The Geely EX5 has officially entered the UK market, and honestly, it carries more weight than most people realise. This isn’t just another Chinese EV wearing an unfamiliar badge this is a standalone brand backed by the same group that owns Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, LEVC, and Smart.
What makes this moment interesting is that Geely didn’t stumble into the car business. They started in China back in 1986 making parts for fridges, pivoted into motorcycles in 1994, and by 1997 became China’s first privately-owned car manufacturer.
Right now, Geely is building a proper dealership network across the UK, with 25 locations already open and plans to hit 100 by 2026.
The EX5 is just the beginning up to nine models are expected over the next three years, with a Q1 plug-in hybrid arriving to broaden the lineup. For a brand new to UK driveways, that kind of commitment is hard to ignore.
BYD, JAECOO, and MG have already proven that Chinese electric cars can win over British buyers and Geely is clearly striking out to do the same.
How do I pronounce Geely EX5?
The word Geely uses the letter G but sounds like a J, so you say J-eely. Once you know it, it sticks. And once you start saying it confidently, people will start asking questions which is actually a decent conversation starter about a brand worth knowing.
Established in China back in 1986, the Geely Holding Group actually started out manufacturing refrigerator components. The company pivoted to building motorcycles in 1994 before finally making its entry into the automotive industry in 1997.
From those humble beginnings, Geely grew into an absolute behemoth, making acquisitions that reshaped global motoring LEVC (the London taxi maker) in 2006, Volvo in 2010, and Lotus in 2017. They also brought the Smart brand back to life through a joint venture with Mercedes.
If that doesn’t impress you, consider this: Geely has 41 satellites currently orbiting the globe to support its widespread Internet of Things (IoT) network. The brand has its fingers in many pies and now Geely Auto is planting one firmly in the UK.
What We Drove
We spent time behind the wheel of the mid-range EX5 Pro, an SUV that sits perfectly in the middle of the lineup. This all-electric model sends 160kW (218PS) to the front wheels via its forward motor. Thanks to its 60.22kWh battery, it promises up to 267 miles of driving range on the WLTP cycle. Those specifications were correct at the time of publication.
From a standstill, the EX5 Pro reaches 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds quick enough for confident daily use without ever pretending to be a performance machine. We drove it in Grey, which suited the clean, unfussy lines of the body style well.
Price-wise, the Pro sits at £30,790 after the Geely EV Grant is applied a number that positions it strongly against established rivals. On paper, that price tag makes an undeniable case when you look at the performance, range, and kit. But figures only tell half the story we took it out on the road to see how it handles the real world.
What is it going up against?
The EX5 lands in a crowded C-segment where it faces some genuinely strong rivals. Direct competition includes the Peugeot e-2008, Kia EV3, Renault Scenic, and Volvo EX30, along with Chinese crossovers like the BYD Atto 2, Omoda E5, and Jaecoo E5.
The Geely sits bigger than all of them, which gives it a genuine space advantage in a class where families always want more room.
In the broader C-segment, the EX5 lines up directly against the Nissan Qashqai and VW Tiguan two of the UK’s top-selling vehicles.
Crucially, the Geely holds a distinct edge by being built from the ground up as a pure electric vehicle, a major selling point in a market pivoting rapidly toward zero-emission transport.
You get nearly as much room in the Geely as you do in the Skoda Elroq, but for less money. Priced attractively at £31,995 RRP before discounts, it undercuts most of the segment while delivering more in terms of sheer size.
EX5 actual cost?
The EX5 lineup keeps things straightforward with a three-tier structure consisting of the SE, Pro, and Max variants, ensuring there is a version suited to every type of buyer.
The entry SE starts at £29,690 after a £2,300 Geely EV Grant discount, making it one of the most competitively priced electric SUVs under £30,000 in the UK right now. Only the MG S5 sits lower in this segment for retail customers.
Moving up to the Pro model brings the price to £30,790 once the £3,200 discount is applied. That extra investment swaps out the standard 18-inch alloys for a larger set of 19-inch wheels.
The SE already arrives well-equipped with a surround-view camera, keyless entry, sat-nav, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel so the jump feels minor but the visual upgrade is noticeable. Both trims share the same powertrain, keeping running costs consistent across the range.
While the top-spec Max trim lists at £36,995, buyers can take advantage of a £3,750 Geely EV Grant to bring the actual cost down to £33,240.
That investment unlocks an array of high-end features, including a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, head-up display, and the standout FlyMe audio setup, alongside ventilated and massaging front seats.
