The arrival of the Geely EX5 marks a significant moment for the UK car market. While the Geely name may be unfamiliar to many British buyers, its influence is anything but small. Geely is the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Smart, and London taxi manufacturer LEVC.
The EX5 is the first model launched in the UK under a new standalone Geely brand, and it represents the opening move in a broader product offensive. Up to nine Geely-branded models are expected to arrive in the UK over the next three years, including a plug-in hybrid scheduled for launch in early 2026. Backing this push is a rapidly expanding dealer network, with 25 sites already open and plans to reach around 100 dealerships by the end of 2026.
Pricing and Market Positioning
One of the Geely EX5’s strongest selling points is its pricing. With a starting price of £31,995, it enters the highly competitive C-segment SUV market, going head-to-head with familiar names such as the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, unlike those rivals, the EX5 is fully electric, giving it a clear strategic advantage.
Its closest electric competitors include the Renault Scenic E-Tech, BYD Atto 3, MG S5, and Skoda Enyaq.
Although the EX5 does not qualify for the UK government’s electric car grant, Geely is offsetting this with generous in-house incentives. Discounts range from £2,300 on the SE to £3,750 on the range-topping Max, bringing the entry-level EX5 to below £30,000. In this segment, only the MG S5 undercuts it on price. Buyers are also offered a choice between a £499 home charger or a £500 prepaid public charging card.
Trim Levels and Equipment
The EX5 range is simple and clearly structured. The entry-level SE is generously equipped, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, surround-view cameras, keyless entry, satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The Pro trim costs £2,000 more and primarily adds larger 19-inch wheels, making it more of a cosmetic upgrade. At the top of the range, the Max version is priced at £36,995 and adds premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, ventilated and massaging front seats, a head-up display, and Geely’s distinctive FlyMe audio system. Importantly, all trims use the same powertrain, so performance does not vary across the range.
Interior Design and Practicality
Externally, the Geely EX5 is fairly anonymous, lacking strong visual character. Inside, however, it impresses. The cabin feels solidly built, with good-quality materials and a clean, modern layout. A rising centre console creates a cocooned driving position, housing a wireless charging pad, cupholders, physical controls, and a large storage area beneath.
Geely deserves credit for avoiding a fully button-free interior. There is a proper volume knob, traditional steering column stalks, and physical mirror adjustment buttons. The 15.4-inch central touchscreen controls most functions, but the interface is more intuitive than many recent Chinese rivals. Apple CarPlay is supported, although Android Auto is notably absent.
Rear seat space is generous, comfortably accommodating three adults. A clever pull-out drawer beneath the rear bench adds extra storage, while the boot offers 302 litres, plus an additional 108 litres under the floor, similar in concept to the Ford Puma’s Megabox.
Safety and Technology
The EX5 earns strong safety credentials with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It comes well equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with lane-change assist, autonomous emergency braking, and surround-view cameras. A separate digital instrument cluster also improves usability, reducing reliance on the central screen while driving.
Performance, Range, and Charging
All Geely EX5 models use a 218PS electric motor paired with a 62kWh battery, delivering a claimed range of up to 267 miles. Real-world efficiency averages around 3.6 miles per kWh, translating to roughly 234 miles in everyday driving.
Acceleration figures are respectable, with 0–62mph in 6.9 seconds, though the EX5 feels more progressive than punchy. Throttle response is softer than many EVs, prioritising smoothness over instant shove.
Ride quality is mixed. The EX5 is comfortable over speed bumps but struggles on rougher roads, where potholes and ruts are felt more harshly than expected. Handling is safe and neutral rather than engaging, with good grip from its Goodyear tyres and sharp brakes. Fast charging performance is competitive, with 10–80% achieved in 28 minutes at speeds of up to 160kW.
Ownership and Warranty
Geely backs the EX5 with an eight-year warranty and two years of free servicing, which should reassure buyers new to the brand. Combined with aggressive pricing and high equipment levels, this makes the EX5 a low-risk proposition for EV-curious customers.
Verdict
The Geely EX5 may not be the most exciting electric SUV to drive or look at, but it excels where it matters most: price, space, equipment, and warranty support. With strong discounts bringing it below £30,000 and a growing UK dealer network, it is well positioned to sell in healthy numbers. For buyers prioritising value and practicality over badge prestige, the Geely EX5 makes a compelling case.
