Geely EX5 Review: Great Value or Just Budget? Unpacking Australia’s New EV Contender

The 2025 Geely EX5, priced at ~₱1.8 million (~$32,000/₹27 lakh), is Geely’s first fully electric crossover, challenging the BYD Atto 3 and Tesla Model Y with a sleek design, premium interior, and 425 km range. Powered by a 218 hp motor and 60.22 kWh LFP battery, it offers fast charging (30–80% in 25 minutes) and a quiet, comfortable ride. My 70 km test drive across urban Manila and highways revealed excellent NVH insulation, a 15.4-inch touchscreen, and a class-leading Fly Audio system, though soft suspension and minor ADAS quirks hold it back.

Score: 8.8/10 – a compelling EV for families and urban commuters seeking value and refinement.

Introduction

The electric vehicle (EV) crossover market is heating up, with the BYD Atto 3 and Tesla Model Y dominating headlines for their blend of range, tech, and performance. Enter the 2025 Geely EX5, Geely’s bold first step into the fully electric arena, priced competitively at ₱1.8 million (~$32,000/₹27 lakh). Designed to rival established players, this crossover boasts a sleek bullet-like exterior, a minimalist yet premium cabin, and a feature-packed tech suite. With 218 horsepower, a 425 km range, and fast charging, it promises to redefine affordable EVs.

Having tested over 100 vehicles across urban jungles and open highways, I spent a day driving the EX5 through Manila’s busy streets and nearby expressways, covering 70 km to evaluate its real-world performance. Can the Geely EX5 redefine expectations for affordable EVs in 2025, or does it still have room to grow? Let’s dive into its design, interior, tech, driving dynamics, and value to find out.

Exterior Design & Styling: Sleek, Aerodynamic, and Futuristic

The Geely EX5 breaks away from the brand’s traditional designs, like the Coolray or Okavango, with a futuristic, minimalist aesthetic. Its bullet-like silhouette, inspired by aerodynamic efficiency, achieves a remarkable drag coefficient of ~0.269—one of the lowest in its class. This not only boosts range but also minimizes wind noise, as I noticed on highway stretches.

Key Highlights:

• Slim LED Headlights: Narrow, razor-sharp LEDs replace a traditional grille, paired with Geely’s new energy logo—a sleek emblem signaling its EV identity. A mysterious front strip (possibly a decorative light) remains non-functional, adding intrigue but no utility.
• 19-Inch Aero Wheels: Optional alloys, wrapped in Goodyear EfficientGrip tires (similar to Ford models), enhance efficiency and add a sporty flair. Standard 18-inch wheels are available on lower trims.
• Pop-Out Door Handles: Flush when locked, these handles pop out for access, reducing drag. While functional, they occasionally felt finicky during my test, requiring a firm tug.
• Full-Width LED Light Bar: The rear features a smart car-inspired light bar, lending a premium, modern look. The “Geely EX5” badge sits subtly below, avoiding over-branding.
• Charging Port: Located on the front fender, it supports Type 2 CCS2 for AC and DC charging, blending seamlessly into the design.

Verdict:

The EX5’s exterior is clean, elegant, and future-forward, standing out in a crowded segment. Its aerodynamic prowess and minimalist styling rival the BYD Atto 3’s bold curves and approach the Tesla Model Y’s sleekness, making it a head-turner for urban buyers in Manila or Mumbai.

Interior Design & Cabin Comfort: Minimalism Meets Modern Luxury

Step inside the Geely EX5, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more European than budget Chinese. The two-layer dashboard, accented with soft-touch faux leather and blue faux-wood trim, exudes sophistication. My test model featured the optional dark blue interior (ivory white is also available), which felt premium and easy to maintain—perfect for families or professionals.

Key Features:

• Premium Materials: Soft-touch surfaces dominate the dashboard and door panels, with perforated faux-leather seats reminiscent of vintage Mercedes-Benz models (e.g., W124). Hard plastics are minimal and well-hidden, ensuring a high-quality feel.
• Two-Spoke Steering Wheel: Featuring Geely’s new logo, it’s futuristic but overly symmetrical, making it hard to tell if it’s upside down. I found it less intuitive than traditional designs, though it’s tilt- and telescopic-adjustable for decent ergonomics.
• Column-Mounted Shifter: A standout feature, this shifter is intuitive—push down for drive, up for reverse, and a button for park. It’s smoother than Hyundai’s stalk designs, enhancing the driving experience.
• Panoramic Sunroof: Massive and light-flooded, it brightens the cabin, especially for rear passengers, creating an airy, spacious feel.
• Comfortable Seats: The front seats, with separate headrests and perforated leather, are plush and supportive for long drives. The driver’s seat offers good adjustment, though I’d prefer more lumbar support for my 5’10” frame.

