Geely powers in with its first electric SUV

Cracking the range anxiety syndrome has been a headache for electric vehicle manufacturers. I have suffered it many times when testing EVs. But it is improving all the time, with enhanced battery technology and an expanding network of public chargers that can provide a rapid top-up in as little as 20 minutes – and now even quicker on superchargers.

Volvo Cars owner Geely has plenty of EV experience and has now brought its own-brand electric SUV to the UK. Joining the Starray hybrid, the all-electric EX5 is Geely's first own-brand car in Britain, and it's aiming straight for the family EV mainstream. This electric SUV comes at a competitive price, is well built and, yes, can be charged from 30-80 per cent in just 20 minutes.

There are three trim levels – SE, Pro, and Max driven here. Prices start at £31,990 for the SE, rising to £36,990 for the Max I tested. That undercuts key rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 quite significantly, while offering similar or better charging speeds and range.

Design and size

It's not exactly a showstopper on the looks front but has some eye-catching touches, such as deployable door handles and a full-width rear LED light bar. Boot space is modest or huge, depending on configuration. There is only 401 litres with the seats in place, supplemented by a decent under-floor storage area that increases capacity to 461 litres. However, fold the seats and you get van-like 1,877 litres of room – which we took full advantage of during a house move.

Classed as a C-segment SUV, it feels bigger – more D-segment – sitting high off the ground with plenty of cabin space and a commanding view for the driver. Occupants also have excellent head and legroom, although rear headroom is a little more restricted.

Comfortable and refined

The well-appointed cabin's centrepiece is a massive 15.4-inch central touchscreen, complete with integrated AI voice assistance – it's the brains of the operation. That's joined by a 13.8-inch head-up display on top-spec models and an ear-splitting 1,000W, 16-speaker premium sound system. So far, so impressive.

That said, the multiple digital displays aren't always the most intuitive to operate. Some functions are tucked away in sub-menus and feel fiddly, and I was often tempted to look away from the road to find a menu. It's a shame, because the rest of the cabin feels high quality, with supportive and comfortable seats, and the cabin feels airy – helped on this model by the large panoramic sunroof. I felt really comfortable at the wheel.

The powered seats offer ample adjustment and generous support. The high ride height gives excellent all-round visibility. On the move, the cabin remains hushed, with wind and road noise well suppressed – even at motorway speeds. I found the ride comfortable, with the softish suspension comfortably mitigating all but the worst ruts and potholes currently plaguing our roads.

It feels composed through bends, though push hard and there's noticeable lean. The steering is light around town but responsive on faster roads, and motorway cruising is where the EX5 shines. It's not thrilling, but it delivers a level of comfort with enough grunt from the motor for easy overtaking and long-range cruising. It was also prone to occasional wheel spin when flooring the throttle.

Efficient electric power

The EX5 delivers efficiency and performance that genuinely rivals the class leaders. Power comes from a single 215bhp electric motor driving the front wheels, drawing from a 60.22kWh battery. It's not the most powerful, but the lighter battery pack reduces energy consumption per mile – giving you more range from fewer kilowatt-hours than some heavier rivals with larger batteries. Like the majority of EVs, it's quick off the mark and can hit 60mph in around seven seconds.

Official efficiency figures are competitive, and real-world range is likely to be in the 240-250 mile-plus region, depending on driving style and conditions. A standard heat pump helps preserve battery life in cold weather. Efficiency is further enhanced by this, and the vehicle is fitted with vehicle-to-load capability so you can use the car to charge a grill or run a kettle when outdoors.

Rapid charge speeds

Charging is always at the back of my mind when driving an EV, and luckily it was not an issue with the EX5. Its 60.2kWh pack can charge from 30-80 per cent in just 20 minutes via a 160kW DC rapid charger. That's enough to add around a 125-mile boost while taking a service station break, making long-distance family trips genuinely stress-free.

Full marks for safety

Every EX5 comes with seven airbags, a full suite of driver assists, and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The warranty is comprehensive too – eight years or 125,000 miles on both the vehicle and the battery. That's the kind of reassurance that matters when you're spending family money.

Verdict

Geely's first UK model offers great electric range, a spacious and well-equipped cabin, and strong safety credentials at a competitive price. The infotainment could be more intuitive, but for family buyers seeking a budget-friendly electric SUV that doesn't feel cheap, this is an attractive alternative. It's not a Volvo – but then, it isn't trying to be.

Factfile

Geely EX5 MaxModel: Geely EX5 MaxPrice: From £36,990Mechanical: Single electric motor, 215bhp and 320Nm, driving front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmissionMax speed: 109mph0-62mph: 6.7 secondsElectric range: 267 miles (WLTP)CO₂ emissions: 0g/kmBiK rating: 3%Warranty: 8yrs/125,000 miles (vehicle and battery)