{"id":4377,"date":"2025-04-12T15:58:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-12T15:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/?p=4377"},"modified":"2025-04-15T11:54:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T11:54:19","slug":"2025-seres-5-review-can-a-chinese-newcomer-beat-tesla-and-bmw-in-the-ev-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/2025\/04\/12\/2025-seres-5-review-can-a-chinese-newcomer-beat-tesla-and-bmw-in-the-ev-game\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Seres 5 Review: Can A Chinese Newcomer Beat Tesla And BMW In The EV Game?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PROS \u203a\u203a <\/span> Comfortable ride, impressive power, high-quality interior <\/span>CONS \u203a\u203a <\/span>Unknown brand, limited physical controls, small boot<\/span> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Europeans are notoriously loyal to their automotive brands, especially when it comes to premium options. However, that hasn\u2019t stopped Seres, a fresh-faced Chinese automaker, from dipping its toes into the European market with a fully electric SUV. We recently spent a week behind the wheel of the Seres 5 <\/a>to see what it has to offer prospective buyers.<\/p>\n

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The Seres 5 made its European debut in 2023, with a slow rollout across the continent through 2024. The model mirrors the design of the Chinese version that has been around since 2019, albeit with a slightly longer body. In 2022, Seres teamed up with Huawei to launch the Aito M5<\/a>, a revamped version, but the global-spec Seres 5 we tested hasn\u2019t yet gotten the same redesign.<\/p>\n

Seres, formerly known as SF Motors, may be rooted in China, but it has a Silicon Valley presence and once had grand ambitions of selling cars in the U.S. These plans, however, appear to have been quietly shelved<\/a> as the company shifts its focus to Europe, South America, and the Middle East.<\/p>\n

QUICK FACTS<\/h5>\n
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\u203a Model:<\/td>\n2025 Seres 5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Price:<\/td>\n\u20ac57,500 ($62,800) including local EV subsidies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Dimensions:<\/td>\nLength: 185.4 inches (4,710 mm)<\/p>\n

Width: 76 inches (1,930 mm)<\/p>\n

Height: 63.8 inches (1,620 mm)<\/p>\n

Wheelbase: 113.2 inches (2,875 mm)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u203a Curb Weight:<\/td>\n5,203 lbs (2,360 kg)*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Powertrain:<\/td>\nDual Electric Motors (AWD)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Output:<\/td>\n577 hp (430 kW \/ 585 PS) and 940 Nm (693 lb-ft)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a 0-62 mph (0-100 km\/h):<\/td>\n4.2 seconds*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Battery:<\/td>\n80 kWh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a Range:<\/td>\n483 km \/ 300 miles (WLTP)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u203a On Sale:<\/td>\nChina, Europe, Middle East, South America<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>
*Manufacturer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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SWIPE<\/span><\/p>\n

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Smooth and Curvy Lines<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Unlike many new Chinese car brands that lean heavily on copying their established competitors (we\u2019re looking at you, other<\/em> automakers), Seres has made an attempt to bring something new to the table. Sure, eagle-eyed car nerds might spot a few design cues reminiscent of other cars\u2014like the DS-style curvy daytime running lights or a subtle nod to the Porsche Macan<\/a> in the rear end\u2014but for the most part, the Seres 5 stands on its own.<\/p>\n

The standout feature of the aerodynamic bodywork is the leaf-shaped greenhouse, highlighted by chrome accents. The EV\u2019s silhouette blurs the lines between traditional and coupe-style SUVs, emphasizing the sculpted rear shoulders. The standard 21-inch alloy wheels, paired with red brake calipers, set a sporty tone, reinforcing that the Seres 5 is more of a GT crossover than an adventurous SUV<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More: Xiaomi President Confirms Global EV Expansion Coming Soon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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During my time behind the wheel of the Seres 5, I noticed it attracted more attention than your average EV<\/a>, turning plenty of heads\u2014though that might also be because it\u2019s a fresh new offering sparking curiosity. However, despite its recent arrival in Europe, the design is starting to feel outdated compared to newer competitors.<\/p>\n

