1. Overview
The Weltmeister EX5 is a compact electric crossover SUV built by WM Motor, a Shanghai-based EV startup that launched the model in 2018 under its “Weltmeister” (German for “world champion”) brand. It was one of the first mass-market EVs from a Chinese startup, backed by investors including Baidu and Tencent, and became a strong early seller — WM Motor’s second-best-selling year, 2019, saw around 18,000 EX5 units delivered.
A note on current status: WM Motor filed for bankruptcy/pre-restructuring in October 2023, and production of the EX5 was suspended for roughly two years. In September 2025 a new owner (Shenzhen Xiangfei Automobile Sales) took over the company, resumed EX5 production, and is targeting full manufacturing capacity in 2026. If you’re shopping for one today, treat this less like a normal new-car purchase and more like buying into a brand that is mid-relaunch — verify current warranty, software/app support, and dealer network status before committing.
2. Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body style | Compact electric crossover SUV |
| Drive layout | Front-wheel drive |
| Motor power | 160 kW (218 hp / 215 PS) |
| Torque | ~225 Nm |
| Battery options | 52.5–52.7 kWh or 69 kWh (varies by model year/trim) |
| Range (NEDC/CLTC) | 400–520 km depending on battery pack |
| Top speed | 160 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | 8.3–8.8 seconds |
| Seats | 5 |
Note that WM Motor sold several EX5 battery/range configurations across model years (2018–2022), so specs vary meaningfully depending on which version you’re looking at.
3. Exterior Design
The EX5 leans into a “no traditional grille” EV look, with a smooth front fascia in place of a radiator grille and flush or minimal-profile door handles — styling choices meant to signal it as a purpose-built electric vehicle rather than a converted combustion car. It’s sized similarly to compact crossovers like the Kia e-Niro, sitting between mainstream compact SUVs and larger models like the Tesla Model Y.
4. Interior & Cabin Comfort
Inside, the EX5 was positioned as a practical family EV — WM Motor has noted that a large share of its customer base were parents with young children, and the cabin was designed accordingly, prioritizing usability and connectivity over outright luxury. Expect a digital-first cockpit with touchscreen controls and reasonably comfortable seating for five, rather than premium materials.
5. Battery Capacity
The EX5 was offered with different battery packs over its production run:
- 52.5–52.7 kWh ternary NMC packs (earlier and mid-cycle versions)
- 69 kWh pack (longer-range version)
WM Motor sourced battery cells from CATL, Tianjin Lishen, and Tafel, paired with a self-developed Battery Management System (BMS). The pack sits centrally in the vehicle and carries an IP67 ingress protection rating, with thermal management designed to operate across a wide temperature range (−30°C to 50°C).
6. Electric Range
Range depends on which battery pack a given EX5 has:
- 52.5–52.7 kWh pack: roughly 400–403 km (NEDC/CLTC)
- 69 kWh pack: up to 520 km (NEDC)
As with most Chinese-cycle (NEDC/CLTC) range figures, real-world range under WLTP-style testing conditions would typically run lower — third-party estimates put the 400 km NEDC figure closer to 390 km under a more realistic cycle.
7. Charging Time & Charging Options
- DC fast charging: roughly 30–45 minutes to reach 80%, with some sources citing a 0.5-hour (30-minute) 30–80% charge on later versions
- AC home/wallbox charging: around 8–11 hours for a full charge, depending on the onboard charger (6.6 kW AC charging is commonly cited)
- Energy consumption is reported around 14.7 kWh/100km on some configurations
8. Performance & Driving Experience
With 218 hp on tap and a 0–100 km/h time in the high-8-second range, the EX5 isn’t quick by EV standards — it’s tuned for everyday commuting and efficiency rather than performance. Top speed is capped at 160 km/h, in keeping with its role as a practical family crossover rather than a sport-oriented EV.
9. Motor & Power Output
The EX5 uses a single front-mounted electric drive module supplying 160 kW (218 hp/215 PS) and roughly 225 Nm of torque, sourced from BorgWarner, with electronic control (IGBT) components from Infineon.
10. Safety Features
The EX5 earned a 5-star C-NCAP safety rating (certified July 2019), China’s domestic crash-test standard. Standard safety equipment on Chinese-market EVs of this class typically includes multiple airbags, stability control, and driver-assist basics, though exact feature lists vary by trim and model year — worth confirming against the specific unit you’re considering.
11. Infotainment & Technology
The EX5 was built around a connected-car experience, with a smartphone app for remote functions (locking, climate control) and an in-car infotainment system tied to internet connectivity. This is also the area most affected by WM Motor’s bankruptcy: owners reported losing app access, in-car entertainment, and remote functions when company servers went offline in 2023–2024, since firmware and back-end services weren’t being maintained. This is an important consideration for any EX5 shopper today — verify that connected services have actually been restored under the new ownership before assuming they work.
12. Features & Equipment
Reported optional equipment across the EX5 lineup includes:
- Wireless phone charging
- Heat pump for the battery pack (helps cold-weather range/efficiency)
- Memory seat settings
Feature availability varies significantly by trim and model year, since the EX5 was sold across multiple sub-variants (Fun, Lead, Creator, Dynamic, and others) over its production run.
13. Dimensions & Cargo Space
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,585 mm |
| Width | 1,835 mm |
| Height | 1,672 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,703 mm |
| Curb weight | ~1,750 kg |
These dimensions place it squarely in the compact SUV segment, with a wheelbase that supports reasonably usable rear-seat and cargo space for the class.
14. Ride Quality & Handling
As a front-wheel-drive compact crossover with a centrally mounted battery pack, the EX5 benefits from a low center of gravity, which typically aids stability. It wasn’t engineered as a driver’s car, though — expect a comfort-oriented ride tuned for daily commuting rather than sharp handling.
15. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Competitive pricing relative to range and features, especially pre-subsidy vs. comparable EVs of its era
- Strong reported battery durability — one high-mileage EX5 (200,000+ km) showed only ~2.85% capacity degradation
- Practical, family-friendly packaging
- Multiple battery/range options to match buyer needs
Cons:
- WM Motor’s 2023 bankruptcy and multi-year production halt created real uncertainty around software support, warranty honoring, and parts availability
- Performance is modest (no quick-acceleration variant)
- Chinese-cycle range figures likely overstate real-world range
- Feature and safety-tech availability may lag Western/Japanese/Korean rivals
16. Maintenance & Reliability
EVs generally carry lower routine maintenance costs than combustion vehicles (no oil changes, fewer moving parts), and the EX5’s battery data is a genuine bright spot — WM Motor’s own field data showed very low degradation even under heavy use (500 km/day driving, DC fast-charging-heavy usage patterns). That said, the company’s 2023–2025 bankruptcy and restructuring period means service network continuity and parts supply need to be verified locally, especially for cars sold outside mainland China (e.g., in the Philippines, where the local distributor separately committed to continuing after-sales support).
17. Weltmeister EX5 Price
Pricing has varied by year, battery size, and market:
- China (post-subsidy), various years: roughly ¥139,800–¥189,800 (~US$20,000–$27,000)
- Later/larger-battery trims: around ¥153,800–¥169,800 (~US$22,000–$26,000)
These figures reflect the EX5’s original sale prices in China; given the brand’s bankruptcy and relaunch, current new pricing (where available at all) and used-market pricing should be confirmed directly with a dealer, as official channels and subsidy structures have likely changed since these figures were set.
18. Competitors
The EX5 competes primarily with other compact/entry-level electric SUVs, including:
- Kia e-Niro / Niro EV
- BYD Song/Atto 3 (depending on market)
- Nio, Xpeng, and Leapmotor entry-level SUV offerings
- Tesla Model Y (larger, pricier, but often cross-shopped)
19. Who Should Buy the Weltmeister EX5?
The EX5 could suit a buyer who:
- Wants an affordable compact electric SUV for daily commuting and family use
- Prioritizes battery longevity and value over performance or premium features
- Is buying used or in a market where a dealer/distributor has clearly confirmed ongoing service and software support post-restructuring
It’s a harder recommendation for buyers who need certainty around long-term software support, warranty claims, or nationwide service networks, given the brand’s recent financial turmoil.
20. Final Verdict
The Weltmeister EX5 was — and, following its 2025 relaunch, may again be — a genuinely solid value proposition on paper: reasonable range, strong reported battery durability, and pricing that undercut many rivals. But WM Motor’s 2023 bankruptcy and the resulting gap in software support and production is a real black mark that any prospective buyer needs to weigh carefully. If you’re considering one in 2026, do extra diligence on the specific unit’s model year, battery pack, and — critically — whether connected services and after-sales support have actually been restored under the new ownership.
21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Weltmeister EX5 still in production? Production was halted amid WM Motor’s 2023 bankruptcy. A new owner resumed EX5 manufacturing in September 2025, with full capacity targeted for 2026.
What is the battery capacity of the Weltmeister EX5? Depending on model year and trim, either a 52.5–52.7 kWh or a 69 kWh battery pack.
How far can the Weltmeister EX5 go on a full charge? Around 400–403 km (smaller battery) or up to 520 km (69 kWh pack), on the NEDC test cycle — real-world range will be somewhat lower.
How long does it take to charge the Weltmeister EX5? DC fast charging can reach 80% in roughly 30–45 minutes; a full AC home charge typically takes 8–11 hours.
Is the Weltmeister EX5 a good used-EV buy? It can be, given its reported battery durability, but confirm the service/software support situation locally before buying, due to WM Motor’s bankruptcy and relaunch.
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