In the electrified arena of automotive innovation, the Geely EX5 emerges as a noteworthy contender, casting its electrifying spell far beyond its homeland's borders. Rechristened from the Geely Galaxy E5 for its global debut, this electric crossover is meticulously sculpted to captivate the international audience. With dimensions rivaling the esteemed HONDA CR-V, the EX5 stretches 4,615 mm in length, spans 1,901 mm in width, and stands 1,670 mm tall, anchored by a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

Compact, Capable, and Clever: Meet the Geely EX5 (Galaxy E5)

Fresh off its global debut at Automechanika Frankfurt 2024, the Geely EX5—known as the Galaxy E5 in China—is making waves as a budget-friendly electric crossover that doesn’t skimp on style, tech, or performance. With a price starting under $16,000 in China and around $27,000 USD in Australia, this sleek EV SUV takes direct aim at the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3, offering a spacious cabin, fast charging, and premium features at a fraction of the cost.

From design studios in Gothenburg, Shanghai, Coventry, and Milan to local markets like Malaysia (as the Proton eMas 7), the EX5 is engineered to meet global tastes. And with production rooted in Geely’s carbon-neutral facilities, it’s as green as it is globally minded.

Striking Design That Feels Premium Without the Price

The EX5’s clean lines and sporty stance draw inspiration from both European minimalism and modern tech aesthetics. Up front, the closed “Ripple of Light” grille is flanked by sharp LED headlights and signature C-shaped DRLs. A raked waistline, hidden electric handles, and 19-inch alloys help keep the drag coefficient at a sleek 0.269 Cd—boosting both style and efficiency.

Inside, you’re greeted with a clean, multi-layered cockpit anchored by a 15.4-inch 2.5K central display and a 10.2-inch digital cluster. Choose from burgundy, green, or tan upholstery, and get pampered with features like massage, heated, and ventilated front seats. With 880 mm rear legroom and a flat floor, the EX5 easily accommodates adults in back, and its 461-liter trunk expands to 1,877 liters when the seats fold flat.

Performance That Punches Above Its Weight

Built on Geely’s GEA platform (an evolution of the SEA architecture used by Volvo and Smart), the EX5 is a front-wheel-drive EV powered by a 160 kW (218 hp) motor with 320 Nm of torque. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 6.9 seconds and tops out at 175 km/h (109 mph)—plenty for suburban and highway cruising.

The drive unit, an 11-in-1 compact system weighing under 80 kg, ensures top-notch efficiency (90.04%) while Geely’s all-weather G-TCS system keeps grip in check. Suspension tuning adapted for markets like Australia means you get a ride that’s firm but forgiving—even when dodging potholes or tackling twisty coastal roads.

Battery, Range, and Charging: Practical for Daily Life

Geely offers two LFP battery options: a 49.52 kWh pack good for 440 km CLTC (273 miles) and a 60.22 kWh version pushing 530 km CLTC (328 miles). Real-world WLTP range hovers around 300–350 miles—competitive with compact EV peers.

DC fast charging gets you from 30% to 80% in 20 minutes, and AC home charging (7.5 hours) is perfect for overnight top-ups. While Tesla’s Model Y edges it in total range, the EX5 easily beats it on charging value, especially when paired with local incentives or free service perks in Australia and Southeast Asia.

Flyme Auto Tech and Safety Suite Set the EX5 Apart

The EX5 runs Flyme Auto OS on a 7nm Dragon Eagle-1 SoC, offering buttery-smooth performance, OTA updates, and a smartphone-inspired UI. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and a 16-speaker Flyme Sound system with headrest speakers bring premium luxury to the mainstream EV segment.

Safety? It’s got you covered. Expect adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, 360° cameras, blind-spot monitoring, six airbags, and ISOFIX. Its transparent chassis view and emergency maneuver assist are the cherries on top—especially for navigating crowded city streets or tight parking garages.

Value That Undercuts Tesla, BYD, and Hyundai

In China, the EX5 is priced between $15,500 and $20,600 USD. In Australia, it undercuts the Model Y by over $20,000 AUD. The BYD Atto 3? Close in price but missing the same interior tech flair and customization.

The EX5 is offered in trims like Complete, Inspire, Pro, and Max. The high-end Starship Edition adds refined materials and tech upgrades, while entry-level models keep essentials like fast charging and a full ADAS suite. Buyers in Malaysia (Proton eMas 7), Thailand, and Indonesia benefit from local distribution, tax breaks, and growing service networks.

Global Rollout and Future Outlook

Already live in Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand, the EX5 is headed to Chile, the Philippines, and potentially Europe by 2026. Geely’s global testing in 89 countries ensures this EV is prepped for everything from scorching heat to winter slush.

Social media chatter calls it a “Model Y killer” and a “BYD disruptor,” but the real test will be long-term support and localized production. Still, with Volvo, Lotus, and Proton in its corner, Geely has a deep bench to pull from.