Geely is also offering a home charger for £499 or a pre-paid £500 charge card to help ease buyers into EV ownership at launch. This is all because the EX5 doesn’t qualify for the UK government Electric Car Grant but Geely’s own grants do a solid job of bridging that gap.
Design
Standing next to the EX5 in person changes your opinion of it immediately. Photos flatten the details and make it look like it borrows too heavily from the Tiguan playbook that upright stance and familiar proportions do read as safe on screen.
But in the metal, the design earns genuine respect, and those proportions start to make real sense once you see how everything works together.
The EX5 has collected serious international design accolades Gold at the IDA Design Awards 2024, Platinum at the MUSE Design Awards, and the Red Dot Award 2025 in Product Design. These aren’t participation trophies they reflect thoughtful, detailed design work.
A 0.27 drag coefficient backs that up technically, achieved through smooth surfaces, bi-color aero wheels, and a rear light bar stretching cleanly across the tailgate. The flush door handles sit seamlessly into the bodywork, reducing drag while looking genuinely attractive and modern.
Those handles also use a mechanical, reliable hinge system they pop out when you approach with the key rather than relying on electronic motors that can freeze or fail. It’s a small detail but one that speaks to well-proportioned, considered engineering.
At 4,633mm long, 1,670mm tall, with a 2,750mm wheelbase, the EX5 is physically larger than the Kia EV3, MG ZS EV, and Peugeot E-2008, yet costs less than most of them. That makes the exterior styling feel even more purposeful this is a neat, spacious, cohesive package that works harder than it looks on a screen, even if calling it groundbreaking would be a stretch.
What’s the Interior Like?
Walk into the cabin of the EX5 and the first thing you notice is how genuinely light and airy it feels. The white and light grey color scheme creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere that immediately sets it apart from the dark, moody interiors common in this class. The minimalist approach keeps things feeling spacious and uncluttered, and the soft-touch surfaces and matt line-pattern plastic on the center console push the quality well above what the price suggests this genuinely doesn’t feel like a budget Chinese EV cutting corners.
The 15.4-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, handling most functions through submenus rather than physical buttons.
Thankfully, Geely hasn’t gone fully button-free there’s a proper volume knob for the stereo, column stalks, and even buttons to adjust the door mirrors. A shortcut bar at the bottom gives quick access to the single-zone climate control, and you can pin heated seats and other icons for fast access. Android Auto isn’t available, but Apple Carplay is.
The slightly quirky square steering wheel includes controls for cruise control, audio system, and trip computer, though the markings aren’t always the clearest.
The real highlight here is rear passenger legroom thanks to that 2,750mm wheelbase, three adults fit comfortably across the back with proper headroom and a floor that isn’t excessively raised like many EVs. The middle seat folds into a cupholder, which is a clever touch.
Up front, heated seats come standard with plenty of adjustment for a commanding driving position. The 410-litre boot handles weekly shops easily, and folding the seats reveals 1,877 litres enough for flat-pack furniture or mountain bikes. A 51-litre deep well under the boot floor keeps charging cables tidy, and a pull-out drawer beneath the rear seats adds even more clever storage.
Compared to the Ford Puma’s Megabox, this 108-litre sunken compartment under the 302-litre parcel shelf space is a genuinely practical bonus. The 60:40 split fold makes the whole cabin feel immersive and well-thought-out, with door bins, wireless charging, and covered cupholders completing a thoroughly practical interior.
A lighter interior color is available on Pro and Max models for those who want even more brightness, while the standard dark blue synthetic leather seats offer solid comfort, adjustability, and that cocoons-the-driver feeling that makes longer journeys pleasant. The user interface is more friendly than many other Chinese models we’ve experienced.
What are the Powertrain Details?
Every EX5 uses the same single electric motor sending power to the front wheels there’s no all-wheel-drive option at launch, but the 160kW (218PS) and 215bhp on offer make a strong case on their own.
The 60.22kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate LFP battery delivers a WLTP range of 267 miles, with 236lb ft of torque available instantly, making everyday driving feel effortlessly brisk. Geely itself calls the performance reassuringly brisk — a phrase that’s honest rather than boastful.
The 0-62mph sprint takes 6.9 seconds in most trims, rising slightly to 7.1 seconds in the heavier Max trim. That performance figure feels sensible rather than exciting, but it’s more than adequate for a family-focused electric SUV.
The integrated cell-to-body construction bonds the battery directly into the body structure, improving strength while lowering the center of gravity a design choice that benefits both safety and handling stability.
