After an uneventful few years, Geely is hoping to catch the eye of Filipino motorists once again, and the EX5 EM-i Super Hybrid is the company’s latest attempt to do just that. Launched in March 2026, this compact plug-in hybrid SUV mixes a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, letting you cruise around town on electric power but still have the safety net of a regular engine for those longer road trips.
We didn’t set out to break any fuel economy records on this trip (AAP was there to do that). Instead, we wanted to see what the EX5 EM-i was like as a daily driver and a road trip buddy. We racked up over 1,000 kilometers – plenty of time to get a feel for what this SUV can really do when you’re not just babying the throttle.
Geely claims a weighted combined fuel consumption figure of 2.4L/100 km under the WLTP cycle, equivalent to approximately 41.6 km/L. It also claims a total driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers with a full tank and battery.
After completing the drive to Ilocos Norte and back, both as a driver and a passenger, here’s our take on the EX5 EM-i.
A Familiar SUV Shape With a Surprisingly Spacious Cabin
The EX5 EM-i looks futuristic yet restrained from the outside. The front end is smooth and sculpted, with the DRLs and indicators perched above the main headlights. Those headlights sit lower on the bumper, which gives the face a bit of a different vibe compared to its fully electric sibling.
From the side, you get 19-inch wheels on Goodyear tires, and out back there’s a full-width light bar for a bit of flair. Ground clearance is 172 millimeters – enough to handle the usual provincial road shenanigans.
Pop open the power tailgate, and you’re greeted by 528 liters of cargo space. With rear seats folded, you get a cavernous 2,065 liters, at least according to Geely, but we don’t doubt that. There’s even a bonus storage compartment under the floor for those extra odds and ends.
Inside, the EX5 EM-i starts to show off a bit. Leather-trimmed seats give it a premium vibe, and the materials and build quality are honestly impressive for something that doesn’t break the P1.5-million mark.
Space for passengers is another win. The back seat has loads of legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, and there’s barely any center tunnel to trip up the middle passenger. The panoramic glass roof makes things feel even airier – just don’t try opening it at high noon unless you want a free sauna session.
Technology is handled by a 15.4-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a digital instrument cluster and full-color head-up display. Other features include 15W wireless charging, a power-opening panoramic sunroof, electric sunshade, and a good-sounding 16-speaker Flyme Sound Premium Audio system.
A Composed Drive With Plenty of Power
Underneath, the EX5 EM-i pairs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 73 kW and 125 Nm with an electric motor generating 160 kW and 262 Nm. The combined output is 215 horsepower. The system uses an 18.4-kWh battery, offering up to 83 kilometers of pure electric range.
The EX5 EM-i is quick, but don’t expect to pin your passengers to their seats. Acceleration is smooth and predictable, with enough punch for overtaking but nothing that’ll make you spill your coffee. The steering has a bit more heft than you’d expect, which actually makes it feel less like a video game and more like a real car. There’s enough feedback to keep things interesting, too.
The suspension is another pleasant surprise. It shrugs off just about everything you’ll hit on a North Luzon road trip, from potholes to the usual provincial highway bumps. It stays composed without turning the ride into a bone-shaker.
Visibility is solid, too. Even with its generous size, the EX5 EM-i is surprisingly easy to thread through tight streets and traffic jams. Finding a comfy driving position is a breeze, which we definitely appreciated when swapping seats with the rest of the crew.
Fuel economy really depends on how you drive it. With a mix of spirited runs, heavy traffic, and some carefree highway cruising, we averaged around 17 km/L. Not bad. Not bad at all.
A Few Things Could Be Better
Of course, as with any car, the EX5 EM-i has its downsides. While the cabin is spacious, the seats can feel a little stiff on long drives. After all those kilometers, I felt a little discomfort in my back, so if you’re planning a long road trip, you might want to bring a cushion.
There’s also a bit of noise sneaking in through the windows, especially when a loud motorcycle or truck blasts by. Road noise is mostly kept in check, even with those 19-inch wheels, but a little more soundproofing wouldn’t hurt.
None of these are dealbreakers, especially for the price. But if you’re all about long-haul comfort, it’s something to keep in mind.
Geely’s Return Comes With a Promising Contender
Geely’s reputation took a bit of a beating in the Philippines thanks to its old distributor, but the EX5 EM-i is their shot at redemption. And honestly, it’s a pretty convincing effort.
With prices starting at P1.288 million for the Pro and P1.468 million for the Max, the EX5 EM-i comes in well below the P1.598-million BYD Sealion 6. That’s a big gap, especially when you’re getting a roomy cabin, loads of tech, and a powertrain that’s happy in both city traffic and out on the open road.
The EX5 EM-i isn’t perfect, but with its predictable performance, comfy suspension, generous space, and wallet-friendly price, it’s a strong contender in the local plug-in hybrid scene.t.
After over 1,000 kilometers, the EX5 EM-i leaves a solid impression. More importantly, it gives Geely a real shot at winning back Filipino car buyers’ trust.’