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With a length of 4,710 mm (185 inches), the Seres 5 is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y<\/a>, although the brand would prefer to position it against similarly-sized premium SUVs such as the BMW iX3, Mercedes GLC<\/a>, and Audi Q6 E-tron.<\/p>\n

The Cabin Is A Nice Place To Be<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step inside and you\u2019re greeted by premium materials including the Nappa leather upholstery and the wood inserts. The perceived quality and the fit and finish is better than you would expect from a new brand, even though it doesn\u2019t reach the levels of high-end models from the likes of BMW and Genesis<\/a>. The standard equipment is quite generous and includes a panoramic glass roof and comfortable seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and memory functions.<\/p>\n

The floating center console is a nice touch, incorporating a proper gear lever, storage compartments, and two wireless charging pads with cooling. The centerpiece is a Tesla-like 15.6-inch touchscreen, which is home to all of the vehicle\u2019s functions. <\/p>\n

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While the infotainment<\/a> system\u2019s interface is fairly easy to use, it\u2019s missing physical controls for key functions like A\/C and drive modes\u2014making it occasionally frustrating to navigate on the fly. Sure, there are buttons on the steering wheel for media and calls, but the ADAS<\/a> stalk feels a bit like something from a previous generation.<\/p>\n

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At first, it seems that your smartphone can only connect to the system via Bluetooth. However, we later learned that the vehicle comes pre-installed with a third-party app, adding wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.<\/p>\n

The digital instrument cluster and head-up display give you all the essential info, but their graphics could use a refresh\u2014they only change when you\u2019re in the Race driving mode. On a positive note, the infotainment screen features sharp wallpapers and quirky widgets like \u201cTake A Break\u201d and \u201cCamping<\/a> Mode,\u201d so at least you\u2019ll have something to occupy your mind when the car is parked. Unfortunately, I was let down by the audio system\u2014while the bass and volume are fine, the clarity just doesn\u2019t live up to expectations.<\/p>\n

More: We Compare The 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With Its Predecessor<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rear passengers are treated with the same level of quality as the ones in the front seats, having access to their own USB ports, climate vents, seat back net pockets, and a central armrest with cupholders and a storage cubby. Once you get past the weird shape of the rear doors, there is more than enough headroom for tall individuals. Rear legroom is adequate, but not as generous as in some other models in the category<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The boot space is where things get a little tight at 367 liters (13 cubic feet) in the five-seater configuration and an additional 67 liters (2.4 cubic feet) in the trunk. Then there\u2019s the tailgate: to be honest, I spent several minutes trying to figure out how to open it. It turns out that the dedicated button is mounted on the rear windscreen wiper. Owners will know, but it\u2019s not convenient having to explain this to every single one of your passengers when they want to put something at the back, although their reactions should be interesting.<\/p>\n

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Driving Impressions: An Electric Grand Tourer<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even after the first minutes of driving<\/a> the Seres 5, I was impressed with the high levels of comfort, as the suspension smoothed out the bumps, cracks, and potholes of the roads. The chassis feels sturdy and the sound insulation is on par with premium rivals, making the cabin a sanctuary. here\u2019s just one small issue: the faint hiss from the electric motor at low speeds, which, while minor, is noticeable if you\u2019re paying attention.<\/p>\n

Despite the intimidating figures which would put any \u201990s supercar<\/a> to shame, the Seres 5 proved to be friendly behind the wheel. This is especially evident in Eco mode, which prioritizes efficiency over performance. Comfort mode gives access to more grunt and is perfect for daily use, while Sport and Race unleash the full 577 hp (430 kW \/ 585 PS) and 940 Nm (693 lb-ft) of torque.<\/p>\n

Even in the sportiest settings, the Seres 5 remains composed, offering smooth power delivery and minimal wheel spin when you floor it from a standstill. Acceleration is impressive, especially when you\u2019re cruising between 60-140 km\/h (37-87 mph), making highway overtakes feel effortless. This is where the Seres 5 excels as a long-distance cruiser.<\/p>\n

