Geely E5 (2026) Review

We spent some quality time with the battery-electric Geely E5 Apex EV. With fuel prices rising, is an EV from a newcomer brand the way to go?

We like: Relaxed driving manners; practicality; perceived interior quality; comprehensive equipment tally.

We don’t like: Slightly firm ride; typically overbearing safety tech; no spare wheel.

FAST FACTS

• Model: Geely E5 Apex
• Price: R759 999
• Engine: Single electric motor
• Transmission: Automatic
• Power/Torque: 160 kW/320 Nm
• Claimed economy: 16.0 kWh/100 km
• Claimed range: 410 km
• 0-100 kph: 7.1 seconds (claimed)/7.72 seconds (tested)
• Luggage capacity: 461-1 877 litres

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Where does the Geely E5 Apex fit in?

Geely officially launched in South Africa at the end of 2025. However, it’s not its first local stint. Petrolheads will remember that brand operated in Mzansi around the 2010s, but it didn’t exactly cover itself in glory.

Thankfully, the modern Geely is a far cry from that fledgling brand. In fact, last year, it ranked 8th for global best-selling automotive brands. As a reminder, Geely Automobile Holdings Limited has significant stakes in Volvo, Polestar, Proton and Lotus. It also has its own brands like Zeekr and Farizon.

Geely South Africa has 3 models in its stable. The portfolio opens with the adorable E2 city electric car, which has so far really impressed us; the funky-looking Coolray; and what’s on test here, the E5. Interestingly, the E5 is available as a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric model. We’re evaluating the latter.

Read more: Geely E2 vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison video review

As far as direct rivals for the E5 go, the BYD Atto 3 is the most obvious, but if you’re prepared to pay a bit more, the Volvo EX30 packs significantly more power. However, we feel that, given the crop of both petrol-powered range extenders and plug-in hybrids available, Geely’s EV has its work cut out for it. Thankfully, there’s the alternative of the PHEV model – called E5 EM-i – for those buyers who aren’t yet ready to convert to full electric power.

Compare the Geely E5 to the BYD Atto 3 and the Volvo EX30 using our Comparison Tool

How the Geely E5 Apex fares in terms of…

Design & Packaging

The Geely E5’s design is a little bland. We don’t mind a clean, uncluttered look like the E5’s, but it does little to distinguish itself in a crowded segment. That said, the turquoise-green paint finish and upmarket 19-inch alloy wheels give it a premium feel.

There’s one main visual difference separating the battery-electric E5 model and its E5 EM-i plug-in hybrid sibling. Look closely at the door handles: the PHEV model uses a more traditional setup, while the EV’s are aerodynamically friendlier, flush items. Unlock the car and they protrude.

Park the Geely E5 next to its rivals and you’ll notice it’s significantly bigger in almost every department. The wheelbase of 2 750 mm gives it impressive cabin space and few vehicles in this class offer this much leg- and headroom for rear passengers.

At first glance, the cabin looks pretty much like the rest of those of the newcomer brands. Tick your bingo card: narrow instrument cluster; enormous, vibrant infotainment screen; wireless charging pad by your left elbow; discreet USB ports located where the transmission tunnel would usually be.

However, on closer inspection, the perceived quality of the materials and construction impress. Commonly touched surfaces feel reassuringly robust. Geely offers a choice of two interior trim colours: the dark-blue/black that you see here, or all-white. We suspect the latter will show dirt very quickly, so proceed with caution.

The standard equipment list on the Geely E5 is a long one, even on the entry-level Aspire model (which costs R699 999 in EV spec). The mid-tier Apex model tested here adds a powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, front massage seats, a head-up display, a surprisingly impressive 16-speaker audio system and ADAS suite. Curiously, there are no heated seats, just ventilated, but seeing as the warmer months exceed the colder ones in South Africa, we feel this isn’t a deal breaker.

The infotainment system is worth a special mention as its user experience, clarity and responsiveness are to be commended. The vehicle also supports over-the-air updates, and South African-spec cars received one back in February 2026 that introduced wireless Android Auto and some other enhancements.

The system also allows for 3rd-party apps like Spotify to be installed. While most of the functionality is reserved for the screen, you can use the rotary dial and favourites button on the wheel for shortcuts.

The safety rating is impressive, with the E5 becoming the first Geely to score 5 stars in both Euro NCAP and ANCAP (Australia) crash testing. Being tied to Volvo surely has its benefits, right? The ADAS suite is comprehensive, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision alert, autonomous emergency braking and more. While it is great to have these features, they can be intrusive.

Exceed the current speed limit by 1 kph? Ding! The speed limit has increased from 60 kph to 80 kph? Ding! The vehicle in front has started moving off in traffic? Ding! The intentions are good, but it’s all a bit much.

The lack of a spare wheel will be an issue for some, but its omission frees up an additional 51 litres of packing space. The boot capacity is 461 litres with the seats up, which is one of the more spacious in the segment.

Performance & Efficiency

When it comes to powertrains, there are 2 battery sizes available: 60.22 kWh for the Aspire and Apex, while the Apex Plus has a 68.39 kWh unit for additional range. The claimed ranges are 430 km, 410 km and 450 km respectively based on the unrealistic WLTP cycle.

The vehicle has a single electric motor driving the front wheels via an automatic gearbox. It makes a fair 160 kW and 320 Nm and, after activating its sportiest drivetrain mode, the E5 dashed to 100 kph in 7.72 seconds, which is a few 10ths off its claimed time. It feels brisk enough, though.

The vehicle has three modes – Eco, Comfort and Sport – but you are able to customise your experience whether you wish for maximum efficiency or engagement. You can adjust the regeneration strength or rely on the car’s default setting, which we suspect is based on the prevailing traffic patterns and vehicles around you, and results in a strange jerky sensation. There’s no one-pedal operation, but you can adjust the car’s braking feel.

When it comes to charging and range, the E5 supports both AC (11 kW) and DC (100 kW) options. We managed about 360 km per full charge. At its best, we saw consumption figures of around 14.0 kWh/100 km, but this was only after driving at slower speeds on urban roads. The charging port is in the most convenient location, too – just behind the right front wheel.

Ride, Handling & Comfort

The Geely E5 brings a mature and refined driving experience to the table. The uniquely-styled steering wheel won’t be loved by everyone, but if you take the time to adjust the rake and reach, as well as your seating position, a near-perfect driving position is possible.

This is one of the more pleasant vehicles from the newcomer brands to drive. The majority of them are overly stiff, but the E5 BEV is set up a little softer. It’s still firmer than what we’d like, though.

Head into some bends and it’s one of the more engaging products from behind the wheel, due to its adaptive steering which adds artificial weighting, and its excellent body control. It doesn’t lean as much as its competitors. Yet, our takeaway is this vehicle prioritises comfort and quietness above all else.

Price & After-sales support

The prices below include a 6-year/120 000 km service plan, 6-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/200 000 km battery pack warranty. A complimentary home wallbox is included as well as R10 000 in free public charging.

Verdict

To call the Geely E5 EV a cut-price Volvo may be blunt, but it’s not that far from reality. Given its price, refinement, efficiency and practicality, it’s comfortably one of the better offerings in the segment. Geely South Africa has increased its dealership footprint up to around 40 branches with coverage in the major metropolitan areas and the future’s looking positive for the Hangzhou-based brand.

However, it’s not without its flaws. The lack of a spare wheel and the intrusive ADAS blunt an otherwise pretty impressive first showing. Fortunately, these are easy to remedy, but right now, it’s challenging to ignore the plug-in hybrid E5 EM-i range which kills range anxiety at a much more affordable price.

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