2025 Geely EX5 review: Cheaper than a Tesla Model Y in Australia, and with a more joyful cabin, but they need to fix the way it drives

The latest new brand from China to arrive in Australia is Geely. Well, technically, the Geely Holdings group is already in Australia, with Zeekr, Smart, Volvo and Polestar all offering EVs under the brand’s oversight.

But the actual Geely brand is the next to launch in Australia, and when it arrives in the first half of 2025, the EX5 electric SUV will be the first vehicle it offers.

Yes, it is yet another midsize crossover EV, and yes, you’ll likely instantly compare it to the segment-dominating Tesla Model Y. But according to the brand, this EV is designed to be more “approachable” on price than others in the medium-size SUV space.

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There is still lots of work to be done ahead of the brand’s launch in Australia, but after a brief drive of the Geely EX5 in its homeland of China, it promises to be a compelling choice for customers — if the pricing is right.

2025 Geely EX5 price and equipment

We can’t say exactly what the Geely EX5 will cost, but as mentioned, the team bringing it to Australia has said that they’re looking to launch at an “approachable” price point.

What that means, to our thinking, is that this will be priced closer to a BYD Atto 3 (from $44,499 plus on-roads) than to a Tesla Model Y (from $55,900 plus on-roads).

So, in other words, a similar approach to, say, the Leapmotor C10, which starts at $45,888 (MSRP). If that’s the case, it’ll be off to a strong start.

And when it comes to what you’re getting for your money, the details aren’t confirmed yet, – but as with many other brands that are entering the market, the approach is expected to be one that includes a strong standard kit list.

In the vehicles I drove in China, there were standard 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting around the car, keyless entry, a panoramic glass roof, an electric boot and a choice of a few daringly different exterior colours.

Inside? Plenty of cool stuff, including a 15.4-inch touchscreen media system with sat nav, connected services and expected smartphone mirroring tech, 16-speaker Flyme sound system (including front headrest speakers), 10-inch driver info screen, head-up display, dual-zone climate control, and there are electrically adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions. 

It is likely that Australia will see a couple of variants, so the exact specs could determine your decision. And it remains to be seen if Geely will sell both battery versions in Australia, too.

The shorter-range models in China have a 49.5kWh lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) short-blade battery pack with a CLTC claimed range of up to 440km, but remember – that testing regime is far more lenient.

The longer-range 60.2kWh LFP battery pack is more likely for us, and it has a more realistic WLTP rated range of 430km. Still, well below many rivals with 500km plus, but most of those vehicles cost more. 

The powertrain is an 11-in-1 drive unit from Infimotion, and it weighs just under 80kg – while overall, this is claimed to be a fairly light EV, around 1700kg. The outputs are strong, at 160kW and 320Nm, enough to allegedly propel it from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds, and it uses a single-speed transmission to send power to the front wheels. 

The AC charging rate for all models is 11kW, and DC is capped at 100kW. According to Geely, that means a 30-80% charge in 20 mins. 

Geely hasn’t crash-tested the car yet, but the brand says it is aiming for five-star safety, with every box ticked in terms of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). And, beyond that, Geely says it will calibrate that ADAS tech to suit Aussie users, too. 

No ownership considerations have been published as yet, but the brand has told us that it wants to get off on the right foot with buyers, with a traditional dealership network and servicing locations, not to mention a strong warranty for the car (expect five years, at a minimum) and battery pack (likely eight years).

It is a bit smaller than the likes of the Leapmotor and Model Y, at 4615mm long, 1901mm wide and 1670mm tall, and it rides on a 2750mm wheelbase.

2025 Geely EX5: What we think

The car I drove at Ningbo International Track — yes, a globally recognised racetrack, with a helmet and everything! – was a Chinese-spec version.

And, according to Geely’s Aussie peeps, our cars won’t drive the same. Thankfully, I’d say, given to overly soft suspension, hard-to-judge steering, and ridiculously invasive traction system that wouldn’t allow us to accelerate out of corners for fear of it actually being mildly fun.

Australian models will have a specific suspension geometry tuning for our market, not to mention the ADAS calibration for safety assist and lane keep assist (and hopefully the traction control system, too!).

So, drivewise, it was underwhelming. But as Geely kept reminding us, this is a Chinese-spec model, and our car will be different. And hopefully a lot better and more enjoyable to drive.

However, the interior is a sanctuary of special feeling stuff, and smart storage too. There’s heaps of space in the second row, reclinable seats, an airy feeling cabin and some funky (but not cringey) interior design facets, too.

Boot space is also a win, with 461 litres of cargo space, a hidden storage well below the boot floor – but there’s no spare wheel on offer. Aussie cars will also feature a front storage area under the bonnet, too.

2025 Geely EX5: Verdict

Score: 3.5/5

If the pricing and calibration is right for our market, it could be a game changer. But until we know those finer details and can report back on the drive impressions, we’ll play it safe with the rating for this newcomer.

2025 Geely EX5 price and specifications

Price: Expected to start at less than $50,000 
Basics: EV, 5 seats, 5 doors, SUV, FWW
Range: 430km (WLTP)
Battery capacity: 60.2kWh
Battery warranty: TBC
Energy consumption: 11.9kWh/100km (CLTC)
Motor: 1 front 160W/320Nm
AC charging: 11kW, Type 2 plug
DC charging: 100kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds