Chinese car giant Geely has just launched its first car, the EX5, in the UK and has plans to introduce 10 new electrified models here by 2030.
Geely may be another new name, but it’s the namesake brand of the Geely Automotive Group, which owns familiar marques like Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. The company also owns LEVC, which makes London’s iconic electric black cabs, and 1 in 14 of the electrified cars currently sold in the UK come from brands owned by the group.
It’s launching in the UK with the EX5, a Skoda Enyaq and Ford Explorer rival that significantly undercuts its competitors on price. The EX5 is open to order now in a choice of three trim levels, with prices ranging from £31,990 for the entry-level SE to £36,990 for the range-topping Max. There’s one powertrain available from launch – a 60kWh LFP battery offering a claimed 257 miles of range.
Inspired by the UK government’s former electric car grant, Geely is offering its own ‘Geely Grant’ on the EX5, taking £2,300 off the price of the entry-level car, £3,200 off the mid-range variant and £3,750, which matches the top level of government discount, off the range-topper.
But it’s going a step further, also offering an extra £1,000 part-exchange discount for any petrol or diesel car traded in. Combined, this means a discount of up to £4,750 is available on the top-spec EX5 Max. Higher-spec cars also come with a £500 subsidy towards an Andersen home charger, or an Electroverse public charging voucher for the same amount.
Even the entry-level car is well specced, with 360° surround parking cameras, a full suite of safety systems, and cruise control, while a heat pump and vehicle-to-load – which allows you to power electrical items from your car’s battery – are both standard.
Power comes from a 215hp (160kW) single electric motor, giving a 0-62mph time of just under 7 seconds. Lotus engineers have advised on tuning the ride and handling to suit UK roads.
Geely plans to offer four cars in the UK by the end of 2026 – two plug-in hybrids and another smaller EV. It will have a network of more than 100 dealers by then, with 25 already up and running. Deliveries are set to begin soon, and we’ll be driving the EX5 over the next few weeks.
The EX5 is very well equipped and keenly priced 
