A New Value Champion Arrives To Challenge The SUV Status Quo

The 2026 Geely EX5 marks the official re-entry of one of the world’s largest automotive groups into the Australian market. Positioning itself as a direct rival to the BYD Atto 3 and the Tesla Model Y, the EX5 focuses on a "more for less" philosophy. For 2026, Geely has already updated the range with a larger "Shortblade" battery, significantly boosting range just a year after its initial local debut. It offers a premium-feeling interior and high-end features, such as massaging seats, at a price point that undercuts almost all established mid-size SUVs.

The Verdict: The New Benchmark for "Bang for Buck"

The Geely EX5 is a polished, spacious, and incredibly well-equipped electric SUV. While its exterior styling is somewhat conservative, the cabin experience rivals vehicles costing $20,000 more. With the 2026 update providing a larger battery and improved efficiency, it has effectively alleviated "range anxiety" for suburban and most regional Victorian drivers.

Quick Take:

• The Hook: Premium luxury features (massaging seats, HUD) at a budget-friendly price.

• Price: From $41,990 RRP (Complete) to $45,990 RRP (Inspire).

• Key Tech: 15.4-inch 2.5K HD touchscreen and ultra-durable LFP "Shortblade" battery.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Luxury for Less: The Inspire grade includes ventilated, heated, and massaging front seats as standard.	Conservative Styling: The "inoffensive" exterior design may feel a bit generic compared to a Tesla or Kia.
Spacious Packaging: Exceptional rear legroom and a flat floor make it a genuine family five-seater.	FWD Dynamism: As a front-wheel-drive SUV, it can struggle with "torque steer" under heavy acceleration.
Class-Leading Tech: Huge high-resolution screens and a massive 13.4-inch Head-Up Display (Inspire).	No Spare Tyre: Relies on a repair kit, which can be a concern for regional Victoria road trips.
Safety First: 5-Star ANCAP rating with a comprehensive "ADrive" active safety suite.	Smallish Boot: At 302L (extending to 410L with under-floor storage), it's smaller than the Tesla Model Y.

Range & Real-World Driving: City vs. Highway

For 2026, the EX5 has been upgraded to a 68.4kWh battery pack across the range.

• City Driving: In urban environments, the EX5 is exceptionally efficient. The base Complete variant offers a strong 475km (WLTP) range, easily covering a week of Melbourne commuting.

• Highway Driving: On the open road, the Inspire variant delivers roughly 450km (WLTP). The slight drop compared to the base model is due to the larger 19-inch wheels and extra equipment weight.

• Actual Travel Distance: In real-world Australian conditions, expect a reliable 380km–400km of range on a full charge.

Charging Speeds: Depot and Public Ready

• DC Fast Charging: Supports up to 100kW. While not the fastest in class, it can go from 30% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes at a compatible station.

• AC Home Charging: Includes an 11kW onboard charger, allowing for a full overnight charge in roughly 7 hours on a three-phase wallbox.

Interior, Infotainment & Connectivity

• Digital Hub: A massive 15.4-inch tablet-style screen controls almost all vehicle functions, supplemented by a 10.2-inch driver display.

• Smartphone Integration: Now features Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard (available via OTA update for earlier models).

• The "Wow" Factor: The 16-speaker sound system and multiple massage modes for the driver and passenger provide a level of comfort rarely seen at this price point.

2026 Pricing & Specifications (Australia)

Variant	Battery (LFP)	Range (WLTP)	Power / Torque	RRP (MSRP)
EX5 Complete	68.4kWh	475km	160kW / 320Nm	$41,990
EX5 Inspire	68.4kWh	450km	160kW / 320Nm	$45,990

For more product details and specific state ORC head to: geely.com.au 

• Warranty: 7 Years / Unlimited KM Vehicle Warranty.

• Battery Warranty: 8 Years / Unlimited KM (for private owners).

• Service Intervals: 12 months / 20,000km.

• Current Offer: Geely is currently offering a Free EV Home Charger and 1.88% p.a. finance on select stock until March 31, 2026.

Who should buy it?

The Geely EX5 is for the buyer who wants the latest EV technology and a "luxury car" interior without the luxury price tag. If you value comfort features like those massaging seats for the drive home from work and need a spacious second row for the family, the EX5 is currently the strongest value proposition in the mid-size SUV segment.