Gleeful Driving in the Geely EX5 Electric SUV.

The Geely EX5 is a spacious electric SUV from China and part of the global Geely Auto Group. A spacious and comfortable car that provided a joyful driving experience, which Jeremy Webb enjoyed on many journeys, even the one to the local tip. Find out what he has to say about the first vehicle from the brand.

Electric vehicles are coming to the market thick and fast, so to stand out from the ever-growing crowd, manufacturers have to make their models special. The Geely EX5 has its good points, some bad points, but no exceptional attributes. Skoda has the superb Elroq, Renault has its Scenic, and Kia has the EV3, and you would be hard-pressed to choose between these vehicles.

The Geely EX5 lineup offers a single battery option and comes in three trim levels: SE, Pro, and Max. The Geely EX5 may not be the most exhilarating car to drive, but it is not designed for sporty drivers. Instead, it is a family SUV that prioritises comfort, space, and practicality—qualities essential when choosing a utility vehicle.

The EX5 is equipped with a single battery and a single electric motor. This motor is mounted on the front axle. While this setup can sometimes lead to excessive wheelspin at low speeds (as seen with the Skywell BE11), the EX5 handles its 320 Nm of torque very well.

It accelerates quickly to 62 mph and delivers power smoothly; there is no noticeable surge, and even at higher speeds, the EX5 maintains responsive performance. The throttle mapping is well-designed, providing a slight give in the pedal before the car responds. We prefer this gradual response to an overly sensitive one.

The EX5 features a classic SUV design, and upon entering, you will notice a high driving position that offers excellent all-around visibility. Although it is larger than many of its competitors, the EX5 feels surprisingly manageable in urban settings, largely due to its exceptionally light steering. You can adjust the steering weight through the driving mode options on the display. However, at low speeds, regardless of the setting, you can easily operate the steering with just one finger.

The EX5 allows you to adjust regenerative braking strength, though it does not feature a one-pedal driving mode. Even at the highest of the three settings, the brake regeneration feels quite gentle, and there is a slight delay in response. When you switch to the middle setting, it feels as if the EX5 is coasting without any braking input.

We have only tested the EX5 with the standard 19-inch wheels available on the Pro and Max trims, while the SE trim comes with 18-inch wheels. However, we did not find ourselves wanting the smaller wheels, as the EX5's ride quality at low speeds is excellent. The suspension is soft, effectively handling speed bumps without sacrificing stability.

Every EX5 comes equipped with an impressive array of driver-assistance technology, much of which is very useful for city driving. While the 360-degree camera (a remarkable feature for a car in this price range) did not fully earn my trust, the rear-view camera provided a clear, helpful image.

Geely consulted Lotus for advice on the EX5's chassis development. While Lotus is not conventionally associated with all-electric family SUVs, it provided valuable feedback on the EX5, according to Geely.

The EX5 offers surprising stability in corners, and its brakes are effective in reducing speed. However, the steering feels somewhat lifeless, leaving the driver less engaged. Weighing in at 1,765 kg, the EX5 is lighter than many of its competitors. This reduced body roll in corners can be attributed to both its weight and the battery's placement.

Overall, comfort is generally good on winding back roads, although you may feel bumps more pronounced than you would in a Skoda Elroq or a Ford Puma Gen-E. At times, the EX5's ride can feel a bit floaty, which might detract from the overall driving experience.

At motorway speeds, the Geely demonstrates commendable refinement, which is appreciated in a family-oriented SUV. The powertrain operates almost silently, only producing a hum at low speeds, while wind and road noise are effectively muted. We wouldn't hesitate to rely on the EX5's battery for long journeys.

The ride quality is generally compliant, though the suspension can feel a bit floaty at times. The steering is light, but it firms up at higher speeds, reducing the need for constant adjustments. However, it still lacks a pleasant feel.

Driver aids like lane-keep assist are not overly intrusive in the Geely, but we found ourselves turning them off frequently via the touchscreen. The same goes for the driver-attention assist feature. Additionally, we noticed that the forward collision warning system was a bit too sensitive, alerting us to potential dangers even when there was no immediate threat.

The range and charging speeds of the Geely EX5 Max are quite competitive, and the promise of a larger battery adds to its appeal. Most of Geely's rivals offer a range of around 260 to 270 miles, so the EX5 is in the right range. However, vehicles with larger wheels may experience a slight decrease in range, which is further impacted by a heavier curb weight due to additional features.

During my testing of the Geely EX5 Max, I observed a predicted range of 205 miles, which was influenced by performance tests and the use of heated and massaging seats. Additionally, the air-conditioning system drew 5% of the battery's power. Fortunately, a heat pump is standard across all trim levels of the EX5, helping prepare the battery for optimal efficiency in colder months.

The EX5 has enough space to accommodate a larger battery, and Geely, which manufactures its own batteries, is considering introducing one with a usable capacity of approximately 70 kWh. This could provide over 300 miles of range, allowing Geely to offer another version of the EX5 that competes with higher-capacity models like the Elroq and EV3, as well as the 381-mile Renault Scenic E-Tech.

