Geely EX5: the $15,300 electric SUV equipped with luxury amenities, now available in 35 nations.

      In summary: Geely, the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and Zeekr, has introduced the EX5, a battery-electric SUV priced from 109,800 yuan (approximately $15,300). This vehicle features massaging seats, a 1,000-watt sound system, and an impressive range of up to 610 km. It is currently sold in 35 countries and is now the most exported battery-electric A-class crossover from China. The EX5 significantly undercuts the least expensive European EVs by thousands while offering features typically associated with models three times its price.

      The EX5 is not a concept or a future promise; it is available for purchase and is being exported worldwide, already becoming the leading exported battery-electric A-class crossover in China. For the price usually associated with a well-equipped supermini in many Western markets, Geely is providing a vehicle with features that European rivals typically reserve for models at much higher prices.

      What you receive for $15,300

      The standard EX5 is equipped with a 60.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering 530 km of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle, along with a 215-horsepower front-mounted motor. An extended-range version with a 68.4 kWh battery increases the range to 610 km for about $1,000 additional. While these figures will be lower under the more conservative European WLTP testing standard, even with a reduction of 20 to 25%, the actual range will comfortably exceed 400 km.

      The heart of EU tech

      The latest updates from the EU tech landscape, a narrative from our experienced founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's available for free, every week in your inbox. Subscribe now! The interior has prompted descriptions of being “shockingly luxurious.” The front seats feature a five-plus-one layer cushion design, with massage functions available in the top-tier model. A 1,000-watt sound system comes standard on higher trims. According to multiple reviewers, the materials and fit are notably superior to what the pricing suggests. Top Gear’s review highlighted that the EX5 provides a “luxurious, relaxing ride” that belies its affordability.

      The EX5 is not without flaws. Reviews have pointed out issues regarding the localization of the infotainment software for non-Chinese markets, and the driving dynamics are primarily focused on comfort rather than engagement. However, the list of complaints is surprisingly brief for a vehicle in its price range.

      The Geely machinery

      The pricing of the EX5 is made possible by the scale of manufacturing and supply chain that Geely has developed over the last decade. The company ended 2025 as the second-largest auto brand in China and reached the top position in January 2026, recording 165,249 wholesale deliveries in just one month, surpassing Volkswagen, Toyota, and BYD.

      Geely’s lineup is designed to encompass every segment. The Galaxy brand focuses on mainstream EVs and plug-in hybrids, with the Xingyuan compact becoming China’s best-selling electric vehicle. Zeekr aims at the premium market, while Lynk & Co serves as a bridge between mainstream and premium. Volvo and Polestar cater to the global luxury market, and Lotus specializes in performance. The EX5 is positioned at the more accessible end of the Geely brand, aimed at boosting international sales.

      The company is also advancing technology across its range. In April 2026, Geely introduced its i-HEV hybrid system, boasting thermal efficiency of 48.4%, one of the highest in mass production. The system’s first application, in the Xingrui sedan, achieves a fuel consumption rate of 3.98 liters per 100 kilometers under WLTC testing. While the EX5 is purely electric, Geely’s ability to innovate across both battery-electric and hybrid systems grants it a flexibility that pure EV startups cannot match. China’s leadership in EV production is not coincidental; it stems from such industrial depth.

      The European dilemma

      The EX5 is already being sold in Belgium and the Netherlands alongside the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid, with plans for broader availability in Europe. This presents a significant competitive threat for European automakers: a Chinese EV that is not only affordable but also genuinely competitive, priced much lower than even the least expensive European electric models.

      The EU’s tariffs on Chinese EVs, which were implemented in 2024, raise costs but do not eliminate the price advantage. Even with a 20% tariff, the EX5 would still be priced well below vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.3 or Renault Megane E-Tech. The structural cost advantage held by Chinese manufacturers, attributed to cheaper labor, vertically integrated battery supply chains, and massive production capabilities, cannot be offset by tariffs alone.

      Tesla regained the quarterly EV sales championship from BYD in Q1 2026, but the overarching trend is clear: Chinese manufacturers are producing superior vehicles at lower prices