'Bringing EVs to the mainstream': Geely to target combustion SUV buyers from popular established brands with its upcoming EX5 electric mid-size SUV, as it looks beyond Chinese rivals like the BYD Atto 3, Leapmotor C10 and Xpeng G6

Geely said its new EX5 electric mid-size SUV will target mainstream combustion car buyers rather than just enter a price-war with its Chinese contemporaries.

The EX5 will land in customer hands in the first half of 2025, offering 430km of WLTP range and a front-mounted 160kW/320Nm motor. The price? We’re told to expect a $49,000 - $55,000 bracket for the initial two variants.

This places the EX5 firmly against a similar newcomer from Stellantis, the Leapmotor C10 (which starts from $45,888 before on-roads), undercutting the Xpeng G6 and segment heavyweight, the Tesla Model Y.

A Geely spokesperson said the aspiration was not just to rival these players, but also target mainstream family buyers out of popular mid-size combustion SUVs, which are similarly price for mid- or high-spec variants.

“The beauty of this car is that it can compete. It’s an SUV, we’re not compartmentalising ourselves into the BEV space. We’re expecting people from legacy brands to come and look at this vehicle as well.

“Not only that, but we’ve benchmarked against them. This is in terms of driving experience, comfort, and also ADAS [active safety] systems.

“So we’re really bringing EVs to the mainstream with this vehicle.”

The spokesperson added the EX5 has had local calibration testing for over 12 months, with both local third party testers and staff from Geely HQ ensuring the car will fit Australian driving conditions.

The brand was very focused on the idea of providing adequate after-sales support to new owners, clearly conscious of the delay on parts and servicing, which has affected some rival newcomer brands as they catch up to exploding sales numbers.

“It’s not just about selling the vehicle. Our team is working hard to make sure customers experience the best service not just when you buy the vehicle, but when you own it as well”

The spokesperson indicated parts supply had started well in advance of the EX5s arrival in customer hands, and that it had partnered with experienced companies used by established automakers for ongoing supply.

Geely also wouldn’t be drawn on its future plans beyond the launch of the EX5, but strayed away from the idea of an EV-only promise as some brands have prematurely committed to in the past.

“We’re focusing on BEV this time around” the spokesperson said. “But we want to pull away from it just being labelled an electric vehicle, and just focus on it as a mid-size SUV.”

For now, Geely won’t rule out the possibility of adding hybrids to its range. Plug-in hybrids have recently become available from the same Geely Galaxy sub-brand in China, which is where the local arm is sourcing its EX5.

The brand offers several export models with both hybrid and combustion power under its Geely Auto marque. These include the Monjaro mid-size SUV and Preface sedan, both use Volvo’s CMA platform.

Despite Geely having Volvo, Polestar, and Zeekr under its umbrella (with the re-booted Smart as a joint-venture), all these brands will continue to operate independently in Australia.

Stay tuned for more details including final pricing for the two EX5 variants imminently.