Geely is giving the EX5 electric SUV a significant rethink, and this one goes well beyond the usual facelift treatment.
The updated model has been revealed in China ahead of its official launch on September 23, bringing a new rear-wheel-drive layout, considerably more power and an 800-volt electrical architecture. For an electric SUV that is already sold in the Philippines, those changes make this more than just an interesting update from China.
The most noticeable change is what sits underneath the body. The current EX5 uses a front-mounted electric motor, while the new version moves the drive unit to the rear. Output also climbs substantially to 245 KW, equivalent to around 329 hp. That is a sizeable jump from the 160-kW motor used by the current international-market EX5.
Battery choices will include 61.5-kWh and 70-kWh packs, with the larger unit allowing up to 635 km of claimed CLTC range. A separate WLTP figure of up to 521 km provides a more conservative reference point for markets using that testing standard.
The switch to an 800V electrical system is arguably just as important as the power increase. Higher-voltage architectures can support faster charging and more efficient energy transfer, although actual charging performance will ultimately depend on the charging equipment and market-specific specifications.
Geely has also made some practical changes. Moving the motor to the rear creates room for a 160-liter front trunk, giving owners another storage compartment. The exterior receives revised front and rear styling, while the charging port has also been relocated. Conventional door handles replace the flush-type units found on the current model.
Then there is the technology. The updated EX5 gains roof-mounted LiDAR along with additional sensors and cameras, suggesting a significant expansion of its driver-assistance capabilities.
For Philippine buyers, however, there is one big question: will this version eventually replace or supplement the EX5 currently sold here?
There is no confirmation of a Philippine introduction at this point, so it would be premature to treat the Chinese-market model as our next EX5. Still, the possibility is worth watching. The local EX5 already gives Geely a foothold in the country’s growing electric SUV market, and this new version addresses several areas where EV buyers increasingly expect progress.
More power is easy to headline. The more meaningful story is the combination of rear-wheel drive, 800V technology, additional practicality and more advanced sensing hardware.
If Geely brings those changes to the Philippines, the EX5 could become a substantially different proposition from the model currently sitting in local showrooms.
Autocar’s Take
The updated Geely EX5 is interesting because the changes go deeper than the usual facelift treatment. More power is certainly welcome, but the move to rear-wheel drive and an 800V architecture could make a bigger difference in how the SUV performs and charges. The added frunk is another practical touch, while LiDAR gives the EX5 a more sophisticated technology package.
For Philippine buyers, the big question is whether Geely will eventually bring this version here. There is no confirmation yet, but considering that the EX5 is already part of Geely’s local lineup, this is certainly one update worth keeping an eye on.
