The Geely Ex5 Review: Good Value or Just Cheap? Unpacking China’s New EV Contender

If you’re stepping into the electric vehicle (EV) market for the first time, or simply looking for an EV that “just works” without breaking the bank, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving deep into the Geely Ex5, a new Chinese EV that has recently arrived in the Kiwi (Australia) market. In a world rapidly embracing electric mobility, the Ex5 aims to be a straightforward, no-fuss option.

But does the Geely Ex5 truly offer good value, or is it merely “just cheap”? As an automotive enthusiast and reviewer, I’ve taken this EV for a spin, exploring its performance, design, comfort, technology, and overall practicality. My goal is to provide you with a comprehensive, unbiased review to help you decide if this newcomer is the right fit for your electric journey.

Let’s unpack the Geely Ex5 and see if it stands out in the competitive EV landscape!

Models & Pricing: Choosing Your Electric Journey

The Geely Ex5 is available in two distinct models, catering to different needs and budgets:

  • Entry-Level “Complete” Model: Priced at AUD 52000, offering a reasonable range and core EV functionalities.
  • “Inspire” Model (Reviewed Here): This top-spec variant costs a little more but delivers “a bit more of well, everything,” providing a more feature-rich experience.

Performance: Surprising Power for Everyday Driving

Don’t let its family-car demeanor fool you; the Geely Ex5 packs a surprising punch under the hood. Powering the front wheels is an electric motor that delivers:

  • 160 kW of power
  • 320 Nm of torque

This instant torque is a hallmark of EVs, making even more affordable electric cars feel significantly “gruntier” than the average petrol vehicle. This translates into a very respectable 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds. To put that into perspective, the Ex5 is quicker and more powerful than even the sporty Mazda RX7 from the early 80s, showcasing its impressive acceleration for a family car. The vehicle is propelled by a 60.22 kWh battery pack, providing the necessary energy for its performance and range.

Design & Aesthetics: A Blend of Practicality and Modern Flair

The design of the Geely Ex5 is best described as handsome rather than overtly sexy. It’s not a car that will win beauty contests, but it certainly isn’t unappealing. Key design elements include:

  • Absence of a traditional grill at the front, common for EVs.
  • Sleek, slimline LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, giving it a distinctive look.
  • A visually striking Audi-esque large light strip extends across the rear, making the back arguably the car’s most attractive element.

From the side, the car maintains a “pretty average” profile, lacking strong, dramatic design cues. The entry-level model rides on 18-inch wheels, while the Inspire model (the one reviewed) steps up to larger 19-inch alloys, which, while not radical, complement the overall design well.

Interior Design & Comfort: Spacious, Airy, and Surprisingly Plush

Stepping inside the Geely Ex5, you’re greeted by an interior that prioritizes spaciousness, an airy feel, and surprising comfort. The design is relatively pleasant and minimalist, drawing comparisons to a Tesla Model Y but without the overly dark ambiance. Even the “Midnight” interior package, despite its name, isn’t pure black; it has a subtle purplish-bluish hue in sunlight. For those who prefer a brighter cabin, the top-spec model offers a “Cloud” option, which is significantly lighter, allowing much more light to flood in and creating a more open and inviting atmosphere.

A standout feature of the Inspire model is its massive panoramic glass roof. This not only brightens the cabin but also offers a unique party trick: the front section can actually be opened via voice commands or screen buttons, allowing you to stand up or get a better view, perhaps at a drive-in movie.

Comfort is a strong suit for the Ex5. The seats are upholstered in Geely’s own “G-Lux” material (a form of PVC), and despite this, the seats are remarkably comfortable. Key comfort features include:

  • Electronically adjustable front seats (six ways for the driver, four for the passenger).
  • Electronically raising calf supports in the passenger seat – a touch of luxury rarely seen in this segment.
  • Wide and supportive seats with good side bolstering.
  • Fully reclinable front seats, almost akin to an Air Australia Skycouch.
  • Heat pumps in all variants for efficient cabin heating and maximized range in colder weather.
  • CN95 air scrubbers in all models, capturing 95% of fine particulate matter for better cabin air quality.

Getting in and out of the car is also effortless, thanks to a comfortable seat height (around 69cm at its lowest setting), allowing you to simply slide in and out.

Space & Storage: Abundant Room for Life’s Adventures

The Geely Ex5 truly excels in providing generous interior space and clever storage solutions, making it an ideal family car.

The cabin offers ample room for occupants. As a standard adult male, I fit effortlessly, with “heaps of room” above my head and “so much legroom.” Even individuals up to 6.5 feet tall will find themselves comfortable. The rear seats are equally spacious, boasting “massive amounts of legroom,” “foot room,” and “heaps of headroom,” ensuring comfort for all passengers. Rear conveniences include a pull-down armrest with cup holders, ISOFIX points for child seats, a dedicated air vent, and USB charging ports.

Storage is a major highlight:

  • The rear seats cleverly conceal a massive pull-out drawer underneath.
  • The boot (trunk) on the top-spec model features an electronically automatic opening mechanism and offers a generous 410 liters of space, with a floor that can be dropped down another level for even more capacity.
  • Lifting that floor reveals even more hidden storage underneath – the car is truly “dripping with storage.”
  • When the back seats are folded down, the cargo area expands to a colossal 1,877 liters, surpassing the cargo capacity of a Skoda Enyaq electric station wagon.

However, it’s worth noting that, unlike some EVs, the Ex5 does not feature a front trunk (frunk); the bonnet reveals only the air conditioning system.

Gadgets & Technology: Smart Features for the Modern Driver

The Geely Ex5 is packed with intelligent features designed to enhance both the driving and passenger experience, making it a technologically advanced offering in its segment.