A plug-in hybrid version is planned for 2026, which will broaden the appeal of the EX5 lineup to buyers not yet ready to go fully electric. For now, the all-electric drivetrain is the only option, and it’s a capable one.
The LFP chemistry means the battery handles frequent charging cycles well and doesn’t degrade as quickly as some rivals another practical advantage for long-term ownership that often goes unmentioned in the headline numbers.
Driving Experience
Getting behind the wheel of the EX5 reveals a car built primarily for comfort and everyday smooth driving rather than driver thrills. The 160kW (218PS) front motor delivers instant torque with real responsiveness press the accelerator and it pulls away with quiet refinement, making overtaking and motorway merging completely stress-free.
The 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds keeps things brisk without feeling aggressive, though throttle response feels more progressive than the sharp reactions you’d find in some premium rivals.
Ride quality is generally comfortable and composed, with those 50-profile tyres doing solid work absorbing bumps on daily commutes.
At motorway speeds, the EX5 settles into a relaxed cruise that works well alongside the adaptive cruise control. That said, it doesn’t cope with rough roads as cleanly as we’d hope potholes and uneven surfaces hit harder than expected, and there’s a noticeable lean through corners alongside some softness over speedbumps.
The EX5 feels neutral through bends with decent grip from the Goodyear tyres and reassuringly sharp brakes, but confidence in corners isn’t its strongest suit front-wheel drive and traction control working overtime on damp roads means scrabbling for grip occasionally.
Cabin noise is one area where honest feedback matters you’ll hear wind noise and road noise more than you’d expect at motorway speeds, and that EV motor whirring during accelerating and slowing sits somewhere between the near-silent best and the louder end of the spectrum noticeably more present than premium rivals but far less intrusive than something like the Leapmotor T03.
The regenerative braking delivers harsh initial feel until you adapt over a few drives, though the range benefit makes it worthwhile.
The driver fatigue alert proves overly sensitive, beeping during longer drives even when you’re clearly paying attention adjusting the sensitivity or switching it off helps, but it needs better calibration out of the box. Overall, the EX5 delivers a genuinely pleasant driving experience for journeys of all lengths it’s built for real-world sports car-free practicality, and it nails that brief confidently.
Range and Charging
The EX5 pairs its 60.22kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate LFP battery with a 267-mile WLTP range enough for most people’s daily driving, commutes, and local errands without anxiety.
It won’t top the charts against the Kia EV3’s impressive 372 miles or even the MG ZS EV’s 273 miles, but the gap matters less than it sounds for anyone charging overnight at home. The real world efficiency figure of 3.6mi/kWh translates to around 234 miles of actual driving honest, usable, and predictable.
When you do need a fast top-up, the EX5 supports DC fast charging at up to 160kW, taking the battery from 10%-80% in just 28 minutes or 30-80% in around 20 minutes depending on conditions.
For home charging, the standard 11kW AC charging works with most home wallbox setups, delivering a full charge in around 6-7 hours on a 7kW charger perfectly manageable for overnight routines. Geely removes one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership by including a free home charger with every EX5, a perk genuinely worth several hundred pounds.
The Geely EV Grant knocks up to £3,750 off depending on trim, and buyers trading in a petrol or diesel car receive an additional £1,000 over standard trade-in value.
Combine that with a six-year warranty and the free charger, and the total ownership package becomes genuinely compelling. These are the kind of real-world perks that tip decisions Geely clearly understands that switching to electric feels daunting, and they’ve removed as many barriers as possible to make the transition feel natural and supported from day one.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The EX5 earns serious brownie points with its five-star Euro NCAP rating and ANCAP awarded the same top marks for markets outside Europe, confirming that the safety performance is consistent and genuine.
These five-star safety ratings matter enormously to family buyers, and the EX5 delivers where it counts most. A separate digital instrument cluster sits clearly in the driver’s eyeline, keeping key information readable without pulling attention toward the main touchscreen.
The full suite of driver aids and assistance systems fitted as standard includes adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, autonomous emergency braking, and surround view cameras the kind of technology that would cost extra on many rivals.
These systems work well in everyday situations, though the fatigue alert’s sensitivity is worth noting separately. The overall driver assistance package reflects a car built with genuine road safety in mind rather than as a checkbox exercise.
Warranty & Ownership
Geely backs every EX5 with an eight-year warranty and two-years of free servicing a package designed to give buyers real reassurance about long-term costs and reliability. For anyone nervous about committing to a newer Chinese brand, that kind of commitment from the manufacturer speaks louder than any marketing campaign. It tells you that Geely believes in this car enough to stand behind it for the long haul.
