Ben Talks Auto

Manufacturer: Geely

  • Geely Starray EM-i first impressions: a comfy, clever SUV that feels built for real life

    Geely Starray EM-i first impressions: a comfy, clever SUV that feels built for real life

    I was invited to the UK launch of the Geely Starray EM-i at Longcross Studios in Surrey. Proper “influencer life” stuff. Big set, big reveal, and a room full of dealers, partners, press and brand people.

    The reveal was hosted by Louise Houghton, with Mike Yang (Managing Director, Geely Auto UK) and Mark Blundell (Chief Marketing Officer) on stage talking through the brand story, the tech, and where this car sits in the market.

    Live Stream of the official UK Launch of the Geely Starray EM-i at Longcross Studios

    Then we got to do what matters.

    Drive it.

    The quick take

    The Starray EM-i is a plug-in hybrid SUV that feels like it’s been designed around everyday UK driving.

    Not a “look what I can do” performance toy.
    More a “this will make your life easier” kind of car.

    Looks: confident, modern, and quietly premium

    In person, the Starray EM-i has a confident SUV stance without looking overstyled. Geely described the design as “imposing yet elegant”, and I can see why.

    They also made a point about it being more aero than you’d expect for this shape, quoting a drag coefficient of 0.288 and saying those aero details help with stability and cabin quietness.

    Lighting is a big part of the identity too, including full LED headlights and tail lights, plus LED cornering lights.

    Wheels on the UK car include 19-inch low drag alloy wheels (on Pro), which suit the “efficient SUV” vibe.

    Inside: it feels European, in the best way

    If you want one sentence: it feels more “European mainstream” than “new brand trying too hard”.

    Fit and finish stood out straight away. The launch team even called out the materials and the reassuring feel around the centre console and touch points.

    You also get a choice of interior colours, including Ebony Black, with Cloud White listed as an option on Ultra.

    And the vibe at night is great. On higher trims there are 256-colour ambient cabin lights, which makes the interior feel properly upmarket.

    Storage: the sort of thing you notice every day

    This is one of my favourite parts, because it’s not sexy, but it’s the stuff that makes you like a car after two weeks.

    Geely says there are 30+ storage compartments. And you can feel that in practice:

    • Cupholders are actually usable, not an afterthought
    • There are places for keys, cables, coffee, sunglasses, receipts
    • You don’t end up using the passenger seat as a “stuff shelf”

    Boot space is also strong at 528 litres, rising to 2,065 litres with the rear seats folded.

    Rear legroom is excellent too. If you do airport runs, school runs, or you’re just the designated “mates in the back” driver, this one is going to work.

    Panoramic sunroof and comfy seats

    On Max and Ultra, you can get the panoramic power sunroof with a power sunshade, and it genuinely lifts the cabin.

    Seat comfort is a big win:

    • Heated front seats are standard
    • Ventilated driver seat and driver seat memory are listed on higher trims
    • The front passenger seat can fold fully flat (all trims), which is a brilliant real-world feature

    Tech: fast screens, built-in services, and lots to play with

    The screen set-up feels modern and clear:

    • 15.4-inch HD central screen
    • 10.2-inch driver display
    • 13.8-inch head-up display on Max and Ultra

    It runs FLYME AUTO and includes built-in services like online navigation, online multimedia, and a Geely app store, plus over-the-air updates. It’s the kind of system that can stand on its own without you having to rely on your phone for everything.

    (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are there too, which is still what most people will use day-to-day.)

    AI and “efficiency meets intelligence”

    Geely talks about a four-in-one AI architecture, blending hardware, systems, ecosystem and AI, plus E-Motive Intelligence to optimise efficiency and drive characteristics.

    In normal-person terms: it’s designed to manage the hybrid system smoothly, and keep everything feeling consistent and easy.

    How it drives: comfy over bumps, planted in corners

    This is where it won me over.

    It’s composed over bumps. The suspension feels like it’s been tuned for real roads, not perfect press-launch tarmac.

