Geely EX5 review | Brand lands in UK with a serious contender
Unlike some new market entries from China, the Geely feels like a car that’s been designed with European and UK customers in mind.
You may know Geely as the owner of some big-name badges: Volvo, Polestar and Lotus are among the European badges. You might not know, however, that Geely Auto is a major bar maker itself. In 2024, it produced over 2,000,000 vehicles.
The EX5 you see here is Geely’s first European product, and a core part of the Chinese brand’s plans over the next few years. On the face of it, the promise is simple: a family-sized electric SUV with convincing range and luxurious tech.
With so many European brands under its belt already, has that shared engineering know-how filtered down to the first Geely-badged product? And should you consider leasing one? Here’s our first drive impressions.
What exactly is it?
The EX5 is an all-new electric SUV designed to impress. Although to some this might not be immediately obvious given its restrained aesthetics. The EX5 doesn’t shout – it just looks clean and modern.
SE models have a list price of £31,990, while the Max costs £36,990 – great value.
There’s a closed-off front grille, a crisp LED light signature and tidy lines. It might not be the most interesting looking SUV, but it certainly wouldn’t look out of place next to vehicles twice its price.
From launch, three models are offered: SE, Pro and Max. SE brings more than just the essentials though, and is generously equipped – 18in alloys, LED lights, a huge 15.4in touchscreen and a strong suite of safety kit are all standard.
Surfaces that you regularly touch – the upper dash, the door panels and arm rests – all feel high quality and pleasant to interact with.
Pro adds 19in alloy wheels, while range-topping Max introduces luxury features like a 16-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate and 13.8in heads-up display. SE models have a list price of £31,990, while the Max costs £36,990 – great value.
What’s the interior and tech like?
Expecting a budget Chinese product? Then don’t. The cabin is where the EX5 really stakes its claim and, considering there are some “budget Chinese EVs” that cost around the same as the Geely, you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised.
Little details have been thought about to ensure a great day-to-day user experience.
The overall layout is neat, with a low dashboard, slim air vents and a floating centre console that creates a massive amount of storage space underneath. Surfaces that you regularly touch – the upper dash, the door panels and arm rests – all feel high quality and pleasant to interact with. It’s certainly more on par with pricier European rivals than some bargain-basement newcomers.
Little details have been thought about to ensure a great day-to-day user experience. There’s a great mix of storage shelves, a wireless charging pad on higher trims, while the panoramic roof helps flood the interior with light while using a clever glass coating to keep heat at bay.
The seats are rather neat too. Geely has put some thought into their construction, meaning they’re fantastically supportive for long-distance comfort. Heated seating and ventilation is available on higher trims, while our test car featured a front passenger seat that first-class levels of reclining.
Space is another strong point. The dedicated EV platform ensures the floor is completely flat.
Space is another strong point. The dedicated EV platform ensures the floor is completely flat, while space in the rear is notably better than many of its key rivals. Some other reviews have already pointed out that rear-seat space is a decisive advantage for the EX5, although at 410 litres, the boot isn’t the class leader.
Tech takes centre stage in the Geely, with all models getting a large, responsive 15.4in touchscreen display. It’s bright and sharp and responds really quickly to inputs. The home screen is sensibly laid out, although like most tech-laden cars, it’s not perfect – some core functions still live a little too deep in sub-menus than is really necessary.
Apple CarPlay is supported, although Android users will have to wait for an over-the-air software update.
There aren’t many physical shortcut buttons as some drivers might like, but overall the system is intuitive enough to learn quickly. Apple CarPlay is supported, although Android users will have to wait for an over-the-air software update. Talking of which, the EX5’s software and features should improve over time, which is great if you’re planning on a longer lease.
What about the driving experience?
On the road, the EX5 leans into comfort and ease-of-drive rather than attempting to be any sort of performance machine. However, its 218hp electric motor offers a 0-60mph time of around seven seconds, ensuring there’s enough punch for brisk overtakes and slip-road sprints.
The raft of standard driver assistance tech is also really impressive considering its price point.
Steering is light at parking speeds but weights up well the faster you go, making sure it feels relaxed, but never vague. The body does a great hop of smoothing out most bumps and ridges which, combined with those fantastic seats, mean the EX5 is a seriously comfy car.
The raft of standard driver assistance tech is also really impressive considering its price point – it even gets lane-change assistance, which at this price point is very rare to kind.
It's predictable, stable and never feels short on power.
Regen braking can be adjusted like on many EVs, although you’ll need to do this through the touchscreen. Once you’ve gelled with a certain level, you’ll find it makes stop-start traffic a breeze.
This isn’t a vehicle that begs to be flung down a B-road for fun, but what it lacks in engagement it makes up for in refinement. It’s predictable, stable and never feels like it’s lacking power.
What about charging and range?
From launch, all EX5s feature a 60.2kWh battery, with between 250 and 270 miles on offer depending on specification. One thing we noted on our test drive was how close it was possible to get to these official figures – range doesn’t plummet like certain EVs.
An 80% charge possible in under 30 minutes – around the same as key rivals.
This range is largely competitive with rivals with a similar battery size – it would be nice to see Geely offer a larger batter option down the line. Rapid charging is well supported though, with an 80% charge possible in under 30 minutes – around the same as key alternatives.
So should you lease one?
If you’re searching for a premium, mid-sized SUV that majors in value, then the Geely EX5 absolutely deserves a place on your shortlist. Unlike some new market entries from China, the Geely feels like a car that’s been designed with European and UK customers in mind.
Lease rates start at around £300 per month for personal deals – a little pricier than some other Chinese offerings. However, the EX5’s quality feel and spacious interior puts it a cut above most of those.
Yes, the design’s a little conservative and keener drivers may find it a little short on excitement, but its strong real-world range and fast charging capabilities should make it a hit with families. While this might be a new name on the leasing scene, if the EX5 is any indication of what’s to come from Geely, it won’t stay that way for long.
