The electric vehicle (EV) market has blossomed into maturity, with a wide range of options to suit the needs of the masses. With that variety comes competition, and then the need to stand out from the crowd. The Geely EX5 embraces its electric architecture to bring a brand new sense of what is considered premium to the everyday SUV.

EXTERIOR

Like most modern SUVs, the EX5 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. This is a very conservative end of the automotive market, and anything too outlandish may scare prospects. LED lighting all around, check. Flush door handles, check. Aero-efficient wheels, check. Black plastic trim over the wheel arches, all there. The EX5 has the EV and SUV design cues to ensure a visual connection to what the buyers expect these days.

That said, the EX5 is a clean modern design, as dictated by its all-electric needs. There’s a hint of sci-fi to it, as if someone ran a current SUV through a time machine — this time forward, not retro.

INTERIOR

This is where things get interesting. Without a traditional internal combustion engine layout, EVs are able to take full advantage of this relatively free engineering direction. For the EX5, it’s space. The Geely feels expansive inside as it maximises the area between its wheelbase for occupant comfort, storage, and features. This can be best experienced in the passenger seat, which can be electronically folded near flat for total relaxation. Just a button press will stretch the lower section of the passenger seat to that of lounge chair proportions. And if that isn’t enough for the passenger prince or princess, then the headrest can be removed to fold completely flat against the base of the rear seat, extending the first-class experience. Look up into the panoramic sunroof and things approach heavenly. At night, standard ambient lighting retains the relaxed vibe of the EX5.

For the rest of the cabin, fit and finish, plus material quality is up to par as soft-touch materials cover every contact surface. The convenience technology is abundant. Most major functions are automatic or powered, accessed from the 15.4-inch touchscreen running Geely’s Flyme Auto infotainment system, or via the voice assistant. Interior noise is low, allowing the 12-speaker surround system to reach its full potential. Wireless charging and smartphone connectivity add even more functionality to the EX5.

Families will appreciate the number of storage solutions and their size.

ON THE ROAD

The front wheels of the EX5 are motivated by a single 215bhp electric motor fed by a 60.22kWh battery. Torque is rated at 236lb/ft. It can fast-charge up to 160kWh. It can be fully charged from 10 per cent using AC power in just over six hours, whereas DC fast-charging can restore up to 80 per cent of the battery in 20 minutes. Maximum range is 267 miles. The Geely EX5 delivers its power in a very linear fashion, rather than outright speed. This makes it handle the urban slog with ease, never really upsetting occupants, but having that instant torque to exploit holes in the city traffic.

From the 10.2-inch instrument cluster, drivers have a plethora of driving assist systems that ease vehicle operation and aid in safety. The suspension matches the overall theme of the vehicle — comfort, absorbing road imperfections without transferring them to passengers. This also helps on longer journeys that may take the EX5 on to the less than perfect country roads.

VERDICT

The Geely EX5 is aimed directly at the family looking for an EV SUV as it’s bursting at the frame with the essentials buyers in this segment are looking for — space, technology, and safety, further adding premium features not usually found in many class rivals, including the unique first-class front seating arrangement. That said, comfort and ease of use are the primary characteristics of the EX5, with enough range to eliminate operational anxiety.

Beyond the trunk space there’s a power tailgate for ease of access to the rear of the Geely EX5.(Photo: Rory Daley)

The Geely EX5 uses its all-electric design to optimise interior space for passenger comfort.(Photo: Rory Daley)

The cabin of the Geely EX5 features plenty of technology, convenience features, thoughtful layout, and storage solutions for daily use.(Photo: Rory Daley)

The powered passenger front seat of the Geely EX5 can be extended for full recline.(Photo: Rory Daley)

The attention to detail continues to the rear seating.(Photo: Rory Daley)

The Geely EX5 supports AC and DC fast charging.(Photo: Rory Daley)

Powering the Geely EX5 is a 215bhp electric motor.(Photo: Rory Daley)