Geely EX2 2026 Review

Australian pricing will be confirmed soon, but the 2026 Geely EX2 is expected to slot in below $30,000 – a crucial threshold in the budget EV space. That would put it in direct competition with the BYD Atto 2 ($31,990 plus ORCs).

Two grades are available in China, an entry-level model (30kWh LFP battery) and a high-output variant (40kWh LFP battery) with more range and power. The latter is looking most likely to kick off its export campaign in Australia.

From the outside, the EX2 makes a strong first impression and doesn’t look a generation or two out of date like the BYD Dolphin. The smooth, grille-free front end makes a statement, with stylised headlights and cute four-spoke alloy wheels rounding out a tidy package.

A pink-with-black-roof colour combination has been confirmed for Australia (much to the excitement of the author’s 14-year-old daughter), while a 70-litre frunk sits where the engine would normally live.

Inside, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen dominates the cabin and responds quickly to inputs. There’s also a wireless phone charger, a small digital driver’s display, a few reassuring physical controls for the fan and AC, and two cup holders.

The white seats on our test vehicles give the interior an airy feel, while gloss black plastic on the dash reveals a backlit city skyline at night – a curious touch. Electric seats and power windows are also on board.

Safety information has not yet been confirmed for the Australian-spec EX2, and no ANCAP rating is available at this stage.

Australian delivered Geely EX2 models are expected to use the high-output motor (85kW/150Nm) paired with a 40kWh LFP battery pack, good for 330km of WLTP range. The China-spec model tested here meantime uses a less powerful e-motor (58kW/130Nm), making it slower off the mark but still able to build pace deftly due to the car’s feather weight.

DC fast charging takes the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in around 21 minutes, with a peak charging rate of 70kW.

Expect the warranty to be similar to the current Geely EX5 and Starray SUVs, at five years/unlimited kilometres.

For a budget city car, the 2026 Geely EX2 is a surprisingly satisfying car to drive. The rear-wheel-drive layout gives it a character all its own – Geely’s own engineers have called it an ‘unintentional driver’s car’.

Precise, accurate steering is unexpected in this segment and while completely unnecessary – these cars are usually a means to an end, go from point A to B, etc – the fact it responds so crisply to driver input is welcome.

That makes it easy to place on the road and it made short work of a tight and demanding motorkhana course in a huge carpark on the wrong side of the tracks in Hangzhou.

Geely’s entry-level product is light enough that even the 58kW motor feels sufficient, so we’re cautiously optimistic the more muscular 85kW version will be even more perky.

As well as its neat and tidy handling dynamics, the cabin punches above its price point.

That 14.6-inch touchscreen has excellent clarity and refresh rates, making it responsive to touch input. The wireless phone charger is a practical touch, and overall, space for two adults in the front is generous for a car of Hobbit-like proportions.

Rear seat passengers also fare reasonably well thanks to a flat floor, decent headroom, a USB-A port, and dedicated air vents.

The 70-litre frunk is a useful bonus and the power-operated tailgate adds a premium feel. DC fast charging is pretty zippy (largely because of the small battery capacities) and it’s not hard see why the EX2 has been China’s best-selling car on numerous occasions.

The China-spec model we tested used the low output e-motor (58kW/130Nm), which feels slow off the line by modern standards. It gets better as the vehicle builds pace and is acceptable in a city context but worth noting if the base model makes it to Australia.

The sub-250km WLTP range of that entry grade may also give some buyers pause, particularly given the EX2’s likely appeal as an only car for budget-conscious buyers.

There’s no spare tyre, which is typical for an EV but worth flagging. Australian-spec pricing, safety ratings, and full equipment details are yet to be confirmed, so there’s still some uncertainty around exactly what buyers will get for their cash.

The compact car segment it’s entering is in steep decline – even the MG3, the current top seller, is down 33 per cent in 2026 – so the EX2 faces a tough market dynamic regardless of its merits.

If you want an affordable electric city runabout that doesn’t look like a forgettable appliance, the 2026 Geely EX2 should be at the top of your shortlist. If the price tag goes sub-$30,000, it will shame its bland budget rivals by bringing actual personality and style to the table.

It punches well above its weight class when it comes to interior fit out and equipment, and surprisingly generous seats front and rear can comfortably accommodate adult humans.

The icing on the cake is unexpectedly engaging dynamics – it’s an entertaining little whipper snapper.

However, it isn't a flawless victory just yet. If you suffer from highway range anxiety or regularly plan interstate road trips, the small battery options and limited range will feel restrictive, plus there is no local ANCAP safety rating or final spec sheet to determine if it’s truly delivering bang for your buck.

Ultimately, if your daily commute is mostly urban and you want a cheap, cheerful, tech-packed EV that is fun to drive, this little hatchback should be worth the wait.

2026 Geely EX2 at a glance:
Price: TBC (expected under $30,000 plus on-road costs)
Available: Q3 2026 (expected)
Powertrain: Single rear-mounted electric motor (rear-wheel drive)
Output: 58kW/130Nm (30kWh) / 85kW/150Nm (40kWh)
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 30kWh LFP (base) / 40kWh LFP (high-output)
Range: 250km / 330km (WLTP estimate)
Energy consumption: TBC
Safety rating: Not tested

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