More: Xpeng\u2019s New G6 Can Add 280 Miles Of Range In Just 10 Minutes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The steering is notably light by default, making it ideal for city driving, but less suited for spirited handling. Luckily, there\u2019s a setting that adds weight to the steering, though it requires disabling some lane-keeping ADAS features first, and it still feels artificial. Overall, while the Seres 5 packs plenty of power and the suspension manages its weight well, it\u2019s clear that this vehicle wasn\u2019t built for chasing hot hatches<\/a> on winding roads.<\/p>\n

Range And Charging<\/strong><\/p>\n

In terms of range, you can expect about 400 km (250 miles) from the 80 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack if you\u2019re driving sensibly. The most efficient drivers might push closer to the WLTP estimate of 483 km (300 miles), but it\u2019s tough to hold back when 577 hp is tempting you with every press of the accelerator. That said, the Seres 5\u2019s range is comparable to the outgoing Tesla Model Y Performance, which was rated for 280 miles in the US, though most real-world drivers saw closer to 240-260 miles.<\/p>\n

The battery can charge from 30% to 80% in 25 minutes using a 100 kW DC charger. While that\u2019s decent, it\u2019s not as fast as some rival EVs from the Hyundai Group<\/a> or other Chinese automakers. It\u2019s also worth noting that while the BEV is the only option available in Europe, buyers in China have the option of a range-extender powertrain, which is better suited for hypermiling.<\/p>\n

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Pricing And Rivals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unlike other Chinese automakers like BYD, which target price-conscious buyers, Seres has positioned its only EV offering closer to European pricing. In Greece, where we tested it, the Seres 5 is priced at \u20ac57,500 (equal to $62,500) with local EV subsidies. In Germany, where availability is more limited, the price jumps to \u20ac64,990 ($70,700). These figures apply to the full-spec AWD trim, which is currently the only option available in Europe.<\/p>\n

As is typical with a new brand like Seres, depreciation is something potential buyers should keep in mind. Used 2024 models with very low mileage can already be found for as little as \u20ac40,000 ($43,700)\u2014not great for the original owners, but a pretty sweet deal for anyone looking for a one-year-old EV with plenty of performance.<\/p>\n

Review: The Facelifted Kia EV6 Is Better Than Ever, But We\u2019d Wait For The EV5<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

When it comes to competition, the Seres 5 faces stiff challenges. The Tesla Model Y<\/a>, for example, offers a comparable AWD Long Range trim starting at \u20ac43,990 ($47,900) in Greece. The facelifted Kia EV6<\/a> GT AWD is also a solid contender at \u20ac56,990 ($62,000).<\/p>\n

There are a few premium offerings in the same price range, but they tend to be less powerful in their base configurations. For example, the outgoing BMW iX3<\/a> (not offered in the US) starts at \u20ac52,950 ($57,600) here in Greece, the Lexus RZ450e is priced at \u20ac58,700 ($63,900), and the newer Audi Q6 E-tron<\/a> kicks off at a considerably higher \u20ac67,980 ($73,900). It will be interesting to see how the prices of the upcoming BMW iX3 Neue Klasse and the fully electric successor to the Mercedes-Benz GLC compare.<\/p>\n

Verdict<\/strong><\/p>\n

The all-electric Seres 5 offers a comfortable ride, plenty of power, and the kind of premium feel you\u2019d expect from a more established brand. Despite being a newcomer, it has a distinctive design and a high-quality interior, packed with standard features. However, it does fall short in a few key areas, including the absence of physical controls for essential functions, and some design elements that feel a bit dated.<\/p>\n

The biggest hurdle for the Seres 5, however, is the intense competition it faces from well-established brands that already have loyal customer bases. On top of that, it lacks both the brand prestige of its European and Japanese rivals and the price advantage typically associated with Chinese<\/a> models\u2014one of the main selling points for many buyers.<\/p>\n

If Seres can manage to lower the price, it might be worth considering introducing the Chinese-market range-extender version of the 5 in Europe, which could give the car a much-needed edge.<\/p>\n

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Photos: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

PROS \u203a\u203a Comfortable ride, impressive power, high-quality interior CONS \u203a\u203a Unknown brand, limited physical controls, small boot Europeans are notoriously […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4379,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4377"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4377"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4377\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4380,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4377\/revisions\/4380"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autofusiontech.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}