I’ll admit, a press day featuring a couple of electric Geelys wasn’t necessarily top of The Mud Life list of things to get excited about. However, having previously driven Geely’s Starray EM-i Super Hybrid, I already had some idea of what the Chinese manufacturer was bringing to the table, so naturally, curiosity got the better of me.
As the EX5 and EX2 were new territory, I was keen to discover whether they could make a similarly good impression.
And as it turned out, it was a rather enjoyable day. Even the two-hour drive there and back didn’t dampen my enthusiasm!
Geely EX5: More Than Just Another Electric SUV
At first glance, the Geely EX5 looks like another contender in an increasingly crowded electric SUV market. But spend a little time inside, and it becomes clear that Geely has put considerable thought into making its latest offering feel rather more premium than its price tag might suggest.
Starting at £31,990, the EX5 is available in SE, Pro, Max and Ultra specifications. The entry-level SE offers up to 267 miles of WLTP range, while the range-topping Ultra, with its larger 68.39kWh battery, increases that to a claimed 280 miles. The Pro and Max versions have different range figures depending on specification.
Those figures might not set the world alight, particularly when compared with some longer-legged electric SUVs, but the EX5’s appeal isn’t necessarily about chasing maximum range.
It’s about the overall experience.
The first thing that struck me was the interior. The quality of the materials, the design of the dashboard and the general fit and finish were genuinely impressive. There’s a decidedly upmarket feel to the cabin, with an attractive combination of textures, colours and technology.
Comfort is another strong point. The seats are inviting, the driving position feels natural, and there’s plenty of room for occupants. It’s the sort of vehicle in which you could happily spend several hours travelling across the country without feeling as though you’d been sitting on a particularly uncomfortable office chair.
The EX5 is also generously equipped, with a large central touchscreen, digital instruments, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera among the available features. Higher specifications add things such as a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and ventilated, massaging front seats.
Have I mentioned the exceptional interior space? 33 storage compartments, and large 461-litre luggage compartment!
But what about driving?
Andy and I took the EX5 along a few easy green lanes and through a local ford. Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t a replacement for a proper 4x4, and nobody should be buying one expecting to tackle challenging off-road terrain.
Nevertheless, it was interesting to see how comfortably it dealt with the route. The ride was pleasant, the car felt composed, and it was perfectly happy negotiating the sort of uneven surfaces you might encounter on a countryside excursion.
The EX5 isn’t pretending to be something it isn’t. It’s a family-oriented electric SUV designed primarily for everyday use, and it seems to do that rather well.
I came away thinking that Geely has created a genuinely appealing alternative to some familiar European and Korean offerings.
Would I spend more time with one? Absolutely. In fact, I’m hoping to get an EX5 booked as a press car in the new year, because there’s considerably more to explore. And that, perhaps, is the best compliment I can give it.
Geely EX2: Small Electric Car, Surprisingly Big Personality
If the EX5 surprised me, the smaller Geely EX2 was perhaps even more unexpected.
It’s easy to dismiss compact electric cars as little more than urban runabouts, particularly when they’re positioned at the more affordable end of the market. However, the EX2 has clearly been designed to offer considerably more than simply getting you from A to B.
With prices starting at £20,990, the EX2 is available in Pro, Max and Ultra specifications. The entry-level Pro has a 35kWh battery offering up to 156 miles of WLTP range, while the larger 47kWh battery fitted to the Max and Ultra increases that to 214 miles.
That makes it a realistic proposition for commuting, shopping, school runs and general everyday motoring, particularly for people who can charge at home.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
What genuinely caught my attention was the interior. I wasn’t expecting anything particularly special from a relatively inexpensive electric hatchback, yet the EX2 managed to surprise me with its trim, design and overall presentation.
The cabin feels modern, thoughtfully arranged and considerably more sophisticated than its price might suggest. There’s a good use of materials, a contemporary dashboard and an impressive amount of technology.
Even more surprising is the sense of space. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the EX2 feels well packaged, with useful storage and a practical layout. Geely claims 375 litres of boot space, increasing to 1,320 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also the option to add a further a 28L storage box under the rear seats as an accessory. Let’s not forget the 70L storage under the bonnet and 10L passenger seat drawer.
And then there’s the driving
The EX2 was genuinely fun to drive around the narrow roads of North Yorkshire. It felt nimble, easy to manoeuvre and well suited to the sort of roads where larger vehicles can become a bit cumbersome.
It’s not going to deliver sports-car thrills, nor is it intended to. Instead, it offers a driving experience that makes you wonder why small cars need to be any more complicated than this.
The ride was comfortable, the cabin felt welcoming, and it had a personality that I wasn’t expecting. Of course, there are compromises. The smaller battery means you’ll need to consider charging more carefully if you regularly undertake longer journeys, and it’s not going to appeal to everyone looking for a larger family vehicle.
But that misses the point. The EX2 is an affordable electric car that doesn’t feel cheap. And that’s quite an achievement.
Geely Starray EM-i Super Hybrid: A Reminder of Why I Was Impressed
I’ve already written a full review of the Geely Starray EM-i Super Hybrid following a week behind the wheel, but in case you missed it, here’s the link, and here’s a quick overview of what I thought.
The Starray EM-i is a plug-in hybrid SUV, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. Unlike a conventional hybrid, you can plug it in and drive on electric power alone for a considerable distance.
Prices start at £29,990 for the Pro, rising to £32,690 for the Max and £34,990 for the Ultra. The smaller-battery Pro and Max offer up to 51 miles of official WLTP electric range, while the Ultra’s larger battery increases that to 84 miles. Geely also claims a combined range of up to 618 miles for the Ultra, making it an interesting proposition for anyone who regularly travels further afield.
Of course, those are official figures, and real-world range will depend on how, where and when you drive.
During my week with the Starray, I achieved around 44mpg without particularly trying to drive economically. Keep it below 40mph in hybrid mode and it can spend a surprising amount of time running on electric power.
But the figures only tell part of the story
The first thing I remember about the Starray is the comfort. Those seats are genuinely excellent, and the suspension seems particularly well suited to Britain's increasingly battered roads. Speed humps, potholes and rough surfaces are dealt with in a remarkably relaxed manner.
It's not pretending to be a sports SUV, nor does it need to. This is a family vehicle designed to make everyday journeys comfortable, and it does that rather well.
Inside, there's plenty of room for passengers and luggage, making it a practical option for outdoor adventures. Camera bags, walking boots, camping equipment and the usual Mud Life clutter shouldn't present much of a problem.
The technology is impressive, too, although I did have a few grumbles. The enormous touchscreen looks great but hides too many functions, including controls I'd much rather operate using conventional buttons.
The driver assistance systems also became a little tiresome, although I subsequently discovered that some settings could be saved to the steering wheel. Still, no car is perfect.
What impressed me most was the overall value. For around £30,000, you're getting a spacious, comfortable, well-equipped SUV with a substantial electric range and the reassurance of a petrol engine for longer journeys.
Would I recommend it? I certainly think it's worth considering, particularly if you can charge at home and want the benefits of electric driving without committing entirely to a battery-powered vehicle.
Geely is still establishing itself in the UK, but having now driven the Starray, EX5 and EX2, I'm beginning to understand why the company deserves a closer look.
I left Swinton Estate with a genuine appreciation for what Geely has accomplished. The EX5 had impressed me, but the EX2 was the car that really challenged my expectations.
It’s another vehicle I’m keen to spend more time with, and I’m hoping to get them both booked as a press car in the new year.
For more details, visit: Geely Autos UK