX5 family is designed to appeal to buyers looking for a stylish, efficient, and well-equipped SUV with good value for money. The eRX5, being an electric vehicle, is a direct answer to the demand for more sustainable transportation, combining all the features of the traditional RX5 with the added benefit of zero-emissions driving.
1. Overview & Positioning
The Roewe RX5 is a compact to mid-size SUV designed to offer a good balance between performance, comfort, and technology at an affordable price point. It competes with other vehicles in the compact SUV segment, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, and Hyundai Tucson. The RX5 is offered in both traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) versions and plug-in hybrid (PHEV)/ electric (EV) variants, expanding its appeal to different types of buyers.
The eRX5 is an all-electric SUV based on the same platform as the RX5, offering zero-emissions driving for those looking to make the transition to electric mobility. It combines the RX5’s core features with a modern electric powertrain, making it a more eco-friendly option within the same price range.
2. Exterior Design
The Roewe RX5 features a modern, stylish design with a focus on sleek lines and a commanding presence. Its exterior is clean, with a combination of bold elements and smooth contours that convey both premium appeal and practicality.
Front Design
Roewe Signature Grille: The RX5 features a large hexagonal grille, with chrome accents and a prominent Roewe emblem at the center. This grille provides a bold, distinctive look, complemented by sleek LED headlights that give the car a modern feel.
LED Headlights: The car’s headlamp design is sharp and angular, with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) integrated into the overall design, contributing to the car’s more futuristic and premium aesthetic.
Front Bumper: The front bumper features a well-integrated design with air intakes, contributing to the SUV's aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining a balanced, refined look.
Side Profile
Smooth and Flowing Lines: The RX5’s side profile features smooth lines and sculpted surfaces that convey a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary. The car’s proportions are designed for both elegance and utility, giving it a balance of style and practicality.
Large Wheels: Depending on the trim, the RX5 comes with wheels that range from 17-inch to 19-inch alloys, providing a sophisticated look while also improving road handling and stability.
Rear Design
LED Taillights: At the rear, the RX5 features slim, LED taillights that span across the width of the car, giving it a wide stance and a modern, premium feel. The tailgate is sleek, and the rear bumper is clean with minimal styling elements.
Dual Exhausts: The internal combustion engine version of the RX5 features dual exhaust outlets, which enhance the SUV's sporty and refined design.
Roof Spoiler: A subtle rear roof spoiler adds a sporty touch to the overall design.
Dimensions
Length: Around 4,600 mm (181.1 inches) — Compact but spacious for an SUV.
Width: Approximately 1,855 mm (73 inches) — Offers a wide, stable stance.
Height: About 1,670 mm (65.7 inches) — Gives a good blend of ground clearance and roof height for a mid-size SUV.
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm (106.3 inches) — Contributing to more interior space and ride comfort.
3. Interior and Comfort
The Roewe RX5 boasts a spacious and modern interior, designed to provide comfort and convenience to both the driver and passengers. High-quality materials and a tech-heavy cabin make the RX5 feel more upscale than its price point might suggest.
Cabin Design
Premium Materials: The RX5 features soft-touch materials, premium upholstery (available in leather or synthetic options), and stylish wood and metal accents throughout the cabin. This gives it a luxurious feel, suitable for a vehicle in this price range.
Spacious and Versatile Layout: The cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The flat floor in the rear ensures that there is no intrusion for the middle seat, making it more comfortable for the third passenger. The front and rear seats are designed for comfort, with the driver’s seat offering multiple adjustments for a good driving position.
Modern Dashboard: The dashboard features a horizontal layout, creating a sense of openness in the cabin. The controls are intuitive, with a floating center console that houses the infotainment system and climate controls.
Seating
Front Seats: The RX5’s front seats are comfortable and supportive, with heated and ventilated options available on higher trims. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, offering good lumbar support.
Rear Seats: The rear seat area offers good legroom and headroom, with the ability to slide and recline for added comfort. The middle seat is also spacious enough for adults on short trips, though it's more suited for two passengers.
