Geely EX5 car review: Family-focused EV that’s big on value

For years the group has sat behind the scenes as the owner of Volvo, Polestar, Lotus and London taxi maker LEVC. Now it wants a slice of the action in its own right with this all‑electric C‑segment SUV.

The EX5 had already been launched in 33 countries by the time it arrived here late last year as the spearhead of an ambitious plan. Geely is targeting 100,000 annual UK sales by 2030, alongside a wider European push that will see 15 new models rolled out over the next five years.

Geely EX5 Max (Image: Newsquest)

That sounds like the sort of bold claim we’ve heard before from new‑to‑the‑UK brands, but the EX5 doesn’t feel like a half‑baked toe in the water.

On paper, it’s pitching straight into the heart of the market as a mid‑size family SUV, with the external footprint of something like a VW ID.4 but pricing more in line with smaller mainstream EVs.

There’s only one battery size – 60.2kWh – and a single‑motor, front‑wheel‑drive layout. It develops 215bhp and can go from 0-62 mph in 7.1 seconds, with smooth and linear power delivery.

Geely EX5 Max (Image: Newsquest)

That’s swift enough, but the EX5 generally feels very much set up for a gentle life rather than back‑road thrills.

It’s not especially sporty, and the steering is light and rather remote, so keen drivers won’t find much to engage with here.

Where the car feels more at home is in everyday use – commuting, school runs and a steady cruise on the M62 or M1 – where its easy-going character comes to the fore and it proves a quiet, relaxing way to travel.

Geely is going for value, space and a hefty standard kit list. There are three trim levels – SE, Pro and Max.

Geely EX5 Max (Image: Newsquest)

Inside, the EX5 makes a strong first impression. The cabin quality is genuinely impressive for a sub‑£40,000 SUV, with soft‑touch plastics, convincing artificial leather and neat patterned trim that give it a decidedly upmarket flavour. In higher‑spec versions you get toys such as heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a big panoramic glass roof and a powerful branded stereo.

Space is another strong card. Rear legroom is excellent, with a flat floor and generous space for adults to stretch out. The compromise comes in the boot, which is smaller than those of several key rivals.

Dominating the dashboard is a 15.4‑inch touchscreen, which controls almost everything from navigation to heating. It looks sharp, the graphics are crisp and the system responds quickly, but it’s not without its frustrations. Too many core functions are buried a couple of presses deep in sub‑menus, and the native satnav can lag slightly behind your true position.

With its 60.2kWh battery and single‑motor set‑up, the EX5 offers a claimed range in the mid‑200s miles depending on trim, which is broadly in line with similarly priced rivals. In mixed real‑world use you can expect something in that ballpark if you’re not heavy‑footed, and the car supports DC rapid charging at competitive speeds. What you don’t get is the option of a bigger battery pack, and that does limit its appeal for drivers who routinely cover big distances between charges.

Charging is one of the EX5’s stronger suits for the sort of medium‑range use it’s aimed at.

On a proper rapid charger, the EX5 will go from about 10% to 80% in roughly half an hour,

Taken as Geely’s opening statement to British buyers, the EX5 is a quietly convincing piece of work. It is smooth and undemanding to drive, the cabin looks and feels more upmarket than the price might suggest, and rear‑seat space in particular is excellent.

Geely EX5 Max

PRICE: £36,990

0-62MPH: 7.1 seconds

TOP SPEED: 109mph

POWER: 215bhp

RANGE: 255 miles (WLTP)

BATTERY: 60.2kWh

BODY TYPE: SUV

MAX CHARGE SPEED: 160kW