Geely Auto plans UK launch with EX5 SUV
Geely Auto has confirmed plans to launch in the UK before the end of 2025, adding another Chinese contender in the growing EV segment.
Geely Auto is the “own-brand” arm of Geely Holdings, which owns a vast number of other car makers, including Volvo, Lotus, Polestar and Zeekr.
It plans to launch in the UK later this year with the EX5 – a mid-sized all-electric SUV set to rival the Skoda Enyaq, Ford Explorer and Kia EV6, as well as other Chinese competitors such as the Leapmotor C10 and Xpeng G6.
Technical details for the UK-spec EX5 are thin on the ground, but Geely Auto has said that the car has been tested by none other than Lotus to ensure it meets UK drivers’ expectations. Ahead of its launch, the EX5 has undergone “comprehensive” testing at the hands of Lotus Engineering’s experts to meet the unique dynamic demands of UK roads.
The UK car is likely to follow other markets where the car gets a 215bhp front-mounted motor and a choice of two batteries. Basic models use a 49.5kWh “blade” battery, while longer-range versions get a 60.2kWh pack offering up to 264 miles of driving. DC charging tops out at 100kW, some way short of the fastest performers in the packed C-SUV segment.
Unlike some Chinese brands, Geely Auto says it will continue to pursue a “one country, one policy” approach to tailor its retail, supply and support networks to different markets. In the UK it plans to work with a new distributor rather than piggyback on any of Geely’s existing operations. It has also launched a series of “customer clinics” to understand customer needs, particularly fleet buyers.
Mike Yang, general manager at Geely Auto UK said: “We know the Geely EX5 is a great product with several core features that will appeal to a British audience. That’s why we chose it to be our first passenger car for sale in the UK. However, we’re aware that UK customers have unique demands.
“For that reason, before we release the car for sale, we’re working with the experts at Lotus Engineering to make sure we have a car that’s in line with expectations.”
Orders for the Geely EX5 are expected to open later in the summer, with first customer deliveries in the final quarter of the year.