Additionally, the EX5 boasts a respectable charging speed of 160 kW. This rate is higher than that of the Renault Scenic and the smaller battery options available for the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and Kia EV3. Geely claims that charging from 30% to 80% will only take 20 minutes in the EX5.

Geely has opted for a safe, minimalist interior design for the EX5. We can expect a similar approach for the upcoming EX2, which is a positive choice since the EX5's cabin is quite pleasant. Personally, I found the all-black interior a bit dull and preferred the two-tone version. The EX5 features a white lower section and a darker upper section, creating an interior that feels bright and open. I have some concerns about how the light upholstery will hold up to family use, especially on journeys involving drinks.

The dashboard layout is simple and uncluttered, with a large touchscreen dominating the view. Neither the touchscreen nor the driver’s display is integrated into the dashboard, but the arrangement of air vents against various materials and colours still maintains a classy appearance. The top-spec Max versions also feature 256-colour ambient lighting.

While we have encountered relatively poor build quality in some Chinese cars focused on value in recent years, the EX5 stands out. Although a few components, such as the flimsy steering wheel buttons and the questionable wood-grain trim on the centre console, feel less solid than those of some competitors, the Geely compensates in other areas. The faux leather used on the seats, dashboard, and doors is of acceptable quality, and we did not notice any creaks or rattles during our test drive.

The vehicle features minimal physical controls, with many functions managed through the central touchscreen. A 15.4-inch display is standard across all models, offering excellent resolution and responsiveness. This is essential, as users often need to navigate multiple menus for routine tasks, such as adjusting heated seats. Apple CarPlay is available, and Android Auto will be offered via an over-the-air update soon. This is a positive development, as we found the infotainment system slightly awkward to use, especially while driving.

The vehicle's top trim level comes with a 13.8-inch head-up display that is straightforward and clear. It even includes a "snow mode" that changes the display's colour to blue.

One physical control available is the rotary dial located on the centre console. This dial can be programmed to quickly adjust audio, temperature, fan speed, or even the touchscreen's wallpaper settings—though it's a bit unusual that wallpaper settings are the default choice.

Instead of collaborating with well-known audio brands like Harman Kardon, Bose, or Bang & Olufsen, Geely developed its own sound system called Flyme. This 16-speaker system is available only on the Max trim and includes a 1000W amplifier, several subwoofers, and headrest speakers. It's an impressive option and a valuable upgrade for music enthusiasts.

The Geely EX5 offers a very practical, family-friendly boot space, making it a versatile option for transporting passengers, luggage, and other items. Inside the EX5, you'll find numerous storage pockets and compartments that offer a fun challenge to discover. This feature is especially beneficial for families who need convenient places to store items like tablets, snacks, and toys.

As one of the largest vehicles in its class, Geely claims the EX5 is nearly a D-segment SUV. Its upright design is distinctly SUV-inspired, even though it lacks off-road capabilities.

A standout feature of the EX5 is the ability to fold the front seats flat, provided the headrests are removed. This configuration becomes even more practical when considering the EX5's V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) charging capability.

The Max-trimmed Geely EX5 benefits from several practical features, including heated front seats and a powered leg rest for the front passenger seat. While it might seem unusual at first, it adds a luxurious, limo-like feel to the front. The seats are well-cushioned and provide solid side support. It's best to choose the entry-level SE trim, which offers a variety of desirable features, including a wireless smartphone charger, tinted windows, a heated faux-leather steering wheel, keyless entry, and an exterior surround camera. The SE trim also offers a slightly longer driving range, and we believe the smaller wheels will contribute to a more comfortable ride. Regardless of which EX5 model you select, you'll find excellent value for your money.

There's ample space both in the front and rear. Even tall adults sitting in the second row will have plenty of legroom, and the SUV's profile ensures excellent headroom as well. Additionally, in the rear, there's a clever sliding drawer beneath the middle passenger seat. With a capacity of 14 litres, it's a smart solution for storing items that you don't use frequently.

Geely provides several boot capacity options. With the boot floor at its highest position, flush with the loading lip, the capacity is 302 litres. If you lower the floor, the boot expands to 410 litres. Additionally, beneath this section, there is a storage box that holds 51 litres, where you will find the on-board charger and tyre repair kit.

While these figures may seem small compared to the Ford Puma Gen-E's impressive 556-litre boot, the EX5’s boot, particularly its 1.1-meter width, is expected to be quite practical.

Geely’s warranty scheme plays a key role in building trust in the EX5. It offers a base coverage of six years, with the option to extend for an additional two years or up to 125,000 miles. The battery is covered for the same mileage and up to 8 years, which is fairly standard in the industry.

In terms of safety, the EX5 comes equipped with an impressive array of standard technology. Features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, emergency lane assist, emergency manoeuvre assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, door-open warning, and a 360-degree camera system.

Summing up, the Geely EX5 is a practical, comfortable, and spacious car that is jolly to drive. It is fast enough and handles everyday tasks with aplomb, so you won't be disappointed if you opt to buy one. The price is also extremely attractive for the benefits you get, which is a fantastic reason to take a test drive in a Geely EX5.

£32000