    Through corners, it feels stable and planted, which you don’t always get with a comfort-focused SUV. It doesn’t egg you on like a hot hatch, but it’s not sleepy either.

    Punchy is the word. Not a performance car. Just nicely responsive, and easy to place on the road.

    Geely also made the point that the car has three drive modes: Pure, Hybrid, and Power.

    Economical in the way that matters

    The headline here is that it should let lots of people do most of their weekly driving on electric power alone.

    • Up to 51 miles WLTP EV range (18.4 kWh battery)
    • Up to 84 miles WLTP EV range (29.8 kWh battery, Ultra)

    What really stuck with me from the event though was their road trip story. Before the launch, Geely sent a Starray EM-i around the country, visiting showrooms. They said it covered 500+ miles on one full charge and one tank of fuel.

    That’s the sort of “hybrid benefit” people actually care about.

    Safety: you can feel the Volvo DNA, even if it’s still Geely

    Geely made a big deal about safety in the live reveal.

    They referenced opening the “world’s largest and most advanced automotive testing centre”, and talked through the structure designed to deflect and absorb impact. They also highlighted fast reaction safety systems, describing power cutting within milliseconds in an incident scenario.

    On the driver assistance side, Geely calls out Level 2 intelligent driver assistance plus a 540-degree panoramic vision system. During the broadcast, they also stated the car has a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

    It’s also worth remembering Geely sits within the wider Geely group, which includes Volvo and Polestar, and that association with safety is hard to ignore.

    I’m not saying it drives like a Volvo.
    I am saying it gave me that same “this feels solid” confidence.

    Awards: it’s already being noticed internationally

    A nice little flex from the launch presentation: they said the Starray EM-i has picked up four major international design awards between 2024 and 2025, including Red Dot and A’ Design Award (Gold), plus Muse Platinum and International Design Award (Silver).

    When can you get one in the UK?

    This is a first impressions piece, so I’m not going to pretend I’ve lived with it yet. I’d love to spend a few days doing proper real-world miles and see how it fits into normal life.

    What I can say is this: it already feels like a car that’ll make a lot of sense on personal and business contract hire.

    It should also soon be available to lease through brokers like Rivervale, which is where a lot of people will likely pick it up. Watch this space.

    Want a full review?

    I’m really hoping to get the new Geely Starray EM-i for a few days is I can do a proper deep dive on:

    • Real MPG and EV range in UK weather
    • Long motorway runs
    • Family and boot practicality
    • Tech and app reliability over time

  • The rise of Chinese car brands in the UK

    The rise of Chinese car brands in the UK

    A quiet shift has been happening on UK roads.

    In just a couple of years, Chinese-owned car manufacturers have gone from fringe names to serious players. Not concept cars. Not future promises. Real cars, on sale now, and selling well.

    Brands like Chery, Geely, Jaecoo, Omoda, Leapmotor, XPeng and Changan are now part of the UK conversation. More are on the way, with Aion expected to arrive in 2026.

    For a long time, Chinese OEMs were talked about as “ones to watch”. That time has passed. They are here, and they are changing the market fast.

    Jaecoo 7
    Omoda 5
    Geely EX5

    Buyers care less about badges than ever

    One of the biggest shifts is attitude.

    UK buyers, both private and company car drivers, are becoming far less loyal to traditional badges. If the car looks good, feels modern, and costs less per month, the logo matters less than it used to.

    That is especially true in the EV space.

    Chinese brands have leaned hard into electric and hybrid tech. They offer long equipment lists as standard, strong range figures, and interiors that feel closer to premium than budget. When you put those cars next to a German or Japanese rival that costs more and includes fewer features, the choice becomes simpler.

    This is not about people “taking a risk”. Many buyers now see these brands as smart value rather than unknown quantities.

    Leasing has poured fuel on the fire

    Leasing has played a huge role in this rise.

