Geely EX5's game-changing update revealed

Geely's electric Zeekr 7X rival has just got a game-changing update.  The new-generation Geely EX5 mid-size SUV will launch in China on 21 September 2026, according to reports.. It has appeared Chinese government filings as the Geely E5.. The EX5 has proved popular with Australian car buyers in 2026, featuring among the top 10 best-sellers for August as electric car sales overtook petrol and diesel individually for the time.  It poses a serious threat to established mid-size petrol- and hybrid-powered SUV favourites the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5..

It also takes on the BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X and GAC Aion V in the electric SUV space.  The EX5 measures up similarly to the Toyota RAV4 hybrid that maintains its place high up the sales charts.  The big change on the new EX5 is a shift from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, providing boosts to performance and practicality.  RWD can provide a car with improved handling and better weight distribution.. The RWD EX5 will be powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 245kW, compared to the 160kW on the model currently on sale in Australia.. This increased power has boosted the top speed to 201km/h compared to 175km/h.  It will continue to be equipped with a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery..

It's unclear whether this will be different to the current version's 68kWh unit, which delivers 475km (WLTP) of range.  The move to RWD has also opened up a new front trunk space, with a maximum load capacity of 50kg, but its storage capacity is unknown at this stage.. The EX5 is 21mm longer than its outgoing model, but otherwise takes on similar proportions.  Geely has added more safety features to the EX5, including fender side-mounted cameras and a roof spoiler-integrated camera.  Geely hasn't officially confirmed any details around the new EX5 or when it might arrive.. Geely has big plans for Australia and will introduce several new models Down Under over the next year, but it's unclear whether the new EX5 is one of those.  The last update to the EX5 came in March 2026 when it received the larger 68kWh battery..

News of that variant dropped in May 2025, with its Australia release coming roughly 10 months later.. This means buyers could get their hands on the new EX5 in mid-2027.. The EX5 currently starts from $41,990 (before on-road costs), but this new model is likely to incur a price hike on that figure when it arrives here..