Sharp pricing for Geely E5 electric SUV

The Geely E5 electric SUV expected to be among the first models launched by the Chinese automotive giant in Australia has been officially unveiled in its home market with hyper-competitive pricing.

In China, where it is known as the Geely Galaxy E5, the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3 fighter will be priced between the equivalent of $24,280 and $32,000 (approx) in China.

In Australia it will of course be more expensive, but the pricing is indicative of how competitive the Geely brand is determined to be with the E5 and other models it plans to launch internationally.

As previously reported, the E5 is expected to be among the first Geely models to be sold in Australia, almost certain to arrive in 2025. We have it on good authority the Chinese car-giant will begin to outline its Aussie product strategy in the first quarter of 2025.

We can also confirm the Galaxy sub-brand name is China-only for now, meaning it's more than likely to be called the Geely E5 in Australia.

While Geely Auto Australia’s plans are still coming together, the first piece of the puzzle is officially in place, following the announcement of a boss for the local division.

The Chinese challenger brand’s recently-appointed chief operating officer, Anoosh Safari, wouldn’t comment on the E5’s local introduction but said the wheels are in motion for the brand’s local launch.

“Geely Auto Australia is in its starting phase and we’re currently setting up operations in the country. We’ll make official announcements once ready,” he stated.

The L7 plug-in hybrid is another Geely Galaxy model understood to be on the menu for Australia, while the Riddara RD6 electric ute is basically confirmed.

Geely has previously confirmed the E5 will be manufactured in right-hand drive and at yesterday’s Chinese launch event it was announced it already complied with the “regulatory requirements for 89 countries”.

In launch specification in China the E5 is powered by a 160kW/320Nm 11-in-1 electric drive and the choice of 49.52kWh and 60.22kWh Aegis short-blade lithium-ion battery packs.

The claimed range between recharges starts at 440km and tops out at 530km. The 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.9 seconds.

Measuring up at 4615mm long, 1901mm wide and 1605mm high and riding on a 2750mm wheelbase, the E5 is underpinned by a derivation of Geely’s versatile SEA electric architecture dubbed GEA.

It employs cell-to-body battery integration for a 50:50 weight distribution.

Key E5 technologies include Chinese firm Meizu’s Carplay-rivalling Flyme Auto infotainment system in premium models and level two autonomous driving capability.

Other features include a 15.4-inch floating central control screen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display and a stereo system with up to 16 speakers, including headrest speakers.

The E5 also has hidden doorhandles that Geely says will continue to operate in extreme conditions. It plans to share the technology behind the design with the auto industry.

It’s fitted with six airbags and has a claimed drag coefficient is 0.269 aided by aerodynamic covers for the 19-inch wheels.

Geely claims the E5 provides 33 internal storage compartments and 4.03 square metres of storage space.

Geely Auto group’s long list of subsidiaries including the Geely brand itself, plus Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Proton, Lynk & Co, Smart, Zeekr and Radar.

Volvo, Polestar and Lotus are well-established brands in Australia, and they will soon be joined by Smart and Zeekr – two of at least a dozen Chinese brands set to launch in Australia by the end of next year.

Geely was previously distributed locally by Western Australian car dealer John Hughes between 2011-2014.

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