Geely EX5 EM-i vs other PHEV crossovers

Geely Motor Philippines has released the EX5 EM-i not too long ago, which is kind of an answer of sorts to the shifting needs of Filipino car buyers.

While the country appeared to be open to embracing electric mobility, the market — despite the influx of battery-electric vehicles and the efforts of private companies to build charging infrastructure — leaned towards the hybrid variety. 

Catching up to the trend, Geely Motor Philippines released the hybrid version of the EX5 to secure a foothold in the electrified mobility segment.

On that note, we take a look at other hybrid crossovers on the market to see how the Geely EX5 EM-i stacks up against the competition.

But before we begin, we check out what makes the Geely EX5 EM-i stand out. 

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Geely EX5 EM-i 

PHEV powertrain

Plug-in hybrid vehicles, aka PHEVs, are automobiles that are propelled by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. It differs from the basic hybrid system in a way that the battery that gives power to the electric motor can also be replenished using an external source.

This arrangement gives owners of PHEVs more freedom in terms of recharging their vehicles, and in some ways, prioritizes the use of the electric-only modes available in their cars — for the sake of sustainability. 

Geely packed the EX5 EM-i with a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. Sending power to the front wheels, the setup generates as much as 214 horsepower (hp) and 262 Newton-meters (Nm).

Its 18.4-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium iron phosphate battery can be charged using a direct current (DC) charger with a maximum rate of 30 kilowatts (kW) or an alternating current charger at 6.6 kW.

Range-wise, the Geely EX5 EM-i does about 105 kilometers (km) using electric power alone, and combined gives would-be owners up to 1,000 km of driving.

With the erratic petroleum prices, having a vehicle that can draw power from multiple sources could matter now more than ever. So, for fairness’ sake, we will pit the Geely EX5 EM-i against crossovers that use a similar PHEV system.

Modern looks

The Geely EX5 EM-i looks unmistakably modern.

At the fore is a clean fascia with a sleek-looking set of headlamps. The daytime running lights are neatly tucked onto its cheeks, which flank the latest iteration of the Geely badge in the middle. 

The side profile of the crossover is relatively minimal with adequately-sized cladding on the wheel arches, some chrome appliques on the window, and a set of two-tone wheels.

At the back, it sports a discreet spoiler, a decent-sized glass, a horizontal light bar connecting the two taillamps, and an elegant-looking bumper.

Cozy, techy interior

Inside, the Geely EX5 EM-i is fitted with plenty of opulent appointments, such as leather upholstery and comfortable seats. Tech-wise, it gets a steering wheel with multi-functional controls, a large 10.2-inch LCD digital instrument cluster accompanied by a windshield head-up display, and a 15.4-inch infotainment unit with Flyme Auto. 

Other notable features include the following:

• Dual-zone air conditioning system
• USB-A and USB-C charging ports
• Wireless charging dock
• Panoramic sunroof

Variants, pricing

The Geely EX5 EM-i is offered in two variants: Pro and Max. They are priced at P1.288 million and P1.468 million, respectively.

BYD Sealion 6 DM-i 

A strong contender for the Geely EX5 EM-i is the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.

It also uses a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 1.5-liter high-efficiency generator (gasoline engine) with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Power is sent to the front wheels by way of an electronic continuously variable transmission to put out a maximum of 214 horses and 325 Nm of pulling power. 

Juicing up the electric motor is the BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate battery rated at 18.3 kWh. This enables the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i an emissions-free range of 105 km and a combined range of 1,100 km.

Recharging can be done with a Type 2 AC charger rated at 7 kW.

When it comes to its looks, the PHEV crossover is more akin to internal combustion engine-powered models than the electrified kind — which could be a pro or a con, depending on the owner.

Its fascia is fitted with sharp-looking headlamps and a grille or sorts at the center. It also wears a sporty-looking bumper that complements its overall exterior appearance.

The side profile of the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i gets some smooth curves, but still carries typical crossover features like claddings, roof rails, and two-tone wheels.

Its rear end is characterized by a sporty roof-mounted spoiler, full-width taillamps, LED fog lamps, and a power tailgate. 

Mirroring the cabin of the aforementioned Geely EX5 EM-i, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i also has leather seats and soft-touch surfaces on the dash and door cards, as well as a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the state-of-the-art rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Audio is delivered by an Infinity 10-speaker sound system. There are two wireless charging docks for the front-row occupants, as well as an automatic air conditioning system and a panoramic sunroof. 

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is only offered in a single variant and will set buyers some P1.598 million.

Changan Nevo Q05

Another PHEV crossover option for those looking for a new-energy vehicle is the Changan Nevo Q05.

Propulsion for this model comes from a 1.5-gasoline engine with an electric motor and a dedicated hybrid transmission. In unison, the setup — which delivers powerr to the front wheels — makes 212 hp and 330 Nm of torque. 

It has an 18.4 kWh battery that can be juiced using a Type 2 charging system.

What it does is it grants the Changan Nevo Q05 an all-electric range of 115 km and a combined range of 1,215 km, which is pretty decent.

In the looks department, the PHEV crossover shares the same clean look as the Geely EX5 EM-i, having a set of thin headlamps and cheek-like indentations on the side.

The crossover also has cladding on common touch points, some chrome trims on the windows, as well as two-tone wheels with a modern design.

Its rear gets a spoiler, a set of taillamps, and a bumper that overall echoes the design language seen at the front. 

The cabin gets a fair share of leather finishes and soft surfaces. It also packs a 10-inch digital gauge cluster, paired with a 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Handling audio is a six-piece Pioneer speaker system. There is also a wireless charger, a panoramic sunroof with a rain sensor, and an automatic air conditioning system with temperature display and an air purifier.

The Changan Nevo Q05 comes in two variants (SE and ID), priced at P1.389 million and P1.499 million.

PHEV crossovers side-by-side 

For cost-conscious car buyers, here is how the cars stack up against each other, price-wise:

Model	Price range
Geely EX5 EM-i	From P1.288 to P1.468 million
BYD Sealion 6 DM-i	P1.598 million
Changan Nevo Q05	From P1.389 million to P1.499 million

Also read:

Geely PH launches all-new EX5 EM-i in 8 pictures

Geely Auto sells 270k units globally in Jan. 2026

Geely Motor wants to introduce more GEA-based vehicles in PH

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