2026 Geely EX5 Inspire Review

As the debut model marking Geely's return to the Australian market, the mid-size electric SUV EX5 series has served as Geely's premier sales pillar locally over the past year and a half, with deliveries totaling 1,947 units in Australia last month (August 2026).

How much does the 2026 Geely EX5 range Cost?

• 2026 Geely EX5 Complete – $44,191 AUD (NSW) or $44,347 AUD (VIC)
• 2026 Geely EX5 Inspire – $48,325 AUD (NSW) or $48,515 AUD (VIC)

What is the powertrain like of the 2026 Geely EX5?

The entire 2026 Geely EX5 range is powered by a front-mounted single electric motor delivering a maximum power output of 160kW and peak torque of 320Nm via front-wheel drive, achieving a WLTP rated driving range of 450km with a combined energy consumption of 16.9kWh/100km. The EX5 also supports 3.3kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and 6kW Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) external discharging functions.

How is the interior of the 2026 Geely EX5?

The EX5 features a quintessential mid-size crossover SUV cabin layout, offering effortless ingress and egress that is particularly accommodating for passengers with limited mobility.

Stepping inside, the top-tier Inspire variant is upholstered in synthetic leather seats dubbed "GeeLuxe", available in two colourways: Midnight Black or Cloud White. The front seats provide balanced cushioning firmness, though lateral bolstering is somewhat mild. The driver's seat supports six-way power adjustment, albeit lacking under-thigh cushion extension and lumbar adjustment.

The front passenger seat specifically gains a power-extendable ottoman leg rest, elevating comfort on long journeys.

Both front seats come standard with heating, ventilation, and six massage programs, with the massage experience arguably ranking as the finest in its class.

The driver faces a uniquely shaped flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in antibacterial synthetic leather, featuring a button arrangement that is slightly convoluted and takes time to master.

The instrument cluster consists of a 10.2-inch high-definition digital display that is crisp and legible, though customisation options remain limited.

The central dashboard area is equipped with:

• 15.4-inch portrait touchscreen running Geely's in-house developed Flyme OS system
• 13.4-inch high-definition head-up display (HUD)

The overarching interaction logic takes clear inspiration from Tesla, routing virtually all vehicle adjustments through the touchscreen interface. Fortunately, the screen features a persistent shortcut dock along the lower perimeter, preventing drivers from getting lost during everyday operation.

Climate control settings are likewise integrated into the touchscreen, though physical toggle switches are preserved for essential shortcuts (Auto mode, AC recirculation, rear demister), alongside conventional manual physical air vent directional toggles—delivering far superior everyday practicality over the Tesla Model Y and Leapmotor C10.

Worth noting:  

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now supported.
• Direct in-car downloads for applications such as Spotify and TuneIn are currently supported via the integrated vehicle SIM card.

The cabin atmosphere leans towards an upscale feel, extensively incorporating soft-touch surfaces and simulated timber-grain trim, complemented by a panoramic glass roof that enhances natural interior lighting. Storage accommodation is executed brilliantly, with the front quarters providing:

• Dual cupholders
• Twin smartphone trays (one equipped with wireless charging)
• Substantial open lower bridge storage compartment
• Generous central armrest bin and glovebox
• Sizable front door bins

Rear-seat space is outstanding, featuring adjustable seatback recline angles, dedicated rear air vents, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and a concealed slide-out storage drawer. Overall passenger comfort is superb.

What are the exterior dimensions of the 2026 Geely EX5?

In terms of dimensions, the 2026 Geely EX5 measures 4,615mm in length, 1,901mm in width, 1,670mm in height, and rides on a 2,750mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is rated at 148mm for the Complete variant and 168mm for the Inspire variant. Cargo capacity provides 302–410 litres with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1,877 litres when folded flat.

Air vents are positioned behind the centre armrest console, flanked by one USB-A port and one USB-C port. Geely has also integrated a practical pull-out storage drawer beneath the rear middle seat cushion.

The luggage compartment is thoroughly commodious, and lifting the boot floor reveals a handy hidden storage sub-compartment ideal for stowing loose oddments.

No, there is no spare wheel included. Frankly, we would be surprised if one were provided; like many contemporary EV manufacturers, Geely provides a tyre repair inflator kit at most.

What is the ownership and warranty coverage for the 2026 Geely EX5?

The 2026 Geely EX5 offers a 7-year, unlimited-kilometre factory warranty and an 8-year, unlimited-kilometre traction battery warranty, inclusive of 7 years of roadside assistance renewed with each dealer service. For commercial fleet use, warranty terms adjust to 7 years/150,000 kilometres for the vehicle and 8 years/150,000 kilometres for the battery.

