Omoda and Jaecoo have put their O5 HEV self-charging hybrid SUV on sale in the UAE, launching it in Sharjah through local partner Galadari Motors as fuel prices push more buyers towards hybrids.
What exactly has launched?
The new Omoda O5 HEV went on sale in the UAE on 10 September 2026. The launch took place at the Galadari Motors showroom in Sharjah. As a result, the Chery-owned brand now has a mainstream, entry level hybrid sitting beneath its C7 PHEV.
Furthermore, the choice of Sharjah signals the brand’s spread across the emirates. Omoda and Jaecoo report more than 5,000 existing customers in the region. Their parent company, Chery International, is now present in 77 markets globally, with cumulative sales above one million vehicles.
The car’s headline feature is its driving range. According to Omoda, the O5 HEV can cover up to 1,000km on the WLTC cycle. Importantly, this is a manufacturer estimate rather than an independent test result.
How does the hybrid system work?
At the centre of the O5 HEV is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, badged 1.5T TGDI, paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission. The system uses a small 1.8kWh battery and what Omoda calls its Super Hybrid Technology. Crucially, it charges itself, so drivers never need to plug it in.
The powertrain delivers a combined output of 165kW. In addition, the company quotes a thermal efficiency rating of 44.5 percent, which it presents as a measure of how effectively the engine converts fuel into useful energy.
However, the most notable figure remains that claimed 1,000km range. If it holds up in real driving, it would place the O5 HEV among the longest-range hybrids in its class. Moreover, such a figure would appeal to UAE drivers who regularly cover long distances between cities, since it reduces the number of fuel stops on a trip.
What is it like to drive?
The hybrid system provides enough performance for daily use. Omoda says the O5 HEV accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds, which is again a manufacturer estimate. Consequently, it should feel brisk rather than sporty.
Two driving modes, Eco and Sport, let the driver adjust how the car responds. For everyday city commuting, Eco mode is likely enough. Sport mode, meanwhile, should prove more useful when merging onto a busy highway.
Beyond the powertrain, the car comes with connected technology. It includes a telematics box, or TBOX, that enables remote access through a mobile app. Owners can therefore check on the vehicle and use some functions from their phone.
How safe is it?
Safety kit comes as standard rather than as an optional extra. The O5 HEV is fitted with six airbags, along with a suite of 19 advanced driver assistance features, often shortened to ADAS.
These systems typically cover functions such as automatic braking, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control, though Omoda has not itemised every feature. Together, they form the electronic safety net that many buyers now expect on a family SUV in this price bracket.
Has this SUV proven itself elsewhere?
The O5 HEV does not arrive in the UAE untested. Instead, it comes with a sales record in Europe, where a version known as the O5 SHS has been on sale for some time.
Across the UK and other European Union markets, Omoda says the O5 SHS has achieved cumulative sales of 55,290 units. In Italy specifically, a version badged the Omoda 5 SHS-H sold more than 5,600 units within five months of launch. These figures suggest a degree of market acceptance for both the hybrid technology and the overall package.
For UAE buyers, that history offers some reassurance. Rather than being an entirely new platform making its global debut, the car has already found customers overseas. Nonetheless, local conditions differ, so the real test will come once the SUV starts covering the long, hot distances that define driving in the emirates.
Where does it sit in Omoda’s range?
The O5 HEV slots in below the C7 PHEV, giving Omoda a self-charging hybrid option for buyers who do not want to plug in. In turn, that broadens the brand’s line-up as demand for hybrids grows.
Omoda and Jaecoo have not published a UAE price for the O5 HEV at launch. Interested buyers will need to approach Galadari Motors for figures. Still, the arrival marks a clear attempt to capture drivers weighing up fuel costs and looking for a long-range alternative to a conventional petrol SUV.