    Monthly payments matter more than list price. Chinese OEMs understand that. Aggressive pricing, strong finance backing, and a willingness to support volume have made these cars extremely competitive on lease.

    That is why some models have climbed search rankings at a startling pace.

    The standout example is Jaecoo 7. It only became widely available in the UK in early 2025, yet within months it was topping leasing search charts and comparison site enquiries. For many drivers, it hit the sweet spot of size, tech, and cost.

    Once customers realise they can drive a brand-new, well-specced SUV for the same money as a smaller, lower-spec alternative from an established brand, habits change quickly.

    Legacy brands are feeling the pressure

    This shift has not gone unnoticed.

    Traditional prestige brands have seen softer demand in some fleet and personal leasing channels. Not because their cars are suddenly bad, but because the value equation has moved.

    Chinese OEMs are forcing competition back into a market that had become predictable. More equipment as standard. Sharper lease rates. Shorter product cycles. Faster responses to what customers actually want.

    For buyers, that is a good thing.

    For established manufacturers, it is a wake-up call.

    What happens next?

    This feels like the early chapters, not the peak.

    More Chinese brands will arrive. Existing ones will expand their ranges. Expect better dealer coverage, improved brand awareness, and stronger resale confidence as volumes grow.

    You will also start to see clearer brand identities forming. Right now, many buyers are discovering these cars through price and spec. Over time, design, driving feel, and ownership experience will matter more.

    The key point is simple.

    Chinese OEMs are no longer “new”. They are part of the UK market, and they are reshaping it at speed. If you are shopping for your next car in 2026, chances are one of them will already be on your shortlist, whether you planned it or not.

    Personal take for Ben Talks Auto

    I’ll be honest. A couple of years ago, I would have skimmed past most Chinese car brands without a second thought.

    That has changed quickly.

    I’ve now spent proper time around cars from brands like Jaecoo, Omoda and Geely, and the biggest surprise is not the tech or the spec sheets. It’s how normal they feel to live with.

    The interiors are well thought out. The tech works. The cars feel calm, comfortable and easy to drive. When you then look at the monthly lease costs, it suddenly makes sense why buyers are moving so fast.

    These brands are not trying to be niche or quirky. They are going straight for the mainstream, and doing it with confidence. If I was choosing a new EV or hybrid today, I would absolutely be cross-shopping at least one Chinese OEM alongside the usual European names. Not out of curiosity, but because the value is hard to ignore.

  • Geely EX5 Review UK

    Geely EX5 Review UK

    Quick take: Geely’s first UK-badged EV lands with calm road manners, loads of rear space and kit that would embarrass pricier rivals. I had early workshop access before Geely committed to the UK, drove it ahead of the main media drives, interviewed the Product Manager, then attended the UK launch at Magazine London on 23 October. Here’s what it’s like to live with & whether you should lease or buy one.

    Geely EX5 Pro in Jade Green Metallic

    Headline numbers

    • Price from: £31,990 OTR
    • Trims: SE, Pro, Max
    • Battery: 60.2 kWh usable (LFP)
    • WLTP range: 255 to 267 miles
    • Powertrain: 160 kW FWD, 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 s
    • Charging: 11 kW AC, up to 160 kW DC
    • Boot: 302–410 litres in standard positions, up to 461 litres with underfloor area
    • Availability: UK orders open.

    First look and early access

    I filmed with the EX5 before UK release. At the time I said, “I’m here today with something so brand new that it hasn’t even been released in the UK yet. This is the all-new Geely EX5.” That early workshop gave me a proper feel for the cabin quality and the UK chassis tune. The value story was obvious from the start. I then attended the official UK reveal at Magazine London on 23 October and saw the final spec and pricing confirmed.

    A chat with James, Product Manager

    I interviewed James, Geely’s Product Manager, to understand the strategy.