The ownership experience extends beyond the warranty too. The included free home charger, the EV Grant discounts, and the trade-in bonus for petrol or diesel buyers all make the first step into Geely ownership feel well-supported.
Combine those perks with free servicing for the first two years and the overall cost of running the EX5 starts to look genuinely competitive against established rivals who charge separately for every part of the aftersales experience.
What’s Good and What’s Not
The EX5 gets a lot right, and it’s worth being direct about both sides. On the positive side, the IDA Award Gold, MUSE Award Platinum, and Red Dot 2025 wins confirm that the design delivers more than first impressions suggest.
The light, airy interior with genuinely premium materials and best-in-class rear legroom for passengers sets a high bar at this price point, and the clever storage wireless charging, covered cupholders, the drawer under the seats shows real attention to everyday practicality.
The ride quality absorbs bumps well on the motorway, the six-year 100,000-mile warranty with free charging and maintenance adds genuine long-term value, and the Euro NCAP and ANCAP five-star safety ratings give family buyers real confidence.
These aren’t minor points they’re the pillars that make the EX5 a genuinely strong family SUV choice at this price.
On the flip side, the design still feels familiar in that Tiguan-esque way that makes it blend into a car park rather than stand out. Cabin insulation could be better road noise and wind noise creep in more than rivals manage, and that EV motor whirring during acceleration and braking adds to the acoustic picture.
The fatigue alert needs recalibration, and at 267 miles of WLTP range, the EX5 sits noticeably behind competitors in this area. These are real compromises worth knowing before you sign but for most buyers, they won’t be groundbreaking dealbreakers.
Anything Else I Need to Know?
The EX5 isn’t technically a brand-new product it was unveiled in 2024 and has been on sale in China, Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia for some time before arriving on UK shores.
What makes the UK version different is that it went through a proper chassis and dynamics assessment by Lotus Engineering before launch. The result is a car fine-tuned for UK road conditions and local driving tastes not just a direct import with a right-hand-drive conversion bolted on.
Those Handling by Lotus badges carry real meaning here. Lotus Engineering has a long track record of improving ride and handling characteristics for specific markets, and the fact that Geely invested in that process for the UK shows they’re serious about getting the driving experience right for British roads.
It’s a product decision that separates the EX5 from rivals who simply adapt existing global platforms without local fine-tuning.
A plug-in hybrid version is also confirmed for 2026, which means the EX5 family will grow to serve buyers who aren’t fully committed to pure electric yet.
That broadens Geely’s appeal significantly and signals a long-term commitment to these shores rather than a one-model trial. The EX5 is genuinely the start of something bigger and knowing that the different UK-specific engineering work has already been done gives early adopters good reason to feel confident about their choice.
What’s the Verdict?
Calling the Geely EX5 remarkably plain is the easy take and honestly, it’s not entirely wrong. From a pure design standpoint, it won’t deliver the design flair of a Polestar or the driver-focused engagement you’d get from a more dynamically tuned rival.
There are fewer physical buttons than many buyers prefer, and controlling functions through the screen takes adjustment. But dismissing it on those grounds alone would mean missing the bigger picture entirely.
The EX5 rides with enough composure for daily UK roads, delivers genuinely impressive cabin space, and returns a range that covers the vast majority of real-world use.
The amount of kit offered for the money across all three trims is hard to argue with, and the growing presence of Jaecoos and Omodas on UK roads proves that buyers are increasingly open to Chinese alternatives when the value proposition stacks up.
The EX5 impressive backing of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus expertise gives it a credibility those newer names are still building.
The interior stands out as genuinely light, airy, and spacious for the price point the performance feels refined if not thrilling, and the rear passenger space is best-in-class for families and regular passengers.
Yes, cabin noise and EV motor whirring are real the fatigue alert needs work, and regenerative braking takes getting used to.
But at £30,790 for the Pro or £29,690 for the SE after the Geely EV Grant, the EX5 undercuts mainstream rivals meaningfully. Add a six-year warranty, a free home charger, and strong standard equipment, and this becomes a compelling argument for buyers prioritising space, quality, and value.
The Top 5 reasons to consider it interior quality, award-winning design, rear passenger space, value proposition, and smooth comfortable driving all hold up under real-world scrutiny. For anyone open-minded about leasing or buying, the EX5 makes a confident case as a true family car for the modern era. As a premium yet accessible Chinese electric SUV, it’s compelling, smooth, and built for the long game.
