Geely EX5 EM-i officially debuts as a rival to BYD Sealion 6

Geely EX5 EM-i_1
Photo: Given Sabido

Geely Philippines has officially debuted the EX5 EM-i, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that’s set to rival the likes of the BYD Sealion 6. The 2026 Geely EX5 EM-i features a sleek exterior styling that’s complemented by a modern interior and a hybrid powertrain. It is also the first vehicle that Geely PH has introduced this year, which is confirmed to be followed by more new vehicle launches.

The Geely EX5 EM-i has a sleek design, as seen in its sharp-looking headlights that appear to wrap around the whole width of the vehicle’s front end. It also has a large angular front bumper, giving the vehicle an assertive stance, while the silver inserts add accent to the EX5 EM-i’s sleek fascia.

Turning at the side, the EX5 EM-i is characterized by flowing character lines, as well as sculpted surfaces seen on its doors. It also has roof rails and black cladding on the wheel arches, and the two-tone alloy wheels give the vehicle extra style points. Geely said that the EX5 EM-i is designed with the brand’s GEA Architecture, which gives the vehicle a 2,755mm wheelbase, maximizing space inside the cabin.  

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Photo: Geely

The rear, on the other hand, comes with an equally clean look, complementing the sleek front end. It has distinctive taillights that run along the car’s width, creating a seamless finish. The roof-mounted spoiler is integrated with a third brake light, while the bumper has black cladding to provide an accent as well as a slightly rugged finish.

Inside, the 2026 Geely EX5 EM-i has a choice of two interior color options: amber brown or sapphire blue. The amber brown finish creates a more prominent two-tone interior theme, which is an interior combo that reminds us of the discontinued Geely Azkarra. The EX5 EM-i features a clean and modern cabin, and its dashboard does not come with physical buttons. 

The thing that stands out the most in the interior is the massive 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, which houses most of the vehicle controls. It also has a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 13.8-inch head-up display, which makes the EX5 EM-i have a modern and advanced interior design.

Adding to the list of tech amenities is the wireless smartphone charger, which is placed conveniently just below the infotainment touchscreen. The center console is then integrated with climate controls, while the steering wheel is mounted with several controls, such as for the audio and call functions.

Geely EX5 EM-i_2
Photo: Given Sabido

Geely PH said that the EX5 EM-i features an “innovative ergonomic seat design.” The front seats are designed to deliver “ultimate comfort with a soft back, springy seat” sensation. The front seats also come with a three-level ventilation system. 

Other than the panoramic sunroof, the 2026 Geely EX5 EM-i features a 16-speaker Flyme Sound system, which comes with a 1000W independent digital amplifier, complemented by an exclusive headrest speaker design. The audio system offers four listening modes: Share, Drive, Private, and Smart Switch.

In terms of safety, the Geely EX5 EM-i has six airbags, as well as safety tech that includes Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation System, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Warning. 

The 2026 Geely EX5 EM-i is equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an 18.4 kWh battery and an electric motor. It generates a combined power output of 218 horsepower and 262 Nm of torque. Geely claims that the EX5 EM-i has a pure electric range of 83 kilometers, with a combined range of up to 943 kilometers.

Geely PH is offering the EX5 EM-i in two variants, Pro and Max, which are similar to the possible trim options of the upcoming Geely EX2 subcompact electric hatchback. The EX5 EM-i Pro is priced at P1,288,000, while the top-spec Max variant has a sticker price of P1,468,000.

Autocar’s Take

Geely Philippines has now officially launched the EX5 EM-i PHEV, which is the first among its planned vehicle introductions for this year. The arrival of the EX5 EM-i is timely, as it is a new energy vehicle that comes with a hybrid powertrain, which could be viewed as the more ideal option considering the high fuel prices. 

But other than that, the EX5 EM-i is a PHEV that’s packed with features that could make it a strong choice when shopping for a hybrid crossover in the Philippines. It has the right tech and features to boot, while having an enticing starting price of P1,288,000. Could the EX5 EM-i be among the main drivers of Geely PH’s 7,000 unit sales target in 2026? Let’s wait and see.

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Martin Aguilar

Martin Aguilar

Martin is a BA Literature graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Aside from his interest in cars, Martin enjoys reading crime novels while drinking black coffee. With over a decade of experience writing about cars, he has explored different sides of the automotive industry. He even gave car review video hosting a try, going by the nickname Kambyo Boy Next Door.