    • Why the EX5 first? It is Geely Auto’s first true global product and a mid-size SUV hits the biggest pool of buyers.
    • Energy focus: Launch efforts concentrate on new energy models. Battery electric first, with plug-in hybrid and hybrid in the wider plan.
    • One battery for now: 60.2 kWh usable across SE, Pro and Max.
    • Range by trim: SE 267 miles, Pro 258 miles, Max 255 miles.
    • Charging target: About 30 to 80 percent in roughly 20 minutes on a good 150 kW DC charger.
    • Retail footprint: Dealer sign-ups are underway with a national map rolling out.

    That aligns with what I felt from the wheel. A simple range, keen prices, strong kit, and a use-case built around real families doing real miles.

    Geely EX5 Dimensions and Size

    Design and cabin

    The EX5 is neat and unfussy outside. In person the Jade Green launch colour pops. The 19 inch wheels on Max suit the arches and the full-width rear light bar gives a clean signature.

    Inside is the headline act.

    • Look and feel: Padded surfaces, tidy stitching, and tasteful trims. It feels a step above the price.
    • Screens: 15.4 inch centre display and 10.2 inch driver cluster, plus a head-up display on Max.
    • Controls: A rotary controller handles volume and assignable functions. Set your climate, heated seats and regen shortcuts on day one.
    • Audio: The 16-speaker FlyMe system with headrest speakers on Max is seriously impressive for a standard fit.
    • Clever storage: The rear under-seat drawer is brilliant for snacks, cables and kids’ bits.

    From my notes while driving: “The sound dampening is strong. There is very little wind noise and very little tyre roar. It feels robust and well put together.”

    Geely EX5 Interior

    Space and practicality

    • Rear room: Excellent leg room thanks to the flat floor. I am close to six foot and had space to spare behind a tall driver.
    • Boot: 302 to 410 litres in typical setups, 461 litres counting the deep underfloor well. Height-adjustable floor helps keep loads flat.
    • Roof rails: Ready for bike racks or a roof box.
    • Family touches: Two ISOFIX points, big door bins, rear USB-A and USB-C, cupholders and that 14-litre drawer.

    If you need the very biggest boot, some rivals go larger. If you want generous people space, the EX5 is up there with the best at this money.

    On the road

    Lotus Engineering supported the UK tune and you can feel it on broken B-roads. The EX5 aims for confidence and calm, not lap times.

    • Performance: 215 hp at the front wheels, 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds.
    • Drive modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport. I found steering best in Normal. Sport sharpens the throttle but the core setup is comfort-led.
    • Ride and refinement: Composed at town speeds and settled on the motorway. A touch firm over sharp edges on 19s, which is par for the class.
    • Regen: Three levels plus an adaptive mode. No full one-pedal to a stop, so you still brush the brakes at the end.

    From my drive log: “It feels extremely smooth. Very solid. Steering could be a little tighter and suspension a tad firmer. Tight turning circle for car parks and city streets. Good mirrors and visibility. The indicator sounds pan left or right with the signal. Small thing. It makes the car feel considered.”

    Range and charging

    Realistic numbers and a simple routine.

    • WLTP: 255–267 miles depending on trim and wheel size.
    • Real world: Expect mid-200s in mixed UK use. Cold motorway runs will bring that down. I used about the same winter drop I have seen on similar EVs, roughly 20–30 miles depending on conditions.
    • Home AC: Up to 11 kW. A 7 kW wallbox will comfortably do 10–100 percent overnight.
    • Public DC: Up to 160 kW. I targeted 30–80 percent in the 20–30 minute window on strong chargers once the pack was warm.
    • Extras: Vehicle-to-Load for powering devices. Useful on trips and at events.

    Geely EX5 Pricing and Specification

    • Geely EX5 SE | £31,990
      • Heated seats and wheel
      • 360 camera
      • 18 inch alloys
      • keyless entry
      • wireless Apple CarPlay
      • comprehensive safety kit
    • Geely EX5 Pro | £33,990
      • 19 inch wheels and extra interior colours
    • Geely EX5 Max | £36,990
      • Head-up display
      • panoramic sunroof
      • powered tailgate
      • massaging and ventilated front seats
      • ambient lighting
      • premium audio with headrest speakers

    My tip: either go SE for best value or jump to Max because the comfort kit is huge for the money. Pro makes less sense for most buyers.

