The Geely Ex5 is certainly an intriguing new electric vehicle, offering a compelling package of features and value that might make it seem like an ideal choice for many. Its affordability, spacious interior, and surprising performance are definite draws. However, like any vehicle, especially a newcomer to the market, it’s not without its drawbacks. For a truly informed decision, it’s crucial to look beyond the positives and understand the potential compromises.
Having thoroughly reviewed the Geely Ex5, I’ve identified several key areas where it might fall short of expectations for certain buyers. My aim is to provide a candid, balanced perspective, highlighting the “problems” or limitations that could be significant for your specific needs.
Before you commit to this new EV, join me as we explore the Top 5 Reasons to AVOID the Geely Ex5 EV, ensuring you’re fully aware of its potential downsides!
1. Persistent and Irritating Low-Speed Chime
This is arguably the most significant and frustrating drawback for daily driving.
- The Annoyance: The Geely Ex5 emits a constant, irritating chime when the car is traveling under 30 km/h. This sound is a mandatory safety feature in some markets (designed to alert pedestrians to the silent approach of an EV), but its implementation in the Ex5 is particularly intrusive.
- Impact on User Experience: The reviewer explicitly states, “I hate it so much.” This constant noise can be incredibly distracting and grating, especially in urban traffic, parking lots, or residential areas where low-speed driving is common. It significantly detracts from the otherwise quiet and comfortable EV experience.
- Lack of Control: Currently, there’s no option to disable or reduce the volume of this chime via settings or an over-the-air (OTA) software update, making it a persistent nuisance.
2. Lack of a Tow Rating (Currently)
For many potential car buyers, especially in regions like New Zealand or Australia where towing is common, the absence of a tow rating is a major limitation.
- No Towing Capability: At the time of review, the Geely Ex5 does not have an official tow rating. This means it cannot legally or safely tow trailers, caravans, or boats.
- Impact on Utility: If your lifestyle or work requires any form of towing, this immediately makes the Ex5 unsuitable. While it’s common for some Chinese cars to launch without a tow rating (often added later), its current absence is a significant functional drawback.
- Regional Disparity: This also highlights a difference in market needs, as towing is less common in China compared to Western markets.
3. No ‘Frunk’ (Front Trunk) Storage
While the Geely Ex5 excels in interior and boot storage, it misses out on a convenience that many EV owners appreciate.
- Missing EV Convenience: Unlike many electric vehicles that utilize the space under the bonnet for a ‘frunk’ (front trunk) for charging cables, small bags, or other items, the Ex5 offers no storage space at the front.
- Under-Bonnet Contents: Opening the bonnet reveals only the air conditioning system and other components, meaning you’ll have to store all your cargo in the rear boot.
- Minor Inconvenience: While not a deal-breaker for everyone, the absence of a frunk can be an inconvenience for quickly stashing charging cables or small items without needing to access the main boot.
4. Unrefined Voice Recognition System
In modern cars, voice commands are increasingly becoming a seamless way to interact with vehicle features. The Ex5’s system, however, needs significant improvement.
- Limited Understanding: The voice recognition system currently “needs some finesse” and doesn’t understand all commands. Simple requests like “Turn on seat massage” might be met with a generic “I am learning this function. Please try again later.”
- Impact on Convenience: This means you’ll often have to resort to using the touchscreen for commands that should ideally be voice-activated, detracting from the hands-free convenience expected in a modern vehicle.
- Potential for Improvement: While this is a common issue with new car systems and can often be fixed with OTA software updates, its current state is a drawback.
5. Cumbersome Physical Volume Knob
While a physical volume knob is often preferred over touchscreen controls for safety and tactile feedback, the Ex5’s implementation has a significant flaw.
- Excessive Twisting: The large physical volume knob on the dashboard requires an excessive number of twists to significantly adjust the volume. Turning the volume from low to high feels like “making a phone call in 1912,” requiring multiple rotations.
- Ergonomic Flaw: This makes quick volume adjustments cumbersome and distracting, undermining the very benefit of having a physical control.
- Software Fixable: Fortunately, this is likely a software calibration issue that could be easily fixed with an over-the-air update. However, in its current state, it’s an annoying daily interaction.
Conclusion: A Value-Packed EV with Notable Quirks
The Geely Ex5 undeniably offers a compelling package for its price, with impressive space, comfort, performance, and groundbreaking features like V2L and V2V charging. However, potential buyers must weigh these advantages against its notable drawbacks.
The persistent low-speed chime, current lack of a tow rating, absence of a frunk, unrefined voice recognition, and the cumbersome volume knob are all factors that could significantly impact your daily driving experience. If these specific compromises are deal-breakers for your lifestyle or preferences, then understanding these reasons to avoid the Geely Ex5 is paramount for making an informed purchasing decision.
Ultimately, the Ex5 is a value-packed EV, but it’s not without its quirks. Your decision should hinge on whether its strengths outweigh these specific limitations for your needs.
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!