How safe is the 2026 Geely EX5 Series?

The 2026 Geely EX5 series recently secured a maximum five-star safety rating under ANCAP crash testing. The comprehensive suite of active safety technologies fitted standard across the range includes: adaptive cruise control, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver fatigue monitoring, emergency lane change assist, lane keep assist, multi-collision braking, occupant detection reminder, safe exit warning, rear parking sensors, 3D surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, front, side, curtain, and front-centre airbags, plus front parking sensors (Inspire variant only).

What are the detailed specifications across the 2026 Geely EX5 Range?

2026 Geely EX5 Complete Standard Equipment Includes:  

• 18-inch alloy wheels (225/55 Giti tyres)
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Tyre repair kit
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam assist
• Active grille shutters
• Privacy glass
• Heated power-folding exterior mirrors
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Heat-pump air conditioning
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power capability
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Satellite navigation
• Geely connected services
• Voice assistant
• 4G network connectivity
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates
• Geely app store
• Online media streaming
• Remote vehicle control
• Six-speaker sound system
• 15W wireless smartphone charger
• Six-way power driver's seat with lie-flat recline
• Four-way power passenger seat with lie-flat recline
• Heated front seats
• Seat position memory
• Adjustable steering column
• Flat-folding rear seats
• Customisable drive modes
• Second-row under-seat storage drawer

2026 Geely EX5 Inspire Upgrades (in addition to Complete):  

• 19-inch alloy wheels (235/50 Goodyear tyres)
• Panoramic glass sunroof with electric sunblind
• Power tailgate
• 13.4-inch head-up display
• Ventilated front seats
• Front seat massage function (6 modes)
• Driver's seat and exterior mirror memory
• Front passenger seat electric ottoman leg rest
• 16-speaker 1000W premium audio system
• 256-colour dynamic ambient interior lighting

What is the 2026 Geely EX5 like to drive?

Getting behind the wheel of the EX5 for the first time, you will find it requires no ignition start button—simply sit in the driver's seat, select Drive, and set off.

While the manufacturer has not published an official acceleration figure, our real-world testing revealed linear, silky acceleration that delivers ample response for daily commuting and metropolitan duties, though it lacks the explosive push-in-the-back launch typical of high-performance EVs.

Three driving modes are available: Eco, Comfort and Sport.

These are complemented by three regenerative braking modes (including an automatic setting), although true one-pedal driving is not supported.

Steering weight features two adjustable modes: Comfort mode feels light and effortless for parking, while Sport mode offers more direct weighting and firmness.

The EX5 is unapologetically tuned for ride comfort, making it particularly well matched to urban environments.

The chassis utilises MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear independent suspension, tuned locally by joint Chinese and Australian engineering teams to deliver admirable bump absorption that glides over urban surface blemishes and speed cushions with ease.

At lower speeds, energy efficiency proves genuinely impressive: our tested urban consumption registered just 12.8kWh/100km, outperforming the Tesla Model Y.

However, when tackling mountain roads or tight consecutive corners, the EX5 exhibits noticeable body roll and pitch. The front tyres are prone to wheelspin under acceleration out of bends, placing a modest ceiling on spirited driving engagement.

At open-road cruising speeds, cabin refinement is remarkable: road noise and tyre roar are suppressed effectively, establishing it as a hushed and relaxing long-distance tourer.

In terms of local engineering adaptation, Geely’s Australian team recalibrated the suspension and driver assistance systems for local road environments. Nevertheless, the ADAS suite still reveals quirks, notably:

• Overly aggressive automatic deceleration when approaching corners, which can pose potential safety hazards.
• A lane keep assist system that proves somewhat sluggish during lane changes or sweeping bends.

Overall acceleration remains sensible: perfectly composed around town, yet power response turns somewhat conservative during aggressive passing maneuvers at higher freeway speeds.

2026 Geely EX5 Series Review: Final Verdict

If you are stepping into an electric vehicle from an internal combustion engine car, the Geely EX5’s hushed cabin, seamless power delivery, and generous interior packaging will feel delightfully refreshing.

Yet, surveying the fiercely contested mid-size electric SUV battlefield, the EX5’s core product credentials land somewhere down the middle—with clear room for improvement in dynamic driver involvement and connected infotainment maturity (principally the launch absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).

Nonetheless, when factored against Geely's remarkably honest Australian pricing structure, launch promotional packages, and low-rate financing offers, it firmly earns a mandatory spot on the test-drive shortlist for family buyers seeking a capable mid-size EV.