The Geely EX5 arrived in South Africa as part of a determined relaunch from a brand many local buyers remember for budget offerings that failed to ignite the market. That Geely is gone. The company now operates with serious backing, Volvo ownership credentials and a clear focus on new energy vehicles.
The EX5 range consists of two distinct options: the fully electric E5 and the EM-i plug-in hybrid. After spending time with the range-topping Apex grade, a clearer picture appears of where this SUV fits into the South African landscape.
Starting with the numbers that matter to local buyers, the electric E5 Aspire is priced at R699 999, making it the most affordable fully electric SUV in the country. That undercuts the BYD Atto 3 by a meaningful margin. The Apex variant climbs to R759 999, adding a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, two-way passenger leg support, front seat memory and massage functions, plus a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite including blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.
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On the road, the EX5 delivers straight line performance that feels perfectly adequate without being startling. The single front-mounted electric motor produces 160 kW and 320 Nm, pushing the Apex to 100 km/h in a claimed 7,1 seconds. What matters more than the number is how the car delivers that power.
The throttle calibration avoids the abrupt, lurching response that plagued earlier Chinese electric vehicles. Instead, acceleration builds progressively and confidently. The steering, however, stays a point of mild frustration. Even in its sportiest setting, the helm feels light and offers limited feedback to the driver. On a twisting pass or a sweeping off-ramp, you find yourself making small corrections because the front wheels are not clearly communicating their intentions.
The ride quality presents a mixed picture. At urban speeds and on well-maintained highways, the EX5 feels composed and comfortable. But introduce the kind of broken tar, patch repairs and uneven surfaces that characterise many of our provincial roads, and the character changes. The suspension, which feels pliant over smooth tarmac, becomes jiggly and brittle over sharper imperfections. It is not a deal breaker, but it is noticeable enough that owners commuting on poorer roads should take an extended test drive before committing.
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Where the EX5 genuinely impresses is interior space and packaging. The rear seat legroom is generous, with no headroom intrusion from the panoramic glass roof fitted to the Apex. Three adults across the back seat will feel acceptable rather than punished.
The boot measures 461 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1 877 litres with the 60/40 split rear bench folded. That is competitive for the segment. There is a false floor beneath the boot board, rubberised for wet or dirty items, though Geely has omitted a dedicated recess for the charging cable, which will likely end up rolling around in that under floor storage.
The cabin places a heavy emphasis on screens. A 15,4-inch central touch display dominates the dashboard, paired with a 10,2-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a 360-degree camera system.
The lack of physical buttons for climate control and common functions means you will be diving into touchscreen menus more often than many drivers prefer. It looks clean and modern, but it is not always convenient when you are trying to adjust the cabin temperature while navigating a busy intersection.
Charging the electric EX5 requires some planning. The claimed WLTP range for the Apex is 410 km, but real-world testing over 420k m of mixed driving returned an indicated consumption of 13,4 kWh/100 km, which handily beats Geely’s claim.
More telling is the displayed range after charging. In separate DC charging sessions, the car showed a predicted range of 362 km. That is about 12% below the official figure, which is not unusual for EVs but worth noting for buyers who regularly cover longer distances.
Charging from 30% to 80% at a 100 kW DC public charger takes about 20 minutes. The more relevant home charging scenario sees an 11 kW AC wallbox replenishing the 60,22-kWh battery from 10% to 100% in roughly six hours. Every electric EX5 purchase includes the wallbox charger and R10 000 in public charging credits, which Geely estimates covers about two years of driving.
Safety equipment is strong for the price point. The Apex adds automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward and rear collision mitigation, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. Notably, these systems can be turned off completely without automatically re engaging each time you restart the car, a small touch that experienced drivers will appreciate.
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The verdict for South African buyers comes down to honest self-assessment about your driving patterns and home charging situation. If you have reliable off-street parking, can install the wallbox, and mostly drive within the range limits of a real world 360 km, the electric EX5 makes a persuasive case as the most affordable electric SUV on the local market.
The EX5 is not a revolutionary vehicle, but it is a competent, spacious and well-priced entry into a segment that needs more affordable options. Just go in expecting a comfortable cruiser rather than a driver’s car, and you will not be disappointed.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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