What do Lotus, Polestar, and Volvo have in common? They’re all owned by Chinese company Geely. Now, Geely is selling cars in the UK as a brand in its own right, with the EX5 the first to be launched here. It’s available from a network of 25 dealers, which will grow to 50 by the end of this year.
Design and interior
The EX5 was styled in Milan, at the brand’s design centre, and Geely tells us its exterior is supposed to be influenced by Song Dynasty Chinese pottery. Sadly, the result is very generic in its execution. Highlights at the front are the high-set headlights with their distinctive DRLs. At the side, there’s some interesting surface detailing down the doors, and the pop-out door handles, which along with the aero designed wheels, help the EX5 slip through the air with its 0.269cd aerodynamic figure. At the back, the Geely is identified by a 1.4m wide light bar.
Inside, Geely is claiming the EX5 is a C-segment SUV, with D-segment interior space. The EX5 does feel spacious front and back, with impressive headroom, and stowage, plus up to 461 litres of boot space, depending on how you adjust the boot floor.
Elsewhere, the EX5’s dashboard follows the Chinese EV norm of having very few physical controls. Instead, a lot of the controls are operated through a large and sharp15.4in central screen, with another 10.2in screen for the instruments. The infotainment works well enough, but there are too many menus to get to features used every day – as such it’s difficult to operate on the move.
Our test car was in the range-topping Max equipment grade, with niceties such as a 16-speaker, 1,000 watt ‘Flyme’ sound system, and sunroof. Another feature we liked was the powered leg rest on the passenger seat, which gives a welcome limo-like feel at the front. The seats themselves are supportive, too. Overall, the EX5 has a generally high-quality feel – although we wonder how good the light colour trim will continue to look after family use.
Performance and drive
Underneath, the EX5 is built on Geely’s ‘Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture’ (GEA). This platform is used on other Geely models, but none have been available in the UK before. Highlights include ‘cell-to-body’ construction, which basically incorporates the battery into the structure of the car, similar to BYD models. The result is increased torsional rigidity, and most importantly for the EX5, more interior space.
Talking of the battery, there’s just one spec available, with 60.2kWh capacity equalling a WLTP range of 267 miles, although on what was a cool Autumn day, the range seemed closer to 200 miles. When it comes to charging, this Geely has a respectable 160kW charging speed, and the battery can go from 30 to 80% in 20 minutes. The EX5 is also capable of 3.3kW vehicle to load charging.
On the road, with 320Nm of torque and 215hp going through the front wheels, we’re pleased to say despite damp conditions on our test route, grip was generally good with very little wheelspin. Quick off the mark, the acceleration feels natural in its response. When it comes to the corners, you wish there was more feel from the steering – it’s particularly bad around the straight ahead! The EX5 is a tidy, if uninvolving handler. The highlight on the move is the compliant, well-judged ride on the modest 19in alloy wheels. It is not a surprise that Lotus was consulted on the ride, although its compliance can lead to jiggly body control on country roads.
Brake feel, like the acceleration, feels natural, and brake regeneration is adjustable, although there’s no one-pedal mode. However, most drivers should find a setting that suits them. There are drive modes, and the one that make the most difference is the ‘Sport’ mode, which alters the steering and acceleration mapping.
The EX5 is a great first effort from Geely, it rides particularly well, is well-made, has plenty of standard equipment, and is good value, with prices starting at £31,990, and will surely tempt fleet buyers.
Positive: Comfortable ride, impressive interior space and stowage, competitive pricing.
Negative: Anonymous styling, not much fun to drive, over-reliance on touchscreen, questionable electric range.
Standard equipment: LED headlights, driving lights and tail lights, roof rails, automatic flush door handles, rear privacy glass, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, 15.4in central infotainment screen, 10.2in instrument screen.
Engines: Electric: 215hp
Equipment grades: SE, Pro, Max
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Geely EX5 Max 60kWh |
| P11D: | £36,990 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,468 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 267 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £18/£37 |
| Luggage capacity | 461 litres |
| Battery size/power | 60kWh/215hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
