Geely EX2 Review 2026 | China’s favourite car arrives in the UK
The Geely EX2 was China's most popular car in 2025. Now this compact electric crossover is coming to Britain. It promises space, tech galore and a very competitive list price. Should European rivals be worried?
We usually start these reviews of new Chinese models with a preface explaining that “you might be relatively unfamiliar with this brand…”. But in the case of Geely, that’s a lot less likely than it once was. On the leasing market at least, it’s proving a really popular brand, with the new Starray plugin hybrid and EX5 EV finding plenty of fans.
Its next step into the UK market comes in the form of the EX2. It’s a high-riding compact hatchback, aiming to take on cars like the Renault 5, Fiat Grande Panda and Citroen e-C3.
In China, this model is known as the Xingyuan, and it was the country’s best-selling car in 2025.
But it’s a bit more significant than “just another crossover”. In China, this model is known as the Xingyuan, and it was the country’s best-selling car in 2025. In what is now the world’s largest new-car market, that’s quite the achievement.
Now we get to find out whether the formula will work in Britain.
So what exactly is it?
Geely itself describes the EX2 as a B-segment hatchback – with C-segment levels of interior space. And that’s a pretty accurate summary. At 4.14 metres long, it’s noticeably larger than something like a Renault 5, despite being pitched as an affordable entry-level EV. UK drivers get the choice of three trims: Pro, Max and Ultra.
Entry-level Pro models uses a 35.4kWh battery pack paired with an 81hp electric motor, giving it a range of just over 160 miles. Max and Ultra models step up to a larger 47kWh battery and a more potent 114hp motor, which ups range to 214 miles and gives it an extra bit of low down punch power-wise.
With list prices starting from under £21,000, it certainly qualifies as one of the most affordable EVs on the market.
With list prices starting from under £21,000, it certainly qualifies as one of the most affordable EVs on the market. But, Geely isn’t simply trying to undercut its rivals. Instead, its strongest argument is how much car you actually get for your monthly payment.
What about the interior and tech?
Tech-wise, you can consider the EX2 a downsized version of the EX5. It uses the same infotainment set-up, which will work well for most people. Similarly, there’s some nice design touches throughout.
The EX2’s biggest party trick is arguably the amount of space on offer.
Equipment levels are generous, particularly with the Ultra – it gets heated seats and a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging and a powered tailgate.
Overall, quality is impressive, although the closer you look you can tell where Geely has saved some cash if you park it next to one of its larger siblings.
The EX2’s biggest party trick is arguably the amount of space on offer – its 375-litre boot is larger than many in its class and, unlike a lot of small EVs, you’ll find a 70-litre frunk – perfect for storing those charge cables.
What about behind the wheel?
With 114hp in the larger-battery model, the EX2 isn't going to win many traffic-light drag races. In fact, 0-62mph takes around 11.5 seconds. But that's not really the point.
Performance is perfectly adequate around town, where instant electric response makes it feel quicker than the figures suggest. Rear-wheel drive is unusual at this price point, although anyone expecting baby-BMW levels of handling excitement might be disappointed.
The EX2 prioritises comfort and ease of use rather than outright entertainment. The steering is light, visibility is good and its exceptionally tight turning circle makes manoeuvring around town remarkably easy.
Rapid charging peaks at 80kW, which should be sufficient for most customers.
Ride comfort is generally good too, although the overall driving experience lacks some of the polish and personality you'll find in something like a Renault 5.
Efficiency is respectable rather than ground-breaking, with the larger battery offering up to 214 miles between charges. Rapid charging peaks at 80kW, which should be sufficient for most customers but again falls short of being class-leading.
The result is a car that's very easy to drive, rather than one you'll necessarily go looking for an interesting road in. For plenty of people shopping for an affordable EV, that's unlikely to be much of a problem.
So, should you lease one?
The EX2 is perhaps most interesting because of what it represents. A few years ago, Chinese manufacturers arriving in Britain could rely heavily on price. Offer more equipment and more range for significantly less money and buyers would naturally pay attention.
This is a car that shows how quickly that landscape is changing. At £20,990, it's affordable, but it isn't dramatically cheaper than its European competition. Cars like the Renault 5 and Fiat Grande Panda Electric are now fighting for exactly the same buyers.
Instead, Geely's strongest arguments are practicality and equipment. There's loads of passenger space, an enormous amount of storage for a car of this size and plenty of standard technology. The 214-mile range of the larger battery should be more than sufficient for most everyday driving too.
It isn't perfect. The driver-assistance systems need refinement, charging speeds are merely average and the driving experience doesn't have the character of the best small EVs. But there's something significant about the fact China's best-selling car can now arrive in Britain and compete on relatively equal terms.
If competitive lease deals follow, the EX2's combination of space, equipment and value could make it particularly tempting. Geely might still be building its reputation in Britain, but the EX2 proves it's no longer a brand that can be ignored.
