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I attended the official UK launch of the Geely EX5, the first model from Geely’s newly launched UK brand. It was my first chance to see the car up close, and it’s clear Geely is serious about making an impact in the UK market.
Geely’s ambitious UK launch
For those unfamiliar, Geely is one of China’s largest car manufacturers, and the name behind some of the world’s best-known automotive brands, including Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Smart, and LEVC (makers of London’s electric black cabs). Now, they’re bringing their own cars to the UK, starting with the all-electric EX5 SUV.
The brand has launched with 25 UK retailers already in place, partnering with well-known dealer groups. Geely plans to double that number by the end of 2026, underscoring its commitment to establishing a long-term presence in the UK.
Premium feel, excellent value
The Geely EX5 is a midsize electric SUV around 4.6 metres long, placing it squarely alongside cars like the Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Skoda Enyaq. But what really stands out is the level of equipment and quality on offer for the price.
Even in the entry-level SE model, you get a 360° camera, cruise control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a heat pump as standard.
Moving up to the Pro and Max trims brings a more luxurious feel, with the top-spec Max adding ventilated and massaging front seats, a 16-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a head-up display.
Sitting inside, the quality genuinely surprised me. It feels modern and well-built, with soft materials and a clear, intuitive infotainment setup.
Power, range and charging
Under the bonnet (or more accurately, under the floor), the EX5 uses a 60kWh LFP battery paired with a 215hp electric motor driving the front wheels. This gives the EX5 a solid 267-mile (WLTP) range and a 0-62mph acceleration of 6.9 seconds, which feels brisk enough for a family SUV. The top spec Max trim offers a slightly shorter 255-mile range due to its additional equipment.
What impressed me most was the 160kW DC charging speed, which allows you to top up from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes – much faster than several similarly priced rivals.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality is also included as standard, letting you power external devices directly from the car’s battery – perfect for camping trips, tools, or outdoor events.
Pricing and the “Geely Grant”
Geely has made a bold statement with its pricing. The EX5 starts at £31,990 for the SE, £33,990 for the Pro, and £36,990 for the Max. On top of that, they’ve introduced their own ‘Geely Grant’, offering:
- £2,300 off the SE
- £3,200 off the Pro
- £3,750 off the Max
Every model comes with an 8-year / 125,000-mile warranty, Green Flag roadside assistance, and a £500 contribution towards an Andersen home charger or Octopus Electroverse charging credit. It’s a very consumer-friendly package that strengthens the EX5’s overall value.
Developed with Lotus engineering
As part of the wider Geely Group, Lotus Engineering has been involved in developing the EX5 for UK roads. The model on show at launch was essentially the same as the Australian version, but future iterations will include specific suspension and handling tweaks based on Lotus’s evaluation of British driving conditions.
My verdict
The Geely EX5 makes a strong first impression. It’s comfortable, well-equipped, and smartly priced – and the partnership with Lotus Engineering gives me confidence that future models will only get better.
It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it delivers high-quality technology and comfort at a price that’s hard to ignore. For UK drivers who want a feature-packed electric SUV without spending premium-brand money, the EX5 could be a very appealing option.
Geely has already confirmed plans to launch around ten new electrified models in the UK by 2030, with four arriving by the end of 2026. That ambition reflects the rapid growth of Chinese electric brands across the UK, which are offering real competition to more established European and Korean manufacturers.
This is just the beginning for Geely in the UK, and after seeing what they’ve achieved with their first model, I’m excited to see what comes next.
Looking for a new car?
The Geely EX5 has officially landed in the UK. You can now explore the latest Geely EX5 lease deals on our website by clicking the button below.
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