2026 Changan Nevo Q05 iD: Cooked differently
My mother and I enjoy eating out together.
Although we are both keen cooks, we sometimes get bored with the meals we make (along with the tedious process of making these) – as such, we seek out places that can delight our palates and, perhaps, inspire our own cooking. But sometimes, the restaurants that we have prepared our tummies for don’t quite match our expectations.
Cars, arguably, are even more subject to personal tastes because of the immense cost involved. Put another way, if you’re paying for the second-most-expensive thing that you’ll ever own, it better be something that you will like years and years down the line.
And in the buffet restaurant of plug-in-hybrid compact crossovers, some people don’t like the MG HS PHEV, BYD Sealion 6 DM-i or Geely EX5 EM-i. Happily, they can bite into the top-of-the-line 2026 Changan Nevo Q05 iD.
Smooth design
This electrified five-seater follows the creaseless look that is in vogue across the segment.
Powerful LED headlights are placed on the hoodline, emphasizing the lack of a traditional front grill. Instead, there is a large opening in the lower bumper that provides fresh air to the radiator and air-conditioning condenser, while intricate trim pieces emphasize the Nevo Q05 iD’s chiseled cheeks.
The side profile is equally sleek, thanks to the high beltline and pronounced fenders. Meanwhile, chrome window surrounds complement the 19-inch, two-tone, aerodynamic alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55-series tires.
Out back, clear LED taillights give the car a more modern look, while the funky tailgate spoiler with a split third brake light mirrors the sporty faux lower diffuser. Given that Changan is responsible for eye-catching designs like the adorable Lumin EV hatchback and the handsome Nevo A05 sedan, I would have liked a more original aesthetic with its crossover.
Spacious cabin
Inside, the Nevo Q05 iD gets black PVC leather upholstery and pleasant soft-touch materials all around.
Other features exclusive to this top-spec variant include a panoramic moonroof, electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory function, wireless smartphone charger, soundproof glass and customizable ambient lighting (although we found that the light cluster on the driver’s door card was not functioning in this particular test unit).
There’s also a 10-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that is paired to a 6-speaker Pioneer surround-sound system. Attractive as these are, we noted several grammar errors in some of the menus of this particular test car (something that could be easily rectified with an over-the-air update).
On the flipside, the infotainment display not only offers a clear view of the 360-degree camera, but is also easier to navigate than the one in the Sealion 6 DM-i because of separate controls for the strong dual-zone climate-control system. In addition, you get good space for five passengers, although the average-sized cargo area doesn’t include a spare wheel.
Choose your electrification
Behind the wheel is where the Nevo Q05 iD really comes into its own.
The powerplant sounds simple enough – there’s a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine mated to a front-mounted electric motor and an 18.4-kWh battery pack. Combined output is 212 horsepower and 330 Newton-meters of torque, which are coursed through a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
However, you can choose from a wide range of driving modes, such as full electric vehicle (EV), range-extending EV (my personal preference) and even hybrid EV (which I find unnecessary given how punchy the electric motor is). And, unlike the BYD, you can charge the Nevo Q05 iD while parked or idling in traffic.
In our extensive testing, we got an amazing 27 to 30 kilometers per liter in city driving and a fairly average 17 to 20 kilometers per liter on the expressway. Maximum battery range on a full charge is around 80 kilometers.
Other nice points about this electrified crossover include the light and responsive steering (although it could use more feel) and the strong brakes (operated by a slightly spongy pedal). The ride is also fairly pliant, but it gets wallowy over bumps because of excess damper stroke.
Finally, this top-spec iD model is the only Nevo Q05 that gets full adaptive driver-assistance systems like Integrated Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Traffic Jam Assist for safer and less tiring journeys.
A valid rival
On the whole, there is plenty to like about the 2026 Changan Nevo Q05 iD as it offers a different flavor compared to its rivals.
At P1,499,000, it undercuts similarly equipped, but more polished rivals like the P1,548,888 MG HS PHEV, the P1,598,000 BYD Sealion 6 DM-i and the P1,599,000 Ford Territory Titanium X Hybrid. However, the upstart Geely EX5 EM-i Pro comes in at just P1,468,000.
Given that Changan Philippines is entering a new chapter as it starts it split from multinational distributor Inchcape Philippines, the Nevo Q05 may be one of the most important ingredients in the brand’s push to satisfy Filipino cravings for electrified vehicles.
