There’s another new kid on the block in the UK electric SUV market – and this one comes with a name that even native drivers might find challenging to get their tongues around. The Geely EX5 – arriving in Britain as the first model from Geely’s core brand to be made available here – enters a hyper-competitive marketplace bearing an unusual promise: big-car space at small-car prices.
It’s easy to miss at first glance. The Geely EX5 takes it easy and is so understated that it could be mistaken for just another car in a parking lot. But while the exterior whispers, the inside shouts—providing unexpected luxury, lavish rear-seat legroom, and a techy cabin that packs well above its weight class.
A Quiet Debut for a Not-So-Quiet Auto Giant
Geely itself is far from new. What started in 1986 as a refrigerator-parts project has now turned into an international heavyweight, either owning or having stakes in Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Smart, LEVC and even partial stakes in Aston Martin and Renault’s Horse Powertrain. The Geely EX5 might be the first product to feature the Geely name in Europe, but the impressive engineering resource behind it most definitely isn’t.
Curiously enough, the EX5 had already gone on sale in China, Australia, Thailand and Indonesia before coming to Great Britain. It was treated to a distinctive suspension tune for the British market by Lotus Engineering, however, bringing age-old “Handling by Lotus” badge credibility to an EV era.
Price Like a Compact SUV, Size Like a Big One
The size of the Geely EX5 is bigger than many of its direct peers like the Peugeot e-2008, Kia EV3, Renault Scenic and BYD Atto 2. But Geely has kept pricing modest, in part because it refused to charge steep import duties to make the cars profitable:
- EX5 SE — £29,690
- EX5 Pro — £30,790
- EX5 Max — £33,240
These prices incorporate Geely’s stop-gap “EV Grant” that will be in place until 2025. It’s situated to entice buyers who require space but don’t wish to pay big-SUV coin.
Interior: The Geely EX5’s Biggest Strength
Stand inside and the true nature of the EX5 is soon evident. The cabin is surprisingly high-end, with plush materials, geometric patterns and high-quality synthetic leather with thoughtful detailing. HIGHER TRIMS: They stack on features typically held by more upscale marques — massaging front seats, a 1000W FlyMe audio system, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and a sharp head-up display.
The headline feature? Rear-seat space that embarrasses rivals. Yes, even six-foot passengers can stretch out completely in the rear seats (limo-like legroom and a flat floor help.) There are extras such as additional charging ports, a fold-down armrest and even a nifty pull-out drawer underneath the seat to give practicality yet another leg up.
The compromise is a significantly smaller boot. Behind it are the Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, Nissan Ariya and MG S5 EV; all with 410 litres. Drop the modular floor down into its higher position, and the space drops to 302 litres.
Tech: Big Screen, Small Buttons
The dashboard is anchored by a 15.4-inch touchscreen, bright and responsive but hopelessly menu-dense. Key functions — climate, driving modes, safety settings — are buried behind layers of icons, so simple tasks turn into a chore. Physical buttons are not a design priority, although the steering wheel mercifully still packs in some switches instead of touch-sensitive pads.
Apple CarPlay is supported out of the box, and Android Auto will make its way to the system through an OTA update.
Battery, Range and Charging
The limitations of the Geely EX5 are its battery: there’s only one option, and it’s a 60.2kWh LFP pack, which offers an official WLTP range of 267 miles, according to both source reviews.
Performance is not exciting, but plenty fine. 0–62mph in 6.9 seconds, courtesy of a front motor producing 215–218hp, is brisk enough for day-to-day driving.
Charging is broadly competitive:
- AC (7kW) — 10–100% in ~6hrs
- DC Fast Charging — 30% to 80% in 20 minutes-28 minutes
- Peak DC rate — 160kW
In real-world testing, its efficiency claims are doable, although opponents like the Kia EV3 and the Skoda Elroq both offer long-range battery options which nudge above 350 miles – something Geely EX5 can’t match.
Driving: Comfortable, Not the Most Composed
The suspension tuning should be better than it is in any car built to date at the plant, says Troughton, where Lotus engineers have added more tautness to ward off the “floaty” ride so many Chinese EVs across town seem to inherit. The conclusion is a ride that manages to stay in control at higher speeds but starts jittering over anything more than moderately coarse tarmac.
Weaknesses are also found in the steering, which feels light and vague with little feedback though from the wheel. This isn’t a driver’s car; it is a serene A-to-B family transport with predictable behaviour.
Safety, Warranty & Ownership
In 2025, the Geely EX5 achieved a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP test, with particular strong performance in child occupant protection. Driver aids (blind spot, RCTA, adaptive cruise, lane change assist) are standard on all but the very base trim – though the occasional overbearing lane-keep and overspeed alert will test your patience.
Geely has one of the best EV warranties for sale:
- 8 years/12125,000 miles for the car and battery
- 4 years of roadside assistance
- 2 years free servicing
That’s an empowering package for any new market entrant.
Verdict: A Sensibly-Sized, Sensibly-Priced EV With Standout Comfort
The Geely EX5 isn’t going to win any style awards, but it may tick the right design boxes for long-distance drivers who require more than 270 miles of range.
But it will appeal to buyers who care about:
- Exceptional interior space
- A premium-feeling cabin
- Strong value for money
- Generous equipment
- Quick-charging capability
- A calm, comfortable drive
Suppose practicality and comfort weigh more in your priorities than driving dynamics and the achingly masochistic pursuit of maximum range. In that case, the Geely EX5 is arguably one of the most interesting sub-£30,000 electric SUVs on sale at present. A very English alternative to the latest shiny Euroboxes that’s soon likely to be a common sight on UK roads – quietly blending in, but doing families exactly what they need.
For more information about the Geely EX5, visit their official website.
👉 Please 📩SUBSCRIBE to us for more real-world EV analysis, news, and deep dives — written for EV fans by EV fans.
Hey, I’m Badal! I’m super passionate about cars—especially electric ones. Whether it’s EVs, electric trucks, bikes, or anything with a battery and wheels, I’m all in. I love writing blogs and articles that break things down for fellow enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do! Enjoyed reading? You can buy me a coffee on PayPal ☕ → paypal.me/BadalBanjare
