Brand New 75 Geely Ex5 160kW Max 60kWh 5dr Auto

Another mid-sized Chinese SUV crossover, but this one, the Geely EX5, is worth a second look. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

Chinese maker Geely's first own brand model, the EX5, aims to redefine value in the over-crowded mid-sized SUV electric segment. There's lots you might be tempted by here but you'll need to know what you're getting.

Background

Some Chinese brands are more significant than others. Geely is a name that might ring a bell - and with good reason given that it owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus - and effectively runs smart as well. Now it's here as a manufacturer in its own right with this car, the Geely EX5. This is an EV, of course. And, almost equally predictably, a mid-sized SUV, like just about every other car that China seems to launch into our market these days. This one is worth a second look though because it's more affordably priced and better equipped than nearly all its rivals. And, says Geely, has been tuned for UK roads by sports car makers Lotus. Sounds promising.

Engines and Tech Spec

There's just one EX5 variant to start with, using a front-mounted motor with 215bhp energised by a 60.2kWh battery offering up to 267 miles of range. 0-62mph needs 6.9s en route to 109mph. The marketing suggestions of 'Lotus' engineering input don't hold up to much scrutiny. Lotus has been involved with and lent its name to several mainstream brand engineering projects over the years, some of which were memorable (like Vauxhall's Lotus Carlton) and some not (like Proton's Satria GTi). This EX5, it turns out, wasn't the subject of a Lotus engineering project. Geely simply commissioned from Hethel a 'comprehensive evaluation' of the EX5 for British roads, the results of which haven't yet been implemented. So early EX5s will be much as those currently on sale in another right-hand drive market, Australia. Reports from there suggest a soft suspension set-up, which is probably appropriate for the kind of person this Geely is aimed at, though not for the kind of customer who might be attracted by the 'Lotus' marketing associations. Driving the car, the main initial thing you're going to have to get used to are all the ADAS functions, which Australian reports suggest can be somewhat intrusive. Try before you buy.

Design and Build

You're unlikely to choose an EX5 on the basis of the way it looks, but it's quite a cleanly styled design, with smooth surfacing and minimal crease lines. Without the badging, you might struggle to identify which Chinese brand made it though. There are ultra-slim LED headlights, subtle silver roof rails and the car rides on either 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels. In terms of size, at 4.61m long, 1.90m wide and 1.67m tall, it takes up a similar pavement footprint as key segment rivals like Hyundai's IONIQ 5, Skoda's Enyaq and Nissan's Ariya. Approach the car and when you're close to the driver's door, the handles automatically pop out. Inside, there's the usual Chinese environment - faux leather upholstery and complicated-looking twin screens, the instrument cluster featuring a 10.2-inch display. But the 'Geeluxe' seat covering is a little more like the real thing than usual and the 15.4-inch centre display for the 'FLYME AUTO' infotainment system is at least assisted in climate functions by a few physical controls (though you still need the central monitor to adjust temperature, fan speed or the rear demister). The second row seating is spacious and comfortable and the flat floor means a middle-seated adult could be accommodated if necessary. Second row folk get the usual appointments - twin vents, map pockets, big door bins, a folding armrest with cup holders and USB-A and USB-C charging ports. There's no third row option. Out back, there's a reasonably-sized 461-litre boot with a deep storage area beneath. Folding the rear bench frees up as much as 1,877-litres. There's no under-bonnet 'frunk' space though.

Market and Model

Basically here, you're getting a mid-sized EV crossover for the price of a more compact one: think ID.4 for the price of a VW ID.3 if it makes more sense. That's a big draw, particularly as quite a few pricier mid-sized EVs aren't as spacious as an EX5. The base 'SE' model (priced from around £32,000) offers plenty of standard equipment, with highlights including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with High Beam Control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, roof rails, automatic flush door handles, power-folding heated mirrors and adaptive cruise control. Unlike some of its rivals, Geely hasn't forgotten a rear wiper; and unlike quite a lot of competitors, it doesn't charge you extra for a heat pump either. Inside, there's a heated steering wheel, heated and electrically adjustable flat-folding front seats, a wireless charging mat and a 360-degree parking camera. The 15.4-inch central screen for the 'FLYME AUTO' infotainment system includes online navigation, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, 4G network connectivity and connectivity access to 'Apple CarPlay' (though not 'Android Auto'). For £2,000 more, the mid-level 'Pro' model doesn't seem to offer a lot more - primarily just larger 19-inch low-drag alloy wheels. From this level up, there's the option of a lighter 'Cloud colour' interior. At the top of the line-up, the plushest 'Max' model (priced at around £37,000), further includes a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, 256-colour ambient lighting, ventilated and massaging front seats with memory function, a head-up display and a 16-speaker premium audio system with two driver headrest speakers. Across the line-up, a wide range of standard ADAS safety features has resulted in a five star Euro NCAP showing. These include automatic emergency brake, lane keeping assist, emergency manoeuvre assist, blindspot detection and door-open warning. There's also collision mitigation support for the front and rear, rear cross traffic alert and brake systems, traffic sign information, evasive manoeuvre assist, front cross traffic alert and auto lane change assist, plus a driver monitoring system. There's also Hill Descent Control and the usual full complement of airbags. It's the normal comprehensive Chinese portfolio.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the EV mileage figure in our 'Driving' section - 267 miles from the 60.2kWh battery in base 'SE' form. Which isn't exceptional by current class standards. Chinese brands are often a little behind the tech standard when it comes to DC charging speed (which for some reason doesn't seem to be much of a priority in the home market). Geely is no exception; the EX5 can only recharge at up to 100kW, but that still means a 20 minute 30 to 80% recharge time. If you're charging from home, full battery replenishment will take up to 10 hours from a single phase 7.4kW AC wall box. You can improve that to about six hours if you're able to charge using a three-phase 11kW supply. From launch, the brand is including an Andersen A3 home wallbox charger with every EX5. As well as an eight year warranty (for the full car, not just the battery). Which should take away some of the fear factor from investing in an unknown brand. Servicing intervals are every two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Summary

The good news about Chinese brands piling into our market is that it's driving down prices and driving up value. To take just one example, were it not for a government grant, Ford's little Puma GEN-E would retail at nearly as much as this family-sized and luxuriously equipped SUV. You can see why the European brands are terrified of the Chinese invasion. Fortunately for them, the Orientals have a few rough edges to smooth out on their way to world domination. You won't buy this car because of how it looks, early reports say the ADAS features are intrusive and the 'Lotus' association turns out to be more of a marketing strapline. But you can't ignore the value proposition here: it's exceptional. Perhaps one day, Geely's cars might be too. For the time being this one, the EX5, is merely difficult to ignore.