Interior Practicality:

• Storage Galore: A tall center console houses two cupholders, a cardholder for RFID tags, and a deep armrest bin. A wireless charging pad and USB-A/C ports sit below, though the non-rubberized tray lets items slide during sharp turns.
• Ottoman Feature: The front passenger seat includes a Hyundai-style relaxation ottoman, elevating comfort for long trips—a rare touch in this price range.

Verdict:

The EX5’s interior blends minimalist design with premium craftsmanship, rivaling mid-tier European EVs. Its thoughtful layout and luxurious touches make it a cozy haven for daily commutes or family road trips.

Infotainment & Technology: Feature-Rich Yet Functional

The EX5’s tech suite is a highlight, centered around a massive 15.4-inch touchscreen that feels like an iPad Pro Max mounted on the dashboard. Paired with a 10.2-inch driver display, it delivers a futuristic yet user-friendly experience.

Key Features:

• 15.4-Inch Touchscreen: Responsive and crisp, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay (sadly, no Android Auto per Geely’s specs). Navigation through menus is intuitive, with permanent climate controls for easy access. My test showed seamless Spotify and Google Maps integration.
• 10.2-Inch Driver Display: Compact but clear, it shows speed, battery status, and tire pressure monitoring (TPMS). However, it lacks detailed trip data, feeling basic compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y.
• Fly Audio System: With headrest speakers, this is among the best audio setups I’ve tested, delivering rich, immersive sound for music and podcasts. It outshines the BYD Atto 3’s system in clarity and bass.
• Giant Volume Knob: A quirky centerpiece, it adjusts volume and selects wallpapers (e.g., tropical beach or cat-themed). While fun, it’s underutilized—why not control more infotainment functions like Mazda’s rotary dial?
• Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects speed, lane visualization, and turn signals. It’s useful but marred by an inaccurate speed limit alert (more on that later).

Tech Verdict:

The EX5’s tech is intuitive and premium, with the Fly Audio system stealing the show. The lack of Android Auto and the driver display’s simplicity are minor letdowns, but overall, it’s a tech-forward package for urban tech enthusiasts.

Space & Practicality: Spacious Yet Smartly Designed

The EX5 excels in practicality, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. Its flat EV floor maximizes interior room, making it ideal for families or those hauling gear.

Key Features:

• Boot Space: The adjustable trunk floor offers deep underfloor storage, perfect for groceries or spare tires. The power tailgate opens quickly, and rear seats fold (not fully flat) for extra cargo room. I fit two large suitcases and a stroller with ease.
• Rear Seat Comfort: The flat floor ensures generous legroom and foot space, even for my 6’2” colleague. Headroom is ample, and the panoramic sunroof adds an open feel. The seats are flatter than the front but comfortable for short trips.
• Rear Amenities: Dual USB-A/C ports, AC vents, a center armrest with cupholders, and a unique under-seat drawer (non-rubberized) enhance practicality. The drawer is great for hiding shoes or snacks but needs padding to prevent rattles.
• Visibility: Thin A-pillars and large windows provide excellent all-around visibility, a boon in Manila’s tight traffic. Side mirrors are adequately sized, though auto-dimming would’ve been a nice touch.

Practicality Verdict:

The EX5 nails family-friendly usability with clever storage and a spacious cabin. It matches the BYD Atto 3’s practicality while feeling more premium, though fully flat-folding seats would elevate it further.

Performance & Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, and Confident

The Geely EX5 is powered by a single front-wheel-drive electric motor, delivering 218 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque—slightly more than the BYD Atto 3’s 201 hp. Paired with a 60.22 kWh LFP battery, it offers a claimed 425 km range.

Powertrain & Performance:

• Motor: The 218 hp motor provides smooth, linear acceleration, avoiding the neck-snapping torque steer of some EVs. My test showed confident overtakes on highways, though it lacks the visceral push of the Tesla Model Y’s 350+ hp.
• 0–100 km/h: Estimated at ~7.5 seconds (unofficial), it feels peppy for city driving but prioritizes refinement over thrill.
• Driving Modes: Sport Mode adds slight steering weight, but the difference is subtle. Eco and Normal modes suit daily commuting, balancing efficiency and responsiveness.

Ride & Handling:

• Suspension: The soft setup absorbs city potholes well, ensuring a plush ride in Manila’s urban sprawl. However, on larger bumps or twisty roads, it feels wallowy, with noticeable body roll that could unsettle passengers.
• Steering: Light and precise, it’s ideal for urban maneuvers but lacks feedback for spirited driving. Sport Mode helps marginally but doesn’t transform the experience.
• NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness): Exceptional insulation keeps road, tire, and wind noise to a minimum, even on concrete highways. My test showed a whisper-quiet cabin, rivaling luxury EVs like the Volvo EX30.
• Regenerative Braking: Smooth and progressive, it avoids the abrupt slowdown of some EVs. Transition to mechanical brakes causes slight nose dive, but proper pedal modulation mitigates this.

Drive Verdict:

The EX5 prioritizes comfort and refinement, making it ideal for city commutes and relaxed highway cruises. It’s not a driver’s car like the Tesla Model Y, but its quiet, smooth ride suits families and urban professionals.

Safety & Driver Assistance: First Geely Model with Full ADAS Suite

The EX5 is Geely’s first model in the Philippines to offer a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a significant step up from its ICE siblings.

Key Features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Full-speed ACC worked smoothly during my highway test, maintaining safe distances in traffic. It’s intuitive but less polished than Japanese systems (e.g., Honda’s Sensing suite).
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Responsive in detecting obstacles, though I didn’t test it in emergencies. It adds confidence in congested urban settings.
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Functional but shaky, occasionally over-correcting on curved roads. It’s better than many Chinese EVs but trails Japanese or European systems.
• Traffic Sign Recognition: A major flaw—it inaccurately read 20 km/h limits on 100 km/h expressways, triggering constant alerts. Worse, the alert reactivates after every stop, frustrating drivers. Geely needs a software update here.
• Build Quality: The solid cabin structure and 11 airbags (assumed, based on Geely’s global standards) enhance safety. Thin A-pillars aid visibility, reducing blind spots.

Safety Verdict:

The EX5’s ADAS suite is a welcome addition, but software quirks like the speed limit alert and shaky LKA need refinement. Its robust build and visibility make it a safe choice for families.

Range, Efficiency & Real-World Charging

The EX5’s 60.22 kWh LFP battery delivers a claimed 425 km range, competitive with the BYD Atto 3 (410 km) and MG ZS EV (400 km).

Real-World Performance:

• Range: My 70 km test, starting at 92% charge, dropped to 80% (290 km remaining), suggesting a real-world range of ~380–400 km in mixed city/highway driving. This aligns with Geely’s 16 kWh/100 km claim, as I averaged 14.1 kWh/100 km—better than advertised.
• Charging: DC fast charging (30–80%) took ~25 minutes, with a full charge in ~40 minutes. Post-80%, charging slows to protect the battery, a standard EV trait. The Type 2 CCS2 port supports both AC and DC, making it versatile for home or public chargers.
• Efficiency: The EX5’s aerodynamic design and efficient tires contribute to its frugal consumption, ideal for urban commuters in Manila or long drives in open markets like India.

Efficiency Verdict:

The EX5 is among the most efficient EVs in its price bracket, offering reliable range and fast charging for daily use and weekend getaways.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Elegant, aerodynamic exterior design.
• Premium, minimalist interior with high-quality materials.
• Exceptional NVH insulation for a quiet ride.
• Strong 425 km range and fast charging (30–80% in 25 minutes).
• Competitive pricing at ₱1.8 million (~$32,000/₹27 lakh).
• Class-leading Fly Audio system with headrest speakers.

❌ Cons:

• Lane Keep Assist is shaky and needs refinement.
• No Android Auto limits smartphone compatibility.
• Soft suspension causes body roll and bouncy ride on bumps.
• Inaccurate speed limit alerts are intrusive and persistent.
• Generic handling lacks excitement for spirited drivers.

Competitor Comparison

Comparison Analysis:

• Vs. BYD Atto 3: The EX5 offers more power (218 vs. 201 hp) and a slightly better range (425 vs. 410 km). Its interior feels more premium, but the Atto 3 has better software integration (including Android Auto) and a stronger brand presence in EVs.
• Vs. Tesla Model Y: The Model Y’s 510 km range and 350+ hp outclass the EX5, but its ₱3.5M+ price is nearly double. The EX5 is a budget-friendly alternative with comparable daily usability.
• Vs. MG ZS EV: The EX5’s 218 hp and 425 km range surpass the ZS EV’s 174 hp and 400 km, while its interior and tech feel more upscale for a similar price.

Comparison Verdict:

The EX5 hits a sweet spot—premium features and performance at a fraction of the Tesla’s cost. It edges out the BYD Atto 3 in refinement but needs software polish to match its rival’s tech ecosystem.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Geely EX5 marks a bold leap for Geely, proving it can compete with EV heavyweights. Its sleek, aerodynamic design, whisper-quiet cabin, and premium features like the Fly Audio system and panoramic sunroof make it a standout. My 70 km test drive confirmed its 380–400 km real-world range, fast charging, and family-friendly practicality, though soft suspension and ADAS quirks (notably the annoying speed limit alert) hold it back from perfection. Priced at ₱1.8 million, it’s a compelling choice for urban commuters in Manila, Bangalore, or Jakarta seeking value and refinement.

Overall Rating: 8.8/10

• Design: 9.0 – Sleek and futuristic, with top-tier aerodynamics.
• Comfort: 9.2 – Plush seats and a quiet cabin rival luxury EVs.
• Tech & Features: 8.7 – Impressive but missing Android Auto.
• Driving Experience: 8.5 – Smooth and refined, not sporty.
• Value for Money: 9.0 – Premium features at a budget price.

Geely’s challenge lies in proving its after-sales reliability, an area where previous distributors faltered. If Geely nails service, the EX5 could redefine affordable EVs.

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