Geely EX5 electric SUV unveiled ahead of China launch

Geely has unveiled a heavily updated version of its EX5 electric SUV in China, bringing significantly more power, longer driving range and new assisted-driving technology to the brand's global electric SUV. While the revised model launches in China on September 23 under the Galaxy E5 name, Australian buyers may have to wait before seeing the upgrades locally, with right-hand-drive development and local certification typically following well behind Chinese-market releases.

Australian buyers were first introduced to the EX5 in early 2025, when Geely positioned the mid-size electric SUV as a rival to the BYD Atto 3, Omoda E5 and MG's growing range of electric crossovers.

At launch the EX5 impressed with generous interior space, strong equipment levels, competitive pricing and a 160kW front-mounted electric motor backed by a 60.22kWh battery delivering a claimed 430km WLTP driving range.

This latest Chinese-market update takes things much further.

The most significant mechanical change is the switch to a rear-mounted electric motor producing 245kW, equivalent to 329hp. That's an increase of roughly 85kW over the front-driven Australian vehicle currently on sale and should materially improve both performance and driving dynamics.

The revised model also adopts an 800V electrical architecture, a feature increasingly common among higher-end electric vehicles due to its potential for faster charging and improved efficiency.

Buyers in China will be able to choose between a 61.5kWh battery with a claimed 550km CLTC range or a larger 70kWh pack delivering up to 635km. Geely quotes WLTP-equivalent figures of approximately 451km and 521km respectively.

For comparison, Australian EX5 buyers only recently received a battery upgrade that lifted the local model's maximum claimed driving range from 430km to 475km WLTP.

Visually, the changes are more subtle.

The updated EX5 retains familiar proportions, measuring 4636mm long with a 2750mm wheelbase, but introduces reshaped bumpers, conventional door handles and a prominent roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. Additional sensors mounted in the front guards point to a much more advanced driver-assistance package than the system currently offered.

Inside, the cabin remains broadly familiar, with a large central touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, wireless charging pad and Flyme operating system.

New features include a head-up display and Geely's latest G-Pilot H5 assisted-driving package, capable of supporting Navigate on Autopilot functions on both highways and urban roads.

One notable practicality improvement is the addition of a 160L front boot beneath an electrically operated bonnet. Australian EX5 buyers currently miss out on a frunk altogether.

The update also continues Geely's strategy of steadily improving a model that has become an important global product for the company, despite sales in China reportedly declining almost 46 per cent year on year through the first eight months of 2026.

Whether this significantly upgraded EX5 reaches Australia remains unclear.

The model revealed in China is far more comprehensively updated than the EX5 Australians received earlier this year, adding rear-wheel drive, an 800V electrical architecture, LiDAR hardware and Geely's latest G-Pilot driver-assistance technology.

Given local buyers only recently gained a larger 68.39kWh battery pack and up to 475km of WLTP range, Geely may choose to keep this more advanced version exclusive to China in the near term.

If the upgraded EX5 is ultimately approved for right-hand-drive production and Australian sale, local buyers could still be waiting some time. Chinese-market vehicles typically launch well before export versions are finalised, meaning a local arrival within the next one to two years may be more realistic than an immediate rollout.

For Australia, the upside is clear. The current EX5 already competes strongly on value, space and range, while this latest evolution adds the extra performance and technology that could make it an even stronger rival to models such as the BYD Atto 3 and MG ES5.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au