Australia’s electric vehicle market is about to get a major shake-up. The 2025 Geely EX5, a mid-sized electric SUV designed to rival the Tesla Model Y, is arriving imminently – with pre-orders already open and the first shipments hitting Australian shores this month .
But why should you care about a brand that hasn’t sold cars here in over a decade? Simple: Geely isn’t new to the EV game. As the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, Geely brings serious engineering muscle to the table. The EX5 is their first direct play for Australia’s mainstream EV buyers, and it’s packing value, tech, and a price tag that undercuts Tesla by thousands. Let’s dive in.
Why the Geely EX5 Matters
Table of Contents
1. Pricing That’s Hard to Ignore
While official pricing is still under wraps, Geely Australia has hinted at a starting price between $49,000 and $55,000 – significantly undercutting the Tesla Model Y ($63,400+) and even underbidding rivals like the Kia EV5 ($56,770) . For context, that’s closer to the BYD Atto 3’s territory but with more space and premium features.
Early adopters also get perks:
- 3 years of free servicing
- 1 year of free fast charging (up to 1,000kWh via Evie Networks) .
2. Designed to Take On Tesla
The EX5 isn’t shy about its ambitions. With a 160kW/320Nm front-mounted motor, it hits 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds – slightly slower than the Model Y’s 5.8 seconds but still brisk for a family SUV . Range? A WLTP-rated 430km (base model) from its 60.2kWh LFP battery, matching the Model Y’s entry-level RWD variant .
But where Geely shines is charging flexibility:
- 100kW DC fast charging (30-80% in 20 minutes).
- V2L (3.3kW) to power appliances or a campsite.
- V2V (6kW) to rescue stranded EVs – a rarity outside the Ford F-150 Lightning .
Key Features: Where the EX5 Stands Out
1. Cabin Tech That Feels Premium
Step inside, and the EX5 punches above its price tag. Both trims (Complete and Inspire) include:
- 15.4-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and voice control.
- 10.2-inch digital cluster and over-the-air updates.
- Heated front seats and a heat pump for cold mornings .
Upgrade to the Inspire, and you’ll add:
- Panoramic sunroof and 13.4-inch head-up display.
- Ventilated/massaging front seats and a 16-speaker sound system.
- Power tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels .
Missing Apple CarPlay/Android Auto? Geely confirms they’ll arrive via OTA update post-launch .
2. Safety First (Almost)
Geely hasn’t cut corners on safety tech, loading the EX5 with:
- Adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring and evasive maneuver assist.
- 360-degree camera and multi-collision braking .
But there’s a catch: No ANCAP rating yet. Geely claims it’s targeting five stars, but cautious buyers may want to wait for official results .
How It Stacks Up Against the Tesla Model Y
| Feature | Geely EX5 | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$49,000 (est.) | $63,400+ |
| Range (WLTP) | 430km | 455km |
| 0-100km/h | 6.9s | 5.8s |
| Charging Speed (DC) | 100kW | 170kW |
| Boot Space (seats up) | 410L | 854L |
| Infotainment | 15.4-inch screen | 15-inch touchscreen |
| Unique Features | V2V charging, massage seats | Supercharger network, Autopilot |
Verdict: The Model Y wins on performance and charging speed, but the EX5 counters with lower pricing, more cabin luxury, and niche perks like V2V .
The Drawbacks
No car is perfect, and the EX5 has hurdles to clear:
- Unproven brand reputation in Australia.
- Smaller boot (410L vs. Tesla’s 854L).
- Slower DC charging compared to rivals .
Launch Timeline: When Can You Drive One?
- Pre-orders: Open now via Geely’s Australian website.
- First deliveries: March 2025.
- Test drives: Available at dealerships from late February .
Final Thoughts: Should You Consider the EX5?
The 2025 Geely EX5 isn’t just another EV – it’s a statement of intent from a brand leveraging its global expertise to disrupt Australia’s market. If you prioritize value, tech, and unique features over badge prestige, this could be your best sub-$55k EV bet.
But act fast: With only two variants and limited initial stock, early adopters will likely snag the best deals.