Seating Capacity: The RX5 can comfortably seat five passengers.
Cargo Space
The boot capacity of the RX5 is 500 liters (17.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats up. When the seats are folded down, the total cargo volume can expand, allowing for larger luggage or other cargo. The flat loading floor and wide-opening tailgate make it easy to load and unload the cargo area.
4. Powertrain and Performance
The Roewe RX5 comes with a variety of powertrain options to suit different driving needs, including traditional internal combustion engine variants, hybrid variants, and electric versions.
Engine Options for ICE and PHEV Versions
1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4: This engine produces around 169 hp and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience. This engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4: The more powerful option offers around 224 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. This engine is typically paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), providing a more dynamic driving experience.
For the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, the RX5 uses a combination of a 1.5L turbo engine and an electric motor, offering a combined output of around 250 hp with a range of around 50 km (31 miles) on electric power alone before the gasoline engine kicks in.
Electric Powertrain (eRX5)
Electric Motor: The eRX5 features a purely electric powertrain with a motor producing around 190 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The eRX5 offers strong acceleration and quiet, emissions-free driving.
Battery Capacity and Range: The eRX5 is equipped with a 52.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a range of around 400-450 km (250-280 miles) on a full charge (NEDC cycle). This makes it suitable for urban driving and longer trips without worrying about frequent charging.
Charging Time: Using a standard AC charger, the battery can be fully charged in around 8-9 hours. With a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged to 80% in about 40-50 minutes.
Performance
Acceleration: The eRX5 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 8 seconds, which is quite fast for an electric SUV.
Top Speed: The top speed for the RX5 and eRX5 is approximately 190 km/h (118 mph), which is more than sufficient for highway driving.
Fuel Efficiency: The petrol versions of the RX5 are relatively fuel-efficient, with a combined fuel consumption of around 6.8-7.5 L/100 km (34-39 mpg), depending on the engine and driving conditions.
Handling and Ride Quality
The RX5 offers a smooth ride with precise steering and a suspension system designed for comfort while maintaining good handling dynamics. The independent suspension and low center of gravity (for the eRX5) ensure that the vehicle feels stable on both city roads and highways.
5. Technology and Features
The Roewe RX5 is equipped with a wide array of modern tech features that enhance both convenience and safety.
Infotainment System
10.4-inch or 12.3-inch Touchscreen: The RX5 features a large, vertically-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, with intuitive controls and responsive menus.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: The system supports seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easy access to apps, music, navigation, and more.
Voice Control: A voice recognition system allows the driver to operate key functions hands-free, improving convenience and safety while driving.
Driver Assistance Features
Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from other vehicles on the road.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps prevent unintentional lane departure by providing alerts or corrective steering.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and can automatically apply the brakes.
360-degree Camera System: Provides a bird's-eye view of the surroundings, assisting with parking and low-speed maneuvers.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver if there’s a vehicle in their blind spot.
Additional Features
Wireless Charging for smartphones
Heated and Ventilated Seats
Dual-zone Climate Control
Panoramic Sunroof (available on higher trims)
Heads-up Display
6. Pricing and Market Availability
The Roewe RX5 is primarily available in the Chinese market, where it is positioned as a mid-range SUV with a focus on offering good value for money. The prices for the RX5 and eRX5 vary depending on the trim, engine type, and features, but generally range from ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 (approximately $20,500 to $34,000 USD) for the RX5, and ¥230,000 to ¥300,000 (approximately $31,000 to $41,000 USD) for the eRX5.
Conclusion
The Roewe RX5 and eRX5 represent a smart choice for those looking for a stylish, feature-rich compact SUV with a good balance of performance and value. The traditional RX5 offers multiple engine options and the latest in tech, while the eRX5 provides an electric alternative for buyers seeking a more sustainable driving experience. Both variants deliver modern styling, a comfortable ride, and advanced tech features, making them highly competitive in the growing SUV market, especially within China.
