Chinese firm Geely’s return to South Africa kicks off with the fully electric Geely E5 and the plug-in hybrid Geely E5 EM-i crossovers. Here’s what they’ll cost you…
- Geely marks return to SA with E5 and E5 EM-i launch
- E5 EM-i debuts as local market’s most affordable PHEV
- Fully electric E5 crossover offers up to 430 km of range
Back in April 2024, Cars.co.za reported that Geely appeared to be plotting a comeback to South Africa, news we confirmed in March 2025. Now we have pricing details of the models with which the Zhejiang-based company will officially mark its relaunch.
Yes, after quietly exiting Mzansi approximately a decade ago, the Geely Auto brand is back, with the Chinese group’s Zeekr, Farizon and Riddara sub-brands also planned. The first vehicles on the menu, though, are the Geely E5 electric vehicle (EV) and Geely E5 EM-i plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Let’s start with the latter. Launching as South Africa’s most affordable PHEV, the E5 EM-i Aspire is priced from R599 999, seeing it undercut the likes of the Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plus (R619 900) and the BYD Sealion 6 Comfort (R639 900). The Chinese firm also offers the higher-specced E5 EM-i Apex for R679 999.
Both derivatives pair a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (73 kW and 125 Nm) with an electric motor (160 kW and 320 Nm), with the total system power coming in at 193 kW. The 0-100 kph dash takes a claimed 8.0 seconds for the Aspire and 8.1 seconds for the slightly heavier Apex.
In each case, an 18.4 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack offers a listed all-electric range of up to 83 km, pushing the total claimed WLTP range to 943 km. The Geely E5 EM-i measures 4 740 mm long (making it a little longer than a Haval H6, for instance), with a wheelbase of 2 755 mm. The Chinese firm lists a luggage-capacity figure of 528 litres.
While the E5 EM-i Aspire includes a 15.4-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlamps and adaptive cruise control, the Apex grade gains a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, a powered tailgate, 256-colour ambient lighting, a head-up display, a 16-speaker “premium” sound system (with head-rest speakers), powered front seats, wireless smartphone charging and additional advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features.
Meanwhile, the fully electric Geely E5 Aspire starts at R699 999, with the E5 Apex priced from R759 999. Both are powered by a front-mounted electric motor that produces 160 kW and 320 Nm. A 60.22 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack offers a claimed WLTP range of 430 km for the Aspire variant and 410 km for the Apex derivative.
The 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 6.9 seconds in the former and 7.1 seconds in the latter. At 4 615 mm long, the E5 is interestingly slightly more compact than its E5 EM-i sibling, with its wheelbase some 5 mm shorter (at 2 750 mm), too. The listed luggage capacity for this electric crossover comes in at 461 litres.
The E5 Aspire ships standard with features like a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, front-seat ventilation, a 15.4-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster and 18-inch alloys. The E5 Apex, meanwhile, adds a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, 256-colour ambient lighting, a front-seat massage (and memory) function, a head-up display, front parking sensors, 19-inch rims and the aforementioned 16-speaker audio system.
What does the Geely E5 cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Geely E5 EM-i Aspire | R599 999 |
| Geely E5 EM-i Apex | R679 999 |
| Geely E5 Aspire | R699 999 |
| Geely E5 Apex | R759 999 |
The prices above include a 6-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/200 000 km battery pack warranty. The E5 EM-I PHEV derivatives come with a 5-year/75 000 km service plan, while the E5 EV variants feature a 6-year/120 000 km service plan.
In addition, Geely Auto SA says a “wallbox charger is complimentary” with every E5 and E5 EM-i purchase, along with R10 000 in free public charging for the former and R5 000 in free public charging for the latter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the South African starting prices for the Geely E5 EM-i (PHEV) and the fully electric Geely E5?
A: The E5 EM-i plug-in hybrid starts at R599 999 (Aspire) and the fully electric E5 starts at R699 999 (Aspire).
Q: What is the claimed electric driving range for the fully electric E5 and the PHEV E5 EM-i?
A: The fully electric E5 (Aspire) has a claimed WLTP range of 430 km. The E5 EM-i plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of up to 83 km and a total claimed WLTP range of 943 km.
Q: What warranty and service plans are included with the new Geely E5 models?
A: All models include a 6-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/200 000 km battery pack warranty. The E5 EM-I PHEVs come with a 5-year/75 000 km service plan, while the E5 EVs feature a 6-year/120 000 km service plan.
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