The Geely E5 unlocks with a press of the softly upholstered key fob and the large 15.4-inch central display springs to life. We begin our first drive in the brand-new compact SUV, with which the Chinese automotive giant aims to establish a foothold in Europe under its own name, following brands like Volvo, Lotus, Polestar, and Zeekr. Measuring 4.61 metres in length, the model targets the high-volume C-segment, and seeks to appeal to a broad range of buyers with its solid range, modern technology, and an attractive entry-level price.
Front-wheel drive and LFP technology
At launch, Geely is offering the E5 exclusively with front-wheel drive. The compact drivetrain on the front axle delivers 160 kW (218 hp) and a maximum torque of 320 Newton metres. For the battery, customers can choose between two sizes: the base version features a 58.41 kWh (net) battery, while the two higher trim levels use a 66.33 kWh (net) battery.
Both variants use Geely’s Short Blade Battery, which employs lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry. These cobalt- and nickel-free batteries are designed to be particularly durable, with the manufacturer claiming up to 3,500 charge cycles—equivalent to one million kilometres of driving range. The battery is integrated directly into the vehicle structure using a cell-to-body process that enhances rigidity and saves space.
