After a brief and forgettable foray into the Australian market in the 2010s, the Geely Group (the parent brand of Volvo, Polestar and Lotus) has made its re-entry down under with the launch of their EX5 mid-sized electric SUV.
Exhaust Notes Australia joined other members of the motoring media to sample some early production examples in the New South Wales scenic southern highlands. Interestingly, despite obvious collaboration opportunities, Geely uses its own GEA platform.
Integration was the word of the day at the launch event, and it starts with the Aegis Short Blade 60.22Kwh battery pack, set deep in the chassis in what Geely coin “Cell-to-Body” architecture. That’s encased in a 1500-mpa tensile steel casing for added protection.
Substantial testing has also included water submersion, sub zero temperatures and even fire. An onboard 100kw DC charger is claimed to charge from 30 to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes.
The system allows for Vehicle to Load (V2L) for a total draw of 3.3kW and Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) for 6kW, and can provide a stranded friend a claimed 40km of range after an hour of charging.
A “camping” function is available in the vehicle, powered by V2L capability. We do question suitability of the platform for anything remote though. Under the bonnet sits a 160kW motor that generates 320Nm of torque.
Dubbed the “11-in-1”, the unit incorporates 11 components to improve size and weight outcomes, minimising cabling along the way and improving thermal efficiencies. The result is claimed class leading outcomes around weight, size and output.
Drive is through the front wheels, with 430km of claimed range in the entry level Complete, or 410km in the top-spec Inspire. First glances at the EX5 reveal familiarity in overall design, reminiscent of other Chinese built SUVs of the same size.
Squinting LED headlamps up front flank a vast front end, with thin curved taillights, which were an aesthetic highlight for us. We drove the Inspire, which is furnished with 19-inch machined-face alloys shod in 235/50 rubber.
Approaching the EX5 for the first time presented a retractable door handle to gain access to a spacious and refined cabin. There are almost no hard plastics present, with leatherette and textured panelling flanking the enormous 15.4-inch touchscreen.
It takes pride of place atop the centre console and possesses a pleasing combination of clarity and responsiveness. As expected, most functions are driven from said screen, with minimal buttons, apart from a customisable rotary dial.
It took some getting used too, with multiple menus becoming cumbersome to navigate at times. It’s worth noting that the EX5 will go on sale with neither Apple Car Play nor Android Auto, wired or otherwise.
As an Apple user, this writer was stunned when he found that the Volvo EX30 only had Android Auto, but the Geely takes things even further. Thankfully the EX5 is connected, so between Spotify, the native mapping system and Bluetooth you can get by.
Over-the-air updates are coming for the aforementioned smartphone integrations. A 16-speaker system branded under Geely’s proprietary audio brand Flyme, provide good output and selectable soundstages.
Headrest speakers are a highlight, given their ability to play specific audio such as route instructions directly to the driver. Getting comfortable in the driver’s seat is easy, with 6-way adjustment and seat pads that were wider than expected.
The chunky-rimmed yolk shaped steering wheel is different, but easy to use. It’s trimmed in antimicrobial material and adjustable, which means it’s a matter of choosing heating, ventilation and the right massage program before setting off.
The front row passenger doesn’t miss out either. In fact, along with the temperature control and massage functions, they have access to a retracting footrest. A little novel, but with the seat slid back far enough, it could work.
Rear seat space is impressive, with enough room for two adults. Luggage compartment capacity starts at 301-litres and can expand out to a cavernous 1877-litres with the second row folded down to an almost flat position.
There’s no handbrake and the gear lever is where one would expect the indicator stalk to be, but that didn’t take long to get accustomed too. What we never got used to was what we affectionately called “ice cream truck music” which played at speeds up to 30km/h.
It’s part of the AVAS system, and the Geely team told us there will be an over-the-air update to rectify this – although I do think youngsters will like it, and babies may find it to be a soothing lullaby.
The EX5 has been on Australian shores for 12 months undergoing evaluation, with ride characteristics being a focal point. The team have noted changes to firm up suspension, given Australian roads and local driving preferences, during that period.
Put simply, when commuting on basic straight roads that are in good condition, the EX5 provides a very serene and comfortable ride with good bump absorption; it really glides along.
At speed through bends and even at highway pace at times, soft suspension settings affect composure significantly; it wasn’t hard to find a bump stop when pushing. It’s an exercise in remembering design intent.
Despite a kerb weight of 1740kg, it moves along well, with the occasional chirp of a front wheel at take-off. With a fair chunk of freeway driving, it was also able to hold its own at 110km/h with ease.
Sport mode adds a little more responsiveness, while various steering modes are also available to suit drive preference. The EX5 is well complemented from a safety perspective too, with good calibrations on things like lane keep assist.
It would be nice though if things like speed warnings were permanently switchable rather than having to do so every time we fired up. ANCAP safety rating results remain an unknown at this point, with testing to come.
What we do know is that it will come with what is expected to be at least a 5-year warranty, through a growing list of dealers and service centres across the country. It will be priced at $43,490 for the Complete and $47,490 for the Inspire – both plus on-roads.
One thing is certain, the EX5 enters bloody water in the small to mid-sized SUV market. It provides a feature packed and well finished platform with a few unique features sprinkled in for good measure. Time will tell whether this will be enough to gain cut through.
You can pre-order an EX5 on the Geely Australia website, or by contacting your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote on your next vehicle purchase, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One.
To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Geely Australia as part of local media launch activities.
