Which Geely EX5 should you buy?
Car changing is a big deal
The Geely EX5 is a great-value electric car that’s surprisingly good to drive, too. But it’s a relatively unknown brand in the UK and figuring out which of the four versions is best can be tricky – let deputy reviews editor Tom Wiltshire do the legwork
Geely isn’t exactly a household name in the UK yet, but it’s one of China’s largest car manufacturers and it’s hoping that the EX5 electric SUV makes a big splash in the market. It’s roomy, really practical and has a very posh interior, but undercuts just about all the alternatives on price – making it very tempting.
But the EX5 offers four versions – different trim levels, and a choice of two battery sizes. Prices range from £31,990 right up to £38,990, and finance and leasing deals vary drastically between models.
So to help you decide which version of the Geely EX5 is the best for your needs, I’m going to walk you through the range and explain what you’re getting for your money, which options are worth it and which aren’t, and how to choose the best-value Geely EX5.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Geely EX5 trim levels
At the time of writing, there are four different versions of the Geely EX5 to choose from.
SE: £31,990
Pro: £33,990
Max: £36,990
Ultra: £38,990
All versions have the same electric motor and virtually the same performance. They’re front-wheel drive with 218hp giving you 0-62mph in around seven seconds – not exactly groundbreaking, but definitely rapid enough.
The SE, Pro and Max share the same 60.2kWh battery pack, and they have a range in official tests of between 267 and 255 miles. The Ultra gets a bigger battery pack of 68.4kWh, but that only boosts the range up to 280 miles. It’s otherwise identical to the Max model, so you have to decide if 25 miles of extra range (plus a slight boost in charge speed) is worth an extra £2,000. I don’t think it is, so we can whittle the range down from four cars to three right away.
Standard equipment
The Geely EX5 SE comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, privacy glass and a 360-degree camera, while inside you get plush synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, wireless phone charging and a 15.4-inch infotainment screen with wireless smartphone mirroring. It’s an impressive kit roster.
The Pro model adds 19-inch alloy wheels and ambient interior lighting. There’s also the option of a ‘Cloud’ white interior, which is really nice-looking. It’s an upgrade that really isn’t worth an extra £2,000 over the SE.
The Max trim has plenty of luxurious features. The same 19-inch alloy wheels as the Pro, plus a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, 16-speaker audio system (which despite being an unknown brand, sounds pretty good), and massaging front seats with ventilation for the driver.
Ultra has the same spec as Max, but the bigger battery.
So which is the best value? Well, if you’re buying cash, it’s a choice between SE and Max – and we’d opt for the Max for all that posh equipment. The SE is still well-equipped, but the sunroof and white interior really lift the EX5.
When leasing, however, the best deals (at the time of writing) are on the Pro model, coming in at just £220 a month – £28 less than the SE. If you want a Max, it’ll cost you £288 per month.
Optional extras
The options list on the Geely EX5 is vanishingly short. In fact, there are just two – metallic paint, and the ‘Cloud’ interior. Any shade other than Arctic White will cost you £800, while Cloud upholstery will cost you £300 on any model other than the SE.
The EX5 isn’t exactly a style icon so you might not mind driving it in kitchen-appliance white, but the Jade Green colour is rather nice and goes well with the lighter interior. If you can cope with light upholstery, definitely opt for Cloud trim – it lifts the cabin, which can feel pretty dark in the standard ‘Midnight’. If you’re a family with mucky kids, though, it will show dirt more.
This is the best Geely EX5
To sum up, the best Geely EX5 you can buy is a ‘Max’ model, with the Cloud interior trim.
This will cost you a grand total of £37,290, but you can save over £1,000 buying cash through Carwow, or £4,000 on PCP finance. You can also lease one for £287 per month over three years, with a 5,000 mile per year limit and 12 months upfront payment.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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