Comfort and audio stood out

The Flyme Audio system deserves more attention than it will probably get. In the higher trims, especially with the upgraded speaker setup and subwoofer, the sound quality is incredible for a car at this price. It feels like a proper premium audio system and helps the EX5 feel more expensive than it is.

The seats are very comfortable too, and the ventilated seats are a real highlight. The passenger seat folding out into a day bed sounds like a gimmick until you imagine using it while parked, charging or taking a break on a longer trip. That is the sort of real-world feature that makes sense once you actually spend time with the car.

If I could change one thing for the next generation, I would like Geely to add tilt adjustment to the base of the front seats. A little more support under the knee and thigh would help on longer journeys, especially for taller drivers.

First look and early access

I filmed with the EX5 before UK release. At the time I said, “I’m here today with something so brand new that it hasn’t even been released in the UK yet. This is the all-new Geely EX5.” That early workshop gave me a proper feel for the cabin quality and the UK chassis tune. The value story was obvious from the start. I then attended the official UK reveal at Magazine London on 23 October and saw the final spec and pricing confirmed.


A chat with James, Product Manager

I interviewed James, Geely’s Product Manager, to understand the strategy.

  • Why the EX5 first? It is Geely Auto’s first true global product and a mid-size SUV hits the biggest pool of buyers.
  • Energy focus: Launch efforts concentrate on new energy models. Battery electric first, with plug-in hybrid and hybrid in the wider plan.
  • One battery for now: 60.2 kWh usable across SE, Pro and Max.
  • Range by trim: SE 267 miles, Pro 258 miles, Max 255 miles.
  • Charging target: About 30 to 80 percent in roughly 20 minutes on a good 150 kW DC charger.
  • Retail footprint: Dealer sign-ups are underway with a national map rolling out.

That aligns with what I felt from the wheel. A simple range, keen prices, strong kit, and a use-case built around real families doing real miles.

Geely EX5 Dimensions and Size


Design and cabin

The EX5 is neat and unfussy outside. In person the Jade Green launch colour pops. The 19 inch wheels on Max suit the arches and the full-width rear light bar gives a clean signature.

Inside is the headline act.

  • Look and feel: Padded surfaces, tidy stitching, and tasteful trims. It feels a step above the price.
  • Screens: 15.4 inch centre display and 10.2 inch driver cluster, plus a head-up display on Max.
  • Controls: A rotary controller handles volume and assignable functions. Set your climate, heated seats and regen shortcuts on day one.
  • Audio: The 16-speaker FlyMe system with headrest speakers on Max is seriously impressive for a standard fit.
  • Clever storage: The rear under-seat drawer is brilliant for snacks, cables and kids’ bits.

From my notes while driving: “The sound dampening is strong. There is very little wind noise and very little tyre roar. It feels robust and well put together.”

Geely EX5 Interior


Space and practicality

  • Rear room: Excellent leg room thanks to the flat floor. I am close to six foot and had space to spare behind a tall driver.
  • Boot: 302 to 410 litres in typical setups, 461 litres counting the deep underfloor well. Height-adjustable floor helps keep loads flat.
  • Roof rails: Ready for bike racks or a roof box.
  • Family touches: Two ISOFIX points, big door bins, rear USB-A and USB-C, cupholders and that 14-litre drawer.

If you need the very biggest boot, some rivals go larger. If you want generous people space, the EX5 is up there with the best at this money.


On the road

Lotus Engineering supported the UK tune and you can feel it on broken B-roads. The EX5 aims for confidence and calm, not lap times.

  • Performance: 215 hp at the front wheels, 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds.
  • Drive modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport. I found steering best in Normal. Sport sharpens the throttle but the core setup is comfort-led.
  • Ride and refinement: Composed at town speeds and settled on the motorway. A touch firm over sharp edges on 19s, which is par for the class.
  • Regen: Three levels plus an adaptive mode. No full one-pedal to a stop, so you still brush the brakes at the end.

From my drive log: “It feels extremely smooth. Very solid. Steering could be a little tighter and suspension a tad firmer. Tight turning circle for car parks and city streets. Good mirrors and visibility. The indicator sounds pan left or right with the signal. Small thing. It makes the car feel considered.”


Range and charging

Realistic numbers and a simple routine.

  • WLTP: 255 - 267 miles depending on trim and wheel size.
  • Real world: Expect mid-200s in mixed UK use. Cold motorway runs will bring that down. I used about the same winter drop I have seen on similar EVs, roughly 20 - 30 miles depending on conditions.
  • Home AC: Up to 11 kW. A 7 kW wallbox will comfortably do 10 - 100 percent overnight.
  • Public DC: Up to 160 kW. I targeted 30 - 80 percent in the 20 - 30 minute window on strong chargers once the pack was warm.
  • Extras: Vehicle-to-Load for powering devices. Useful on trips and at events.


Geely EX5 Pricing and Specification

Geely EX5 SE | £31,990

  • Heated seats and wheel
  • 360 camera
  • 18 inch alloys
  • keyless entry
  • wireless Apple CarPlay
  • comprehensive safety kit

Geely EX5 Pro | £33,990

  • 19 inch wheels and extra interior colours

Geely EX5 Max | £36,990

  • Head-up display
  • panoramic sunroof
  • powered tailgate
  • massaging and ventilated front seats
  • ambient lighting
  • premium audio with headrest speakers

My tip: either go SE for best value or jump to Max because the comfort kit is huge for the money. Pro makes less sense for most buyers.


Safety and ownership

  • Euro NCAP: Five stars, strong scores across the board.
  • Warranty: Eight years or 125,000 miles on vehicle and battery.
  • Company car: Low BIK, attractive salary sacrifice math.
  • Dealer network: Rolling out nationwide.

As with any new UK-badged brand, long-term reliability will take time to prove, but Geely engineering is already familiar here through Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Smart and LEVC.


Who should buy or lease the EX5

  • Families who want calm road manners, lots of rear leg room and real kit value.
  • High-mileage drivers who prefer quiet comfort over sharp handling.
  • Company drivers and salary sacrifice users who want low BIK, a premium-feeling cabin and fixed monthly costs.

From my video: “If you want an SUV that is sporty and track-ready, this is not the car. If you want smooth, quiet and comfortable miles with brilliant toys, this fits.”