At the heart of the dashboard is a large 15.6-inch touchscreen display, which runs on Geely’s own Flyme operating system. This intuitive interface allows for easy control over various vehicle functions, including switching between driving modes like Sport, Comfort, and Eco.

Key technological highlights include:

  • A premium 1 kW, 16-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, and even speakers in the headrests for clear navigation instructions.
  • Seat massage functionality with various modes accessible via the touchscreen.
  • Heated front seats in all variants, with ventilated seats in the top-spec Inspire model.
  • Wireless charging pads (though only the driver’s side was confirmed functional in this review).
  • Heads-Up Display (HUD) in the top-spec model, projecting detailed information including surrounding cars.
  • A refreshing physical volume knob that also controls temperature, allowing for adjustments without taking eyes off the road.
  • Adaptive cruise control offering Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities.
  • Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, turning the car into a mobile power station for household appliances.
  • Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging, a groundbreaking feature allowing one Ex5 to charge another at 6 kW.

While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were not present at launch, Geely has promised their arrival soon (Apple CarPlay next month, Android Auto later this year), addressing a key connectivity need for many users.

Efficiency & Charging Speed: Surprising Performance

When it comes to EV efficiency and charging speed, the Geely Ex5 delivers some pleasant surprises. The official figures indicate the car uses 16.6 units of electricity per 100 km on average, a figure that was found to be accurate in real-world driving. This translates to an estimated 360 km of real-world range per charge for the top-spec Ex5 under typical driving conditions.

Regarding rapid charging, the Ex5 defied its own specifications. Despite the spec sheet stating a maximum charging speed of 100 kW, the car surprisingly ramped up to 120 kW at public rapid charging stations and maintained that speed until almost 70% charge. This allowed it to charge from 12% to 80% in only 26 minutes – just one minute longer than the new entry-level Tesla Model Y. This unexpectedly fast charging performance is a significant advantage for the Ex5.

Fit for Purpose & Minor Gripes

While the Ex5 has a lot to offer, a few minor issues were noted during the review. These include:

  • A significant annoyance is a constant chime that plays when the car is under 30 km/h, which is a mandatory safety feature in some markets but can be irritating.
  • The car currently does not have a tow rating, which might be a drawback for users who need to tow.
  • The voice recognition system, while functional, “needs some finesse” and doesn’t yet understand all commands.
  • The physical volume knob, while appreciated, requires an excessive number of twists to adjust the volume significantly, making it cumbersome.

Despite these minor gripes, most of which can be addressed via OTA updates, the car has a lot going for it. Simple things like the presenting door handles always work flawlessly, and the view from the rear windows is surprisingly decent, a refreshing change from many modern cars.

Warranty & Long-Term Value: Confidence in Your Investment

Geely offers a strong warranty package, instilling confidence in the Ex5’s reliability and long-term value. It comes with a generous 7-year unlimited kilometer mechanical warranty, providing extensive coverage for the vehicle’s components. Furthermore, the battery is covered by an excellent 8-year unlimited kilometer battery warranty. Beyond the warranty, EV batteries are known to last much longer, potentially decades, adding to the long-term value and peace of mind for owners.

Conclusion: A Practical, Comfortable, and Value-Driven EV for the Masses

The Geely Ex5 might possess a somewhat unassuming exterior, but it’s a remarkably competent and compelling electric vehicle, especially considering its price point. It truly delivers on its promise of being an EV that “just works” – reliably, comfortably, and efficiently.

It offers excellent value with a good balance of range and performance for its segment. The interior is spacious and comfortable, providing ample room for passengers and cargo, complemented by surprisingly luxurious features. It’s designed for ease of use and safety, making it a straightforward transition for first-time EV buyers. Furthermore, its low running costs and innovative features like V2L and V2V charging add significant practical benefits.

If you’re looking for an EV that prioritizes comfort, space, practicality, and innovative features, and you don’t mind a somewhat conservative exterior design, the Geely Ex5 is definitely worth checking out. It’s a strong contender for those seeking a reliable, value-driven entry into the electric vehicle world, offering a surprisingly complete package that defies its affordable price tag.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Geely Ex5 EV

Top 5 Reasons to AVOID the Geely Ex5 EV

What is the real-world range of the Geely Ex5?

The top-spec Geely Ex5 is estimated to get around 360 km (approx. 224 miles) per charge under real-world driving conditions, based on an efficiency of 16.6 units/100km.

How fast does the Geely Ex5 charge?

Surprisingly fast! It can rapid charge from 12% to 80% in just 26 minutes, often reaching speeds of 120 kW despite its official 100 kW maximum.

Does the Geely Ex5 have a ‘frunk’ (front trunk)?

No, unfortunately, the Geely Ex5 does not have a front trunk. The space under the bonnet is occupied by the air conditioning system.

What unique features does the Geely Ex5 offer?

It offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) to power external appliances and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging, allowing one Ex5 to charge another at 6 kW.

Is the Geely Ex5 comfortable for long drives?

Yes, it’s described as “agonizingly comfortable” with spacious seating, electronic adjustments, and features like passenger calf supports and good noise proofing.

how much is a Geely EX5?

Priced at AUD 52000, offering a reasonable range and core EV functionalities.

About the Author: Ecotricity NZ Welcome to Ecotricity NZ —Aotearoa, Australia’s only 100% renewable, climate-positive electricity provider 💚 Our mission is to power Australians to a 100% renewable energy future. On this channel, you’ll find: • Honest electric vehicle reviews for Kiwi drivers • Solar energy tips and future-proofing your home • Explainers on climate-positive, renewable energy and how the NZ grid works • Clean, green tech and innovation around the world • Anything and everything sustainable!

Source: Geely Ex5 : Good value or JUST cheap?

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