    Rivals to consider

    • Skoda Elroq: Bigger boot and a very polished drive. You will pay more like-for-like on spec.
    • Tesla Model Y: Larger, more range with Long Range, excellent charging ecosystem. Higher monthly.
    • BYD Atto 3: Strong value and range options. EX5 cabin feels more grown-up and the rear space is superb.

    The EX5 wins on equipment per pound and everyday cabin comfort. Some rivals offer longer range or more boot litres.

    Safety and ownership

    • Euro NCAP: Five stars, strong scores across the board.
    • Warranty: Eight years or 125,000 miles on vehicle and battery.
    • Company car: Low BIK, attractive salary sacrifice math.
    • Dealer network: Rolling out nationwide.

    As with any new UK-badged brand, long-term reliability will take time to prove, but Geely engineering is already familiar here through Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Smart and LEVC.

    Who should buy or lease the EX5

    • Families who want calm road manners, lots of rear leg room and real kit value.
    • High-mileage drivers who prefer quiet comfort over sharp handling.
    • Company drivers and salary sacrifice users who want low BIK, a premium-feeling cabin and fixed monthly costs.

    From my video: “If you want an SUV that is sporty and track-ready, this is not the car. If you want smooth, quiet and comfortable miles with brilliant toys, this fits.”

    Leasing the Geely EX5

    Leasing keeps costs predictable and hands depreciation back to the funder. It works especially well here because the EX5’s spec is strong even at SE.

    • Personal and business terms
    • Maintenance options
    • Nationwide delivery
    • Salary sacrifice support

    Ready to explore monthly costs? Rivervale can quote the EX5 across SE, Pro and Max with the right mileage and term for you.

    Verdict

    Geely EX5

    Ben Freakley

    Geely EX5
    Performance: How quick it feels day to day. Power, throttle response and smoothness.
    Handling: How it corners and how stable it feels on different roads.
    Comfort: Ride quality, seating, refinement and road noise.
    Tech and Infotainment: Screens, CarPlay, clarity, speed, app controls, driver aids.
    Ease of Use: How simple the cockpit is. Buttons vs touch. Clear menus. Good ergonomics.
    Space and Practicality: Boot size, rear room, storage, access, visibility.
    Running Costs: Real world range, charging speed, fuel use, tax, servicing.
    Build Quality: Materials, fit and finish, how solid it feels inside.
    Value for Money: How much car you get for the price.

    Summary

    The Geely EX5 does exactly what most families want at a price that undercuts a lot of the class. It is quiet, roomy in the rear, simple to charge and packed with kit that makes daily life nicer. I have followed it from early workshop previews, through my pre-launch drive, to the UK reveal. The car stayed true to that original pitch.

    4.3

    FAQs

    Is the Geely EX5 on sale in the UK yet?

    Yes, the car officially went on sale in the UK on 23 October 2025. You can buy, finance with traditional PCP or HP through a Geely dealer, or lease one from a broker like Rivervale.

    How much does the Geely EX5 cost in the UK?

    Pricing starts from £31,990 for the SE spec, but the Max spec which offers the most popular options comes in at £36,990 on the road.

    What range will I realistically get from the EX5?

    Officially it quotes between 255-267 miles WLTP, but expect somewhere between 220-250 with day-to-day driving.

    How long does the Geely EX5 take to charge?

    Up to 160 kW DC. Plan 30–80 percent in roughly 20–30 minutes on a strong rapid charger once warm.

    Which trim/spec level should I choose?

    SE for value. Max if you want the big comfort kit. Pro is the least compelling step.

    Can you lease a Geely EX5 and is it available on Salary Sacrifice?

    Yes. Personal and business leasing available now, plus salary sacrifice options at Rivervale who offer free nationwide delivery.