Geely EX5 EM-i

Upon entering the Geely EX5 EM-i, you are greeted by an abundance of soft-touch materials and high-tech features. There is plenty of room for five passengers around the cabin. Its perforated PVC seats are plush even on longer trips outside the city. The higher trim also gets a ventilation function for its front seats. Additionally, this model line also comes with an impressive 528-L minimum trunk capacity at the back. 

Upfront, you are treated to a very driver-centric cockpit that consists of a 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster, a multifunction steering wheel wrapped in microfiber leather, and a windshield head-up display (exclusive to the Max variant). The Max variant also comes with a wireless charger. 

For entertainment and information accessibility, this SUV comes with a 15.4-inch HD touchscreen FLYME AUTO in-vehicle infotainment display that is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, FM radio, a dual-zone front audio control, and a high-performance chipset. The higher trim’s infotainment system is linked to a 16-speaker FLYME SOUND audio system that comes with 2 headrest speakers for a very immersive sound experience. On the other hand, the base trim gets the standard 6-speaker audio system.

For added convenience and functionality, this SUV also offers four USB ports (two Type-A and two Type-C), an electronic toll collection port, a front 12V power socket, a vehicle-to-load power supply, and a vehicle-to-vehicle power supply. The higher trim also features a 256-coloured ambient lighting system as well as a panoramic power sunroof with a power sunshade.

In terms of dimensions, both variants of the Geely EX5 EM-i are 4,740 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,685 mm in height. This model line comes with a 2,755-mm wheelbase and a 172-mm minimum unladen ground clearance.

Design-wise, the Geely EX5 EM-i also carries that smart, hypermodern persona similar to its full-EV counterpart but with a more aggressive and sportier tone. It features a futuristic-looking facade illuminated by a light bar that connects the two sleek LED DRLs. Underneath, this SUV comes with all LED automatic headlights and pointed side contours, which add a bit more detail to its smooth front end. It also has a blacked-out functional grille at the bottom. 

It flaunts an elegant side profile, accentuated by beautiful curves and a very clean set of 19-inch low drag alloy wheels for the Max variant. On the other hand, the Pro variant gets the standard 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Meanwhile, its back end has a European-like vibe attached to it. Similar to its front end, its rear is also illuminated by a stylish LED light bar. For more visibility at night, this SUV also gets LED fog lights and a high mounted stop light. The higher-spec Max also features a power tailgate, which makes it look and feel more premium. And, on top, both variants come with a roof rack for additional storage.

The Geely EX5 EM-i model line comes with a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a Multi-Link at the rear. Its suspension setup offers a very satisfying balance of comfort and performance. It is confidence-inspiring to drive through the twisties even at high speeds, yet remains supple and refined in the city. 

Both variants of the EX5 EM-i run on Geely’s EM-i Super Hybrid System that combines a 1.5L, 4-cylinder engine, which produces a maximum power output of 73 kW (98 hp) and a maximum torque of 125 Nm, with a single permanent magnet synchronous motor, which generates 160 kW (215 hp) and 262 Nm of torque. Feeding the electric motor is an 18.4-kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack that delivers a 105-km NEDC pure electric range. Combined, its hybrid system covers over 1,000-km NEDC range under ideal conditions. 

This plug-in hybrid SUV utilizes a front-wheel drivetrain and comes mated to a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission system. It is equipped with three drive modes: Pure, Hybrid, and Power. 

With all of these in mind, this SUV is peppy and smooth off the line. Its hybrid powertrain offers a satisfying linear power delivery, allowing you to effectively overtake slower vehicles on free-flowing highways. Even at high speeds, it remains quiet and calm inside the cabin thanks to its impressive sound insulation system. In the city, this SUV delivers great efficiency even when you are constantly passing through heavy traffic. Overall, the EX5 EM-i is a very cost-efficient daily driver in the city and, at the same time, a respectable cruiser and long-distance tourer on the weekend–boasting a combined WLTP fuel consumption of 41.6 km/L.

The Geely EX5 EM-i model line offers a very long list of safety features. Both variants are equipped with adaptive cruise control, intelligent cruise control, lane keeping assistant, emergency lane keeping assistant, front collision mitigation support, traffic signs identification, auto vehicle hold, an automatic emergency brake, and an electronic parking brake. The higher-spec also gets rear collision mitigation support, rear cross traffic alert and brake, door open warning, lane changing assistant, and blind spot detection.

This SUV utilizes ventilated discs for front braking, while solid discs for the rear. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control system, brake assist system, and Geely’s Traction Control System (G-TCS) among others.

In my opinion, the Geely EX5 EM-i has the right set of assets to strengthen Geely’s presence within the local market (once again). It is a near-perfect first plug-in hybrid SUV option for budget-conscious consumers who desire a mix of practicality, comfort, and performance on the road.