The Geely EX5 has quickly established itself in Australia’s electric vehicle market since debuting earlier this year. Positioned as a value-focused SUV, it goes head-to-head with well-known rivals like the BYD Atto 3, Kia EV5, and Tesla Model Y. Thanks to its attractive pricing, generous standard features, and promising early sales, the Geely EX5 has become one of the most talked-about EVs in the country. In this review, we take a closer look at its design, performance, technology, charging options, and overall ownership experience to help you decide whether the Geely EX5 fits your lifestyle.
Geely EX5 Exterior Design and Storage
The Geely EX5 looks like an updated electric SUV with sleek lines and delicate design details that make it look both sophisticated and friendly. The EX5 doesn’t try to stick out with modern styling as some other EVs do. Instead, it fits well in with today’s SUVs and hints at its electric design with a sealed front bumper.
A massive light bar at the back adds style and makes it easier to see at night. As you get closer with the key, the door handles spring out on their own. This is a feature that is both secure and convenient. You may set up this clever unlocking system to work with just the driver’s door or all of the doors.
Some electric vehicle customers expect the Geely EX5 to have an open front trunk (frunk), however it doesn’t. The trunk offers 410 liters of space with the seats upright and expands to an impressive 1,877 liters when the seats are folded flat. For families and travelers, the flat loading floor without a lip makes packing and unloading much easier. There’s also a deep storage compartment beneath the rear floor, which can be removed to create even more space when needed.
The motorized tailgate and sunroof on the Inspire variations make the experience even better. When driving at higher speeds with the roof open, some wind noise can be heard, but the self-closing sunshade is a thoughtful feature that really comes in handy on hot summer days.
Geely EX5 Interior and Infotainment
The inside of the Geely EX5 has a modern but useful design. The minimalist cabin has a big touchscreen and a digital driver display that take up most of the space. There are only a few traditional buttons for important climatic controls. The layout is easy to understand, however you need to use the touchscreen or speaking commands to change the temperature and fan.
The Geely EX5’s seats are its best feature. The standard Complete trim includes power-adjustable, heated front seats upholstered in Geeluxe synthetic leather. Stepping up to the Inspire trim adds even more comfort, with memory settings, ventilated and massaging seats, and even a head-up display for the windshield. These features are generally only found in cars that cost a lot more, which makes the Geely EX5 a great deal.
The back seats are just as roomy, with a level floor and features such as air vents, USB-A as well as USB-C outlets, and a folding armrest with cupholders. There is a lot of storage space in the cabin, however the center cupholders could be too narrow for bigger bottles.
The infotainment system uses Flyme Auto, which was made by Meizu, a tech business that Geely owns. The system appears good, however it has some problems. Navigation can be wrong, and it’s frustrating that Android Auto as well as Apple Car Play aren’t available at launch. But shortly, over-the-air updates are planned to offer support for connecting smartphones wirelessly.
Geely EX5 Driving Experience
Once you get acclimated to its eccentricities, driving a Geely EX5 becomes a peaceful and tranquil experience. The soft suspension setting makes it great for driving in the city and on the highway, where it easily absorbs bumps. The Geely EX5 is definitely not a sporty SUV; its front-wheel drive as well as comfortable suspension make it plain that it is about convenience, not performance.
The acceleration is easy and effortless, making it great for getting to work every day. However, the regenerative braking isn’t very strong, so it doesn’t allow for true one-pedal driving—a feature many EV enthusiasts appreciate. This means drivers will find themselves using both pedals more frequently.
The driver surveillance system is one thing that is annoying. It often gives false warnings about drivers being distracted, especially when they are wearing reflective sunglasses. Geely might fix this with future updates to the software, however it can be bothersome on extended rides. The speed limit alert system also plays it safe by honking even for the smallest violations. It’s good that you can turn off these alerts, but it takes a few steps in the control panel to do it.
One of the best things about the Geely EX5 is how efficient it is. It got about 145 Wh/km in the city and roughly 159 Wh/km on the highway. This means that it can drive roughly 375 kilometers in the real world, which is really good for a medium-size electric SUV.
Geely EX5 Charging and Ownership
The Geely EX5 has an 11 kW AC charger built in and can charge quickly with a maximum of 100 kW DC. It may not be the fastest charger on the market, but it works for most people. A DC fast charger can charge from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes, which is great for extended road trips.
One of the best things about it is that it can power gadgets up to 3 kW using an additional converter, which is called Vehicle-to-Load (V2L). This is why the Geely EX5 is great for camping excursions or emergencies. There’s also mention of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) capability, though it requires a special connection that isn’t widely available just yet.
Servicing is scheduled every 12 months or 20,000 kilometers. Geely also offers prepaid service plans that can help reduce long-term costs. While the dealership network is expanding, most locations are currently concentrated along Australia’s east coast.
Geely EX5 Value and Competition
The Geely EX5 starts at $40,990 for the Finish as well as $44,990 for the Inspire. It is cheaper than its competitors but has amenities that are usually only found in luxury EVs. It offers great value compared to the Kia EV5, Tesla Model Y, and BYD Atto 3 Premium. It’s hard to find chairs that are heated, cooled, and massaged for less than $50,000.
The annoying driver monitoring system, the lack of certain advanced functions like a dash cam or sentry mode, and the restricted infotainment polish are its key problems. But with regular software upgrades, many of these problems could get better over time.
Geely EX5 Future Outlook
Geely has already said that the Geely EX5 would have a new version in China in 2026. This version will have a bigger 68 kWh lithium-phosphate battery and a range of as much as 600 kilometers CLTC (about 500 km WLTP). This upgrade indicates that the brand is committed to making things better all the time, even though it hasn’t been announced for Australia yet.
Geely is also preparing to introduce the Riddara RD6, a battery-powered ute, to the Australian market. If it’s priced competitively, it could become another big success, especially as interest in electric utes continues to grow.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Geely EX5
The Geely EX5 is a powerful initial foray into the Australian electric vehicle market. It has technology, comfort, and a price that seems to indicate it should cost a lot more. Families will like how big the inside is, how many safety features it has, and how far it can go. It has some drawbacks, such the obtrusive driver monitoring system, but it is a great deal in the current electric SUV market.
If you’re thinking about getting an electric car that costs under $50,000, then the Geely EX5 should be at the top of your list. It sets a new bar for inexpensive electric mobility with comfort amenities that are hard to find at this level of cost and good efficiency.
FAQs About Geely EX5
Q1: What is the range of the geely ex5 in real driving conditions?
The geely ex5 offers around 375 kilometers of real-world range, depending on driving style and conditions.
Q2: Does the geely ex5 support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
Currently, the geely ex5 does not support these features, but wireless smartphone integration is expected in future software updates.
Q3: How fast does the geely ex5 charge?
The geely ex5 supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging, taking about 28 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent.
Q4: What makes the geely ex5 different from rivals like BYD Atto 3?
The geely ex5 stands out with features like massaging seats, competitive pricing, and V2L capability, which rivals often reserve for higher trims.
Q5: Is the geely ex5 good for families?
Yes, the geely ex5 offers a spacious cabin, flat rear floor, large boot capacity, and safety features, making it an excellent family SUV.
