Business

Geely launches its first electric SUV in the UK as part of ambitious European expansion

Saturday, 15 November 2025 5:05AM UTC

Nearly a decade after hinting at its UK ambitions, Chinese automaker Geely has introduced the all-electric EX5 SUV, signalling a major step in its European growth strategy with a range of features tailored for British drivers.

Nearly a decade after founder Li Shufu first hinted at Geely’s ambitions to sell cars under its own name in the UK, the Chinese automotive giant has officially launched its first model on British roads. The Geely EX5, an all-electric compact SUV, marks a significant milestone for the company’s expansion into Europe and represents a new chapter in the UK electric vehicle market.

The EX5 arrives as a well-equipped, comfortable, and competitively priced electric SUV. Starting at £31,990 before discounts, it offers a 60kWh battery with an official WLTP range of up to 267 miles, making it suitable for journeys such as north London to Durham. Performance-wise, the single-motor front-wheel-drive system delivers a sprightly 218 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds, with a top speed restricted to 106mph. The battery supports 160kW DC fast charging, capable of reaching 80% charge in about 20 minutes, while a home 7kW charger can fully recharge the battery in just over six hours.

Geely’s engineering, which includes fine-tuning at its UK base in Coventry with Lotus input, ensures that the EX5 is tailored for British roads. Inside, the cabin offers notable comfort, with front seats that recline to near-flat positions and ample legroom and headroom in the rear seats. Practical touches like a 14-litre pull-out drawer under the rear seats and flexible boot space ranging from 461 litres to 1,877 litres with seats folded add to its versatility. The interior is tech-centric, featuring a Tesla-style touch screen interface that controls most functions, though this has drawn some criticism for an over-reliance on digital controls and a persistent "nannying" digital safety alert system.

Three trim levels are available: SE, Pro, and Max. The entry-level SE model comes well stocked with features such as 18-inch alloys, a 15.4-inch infotainment screen, surround cameras, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, synthetic leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. The Pro trim adds 19-inch wheels and enhanced interior trim, while the Max trim , priced from £36,990 , boasts premium additions including a panoramic sunroof, a 13.8-inch head-up display, a 16-speaker premium audio system, massaging and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable passenger leg rests, and 256-colour ambient lighting. Buyers also benefit from an 8-year warranty on both car and battery and four years of roadside assistance, along with two years of free servicing.

To attract UK buyers, Geely offers generous financial incentives including cash discounts up to £3,750, a £1,000 part-exchange bonus for older petrol or diesel vehicles, and subsidised EV home charger installation. PCP finance deals start at £339 per month with deposits from £3,500.

Geely is more than just a car manufacturer; under the leadership of Li Shufu, the billionaire founder who also goes by Eric, it has grown into a global technology and mobility conglomerate that includes well-known brands such as Volvo, Lotus, Polestar, Smart, Proton, and the company behind London's electric black cabs, LEVC. In 2024, Geely reported worldwide sales of 3.3 million vehicles, holding a 4.2% share of the UK car market and 1 in every 14 electric vehicles sold in the country. Beyond automobiles, Geely develops satellites, microchips, smart aircraft, and green technologies.

The EX5 launch is part of Geely’s broader UK and European strategy. The company aims to establish 100 sales and servicing outlets across the UK by 2026 and plans to release 15 new vehicles tailored to European customers within the next five years. The EX5 is thus not just an individual model launch, but a statement of intent for Geely’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility and innovation in key Western markets.

While the Geely brand may still be gaining recognition among UK consumers, its combination of global reach, dealership expansion, and solid product offerings like the EX5 positions it as a noteworthy contender in the competitive electric SUV segment. This entry-level hybrid and EV offering underlines the firm’s ambition to be a lasting player that balances affordability, technology, and practicality, with room to grow and evolve.

📌 Reference Map:

^[1] Daily Mail - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
^[2] Geely Official News - Paragraphs 4, 12
^[3] Geely Model Details - Paragraph 3
^[4] Geely Auto UK Media - Paragraph 5, 7
^[5] The Independent - Paragraph 4, 6
^[6] Auto Express - Paragraph 4, 6
^[7] YouTube (Geely Launch Event) - Paragraph 12

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-15292175/RAY-MASSEY-Geelys-UK-debut-gem-wasnt-control-freak.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.geely.com/en/news/2025/geely-debuts-ex5-uk - Geely Auto officially launched the EX5 in the UK on 23 October 2025, marking a significant milestone in its European strategy. The EX5 is an award-winning all-electric SUV designed for British consumers, featuring a range of up to 267 miles and a 160kW DC fast-charging capability that can charge the battery from 30% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes. Geely aims to establish a nationwide network of 100 sales and service outlets by 2026, with plans to introduce 15 new vehicles tailored for European consumers over the next five years.
https://www.geely.com/en/models/ex5 - The Geely EX5 is a battery electric compact crossover SUV produced by Geely Auto since 2024. It features a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup with a 160kW electric motor and a 60.22kWh battery, offering a claimed range of 530km. The vehicle is equipped with advanced safety features, including a robust structure with 8 horizontal and 2 vertical supports, a patented energy dissipation system, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The EX5 also boasts a low drag coefficient of 0.269, contributing to its energy efficiency.
https://www.geelyautoukmedia.com/en/geely-ex5.html - Geely Auto UK launched the EX5, its first model in the UK, featuring a spacious, safe, and affordable compact SUV. The EX5 offers a range of up to 267 miles (WLTP) and a 160kW DC fast-charging capability that can charge the battery from 30% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes. The vehicle includes a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with AI voice control, a 13.8-inch head-up display, and a 16-speaker, 1,000W premium audio system. The EX5 also provides exceptional interior space with 33 storage compartments and a large 461-litre luggage compartment.
https://www.independent.co.uk/cars/electric-vehicles/geely-ex5-electric-car-b2829143.html - The Geely EX5 electric SUV has been launched in the UK, starting at £31,990. It features a front-mounted 215bhp electric motor paired with a 60.2kWh battery, offering an official range of 267 miles. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds and supports 100kW fast charging, allowing a 30 to 80 per cent top-up in around 20 minutes. The EX5 is available in three trims: SE, Pro, and Max, with the top-spec Max trim priced at £36,990 and adding features like a panoramic roof, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/geely/367249/geely-coming-uk-and-its-assault-will-start-ex5-suv - Geely has launched in the UK with the EX5 electric SUV, offering up to £4,750 off the top-spec Max model. The EX5 is a 4.6m-long electric crossover rivaling models like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, with prices starting from £31,990. It features a front-mounted electric motor with a 6.9-second 0-62mph acceleration and a 267-mile range. The vehicle supports 160kW DC fast charging, enabling a 30-80 per cent charge in 20 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvi1J07LRkc - Geely Auto's official launch event for the EX5 in the UK, showcasing the vehicle's features and marking its entry into the UK market. The event highlights the EX5's design, technology, and Geely's commitment to sustainable mobility in Europe.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative is fresh, with the UK launch of the Geely EX5 electric SUV occurring on 23 October 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 23 October 2025, indicating no prior coverage. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data and is not recycled from older material. No republishing across low-quality sites or clickbait networks was identified. No earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes.

Electric Vehicles
UK Market
Geely