We test the Geely E5 Max+, an electric SUV that impresses with its efficiency, space and price

It is not the most powerful electric SUV on the market, nor does it boast the longest range or try to grab attention with a groundbreaking design. However, after driving the new Geely E5, you get the feeling that the Chinese brand has perfectly understood what a European driver demands today: a comfortable, pleasant, spacious, efficient electric SUV with a price capable of putting far more established manufacturers in a tight spot.

A new chapter

The E5 marks the arrival of Geely as a brand in its own right in Spain, although the group has been one of the major players in the automotive industry for years (Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Smart, Link & Co, Zeekr, as well as some commercial vehicle brands and others that, for the moment, do not operate in Europe). That experience shows in a vehicle conceived as an electric car from the outset, without the usual limitations of adapting platforms originally designed for combustion engines. There is also a plug-in hybrid variant with which it shares a large number of mechanical components, which is interesting too.

The design opts for simplicity and sobriety. The clean surfaces, flush door handles and absence of a conventional grille are intended to improve aerodynamic efficiency. In fact, the drag coefficient is just 0.269, an impressive figure for a model of this size and weight. Moreover, this value has an impact on consumption, range and noise levels.

Practical size

With a length of 4.61 metres, a width of 1.90, a height of 1.67 and a wheelbase of 2.75 metres, the E5 sits in the middle of the compact SUV segment, but its dedicated architecture achieves better use of space than usual. The battery forms part of the car’s own structure through Cell to Body technology, a solution that not only improves the rigidity of the whole, but also allows the floor to be lowered, improves the centre of gravity and frees up space for occupants. It has a 50/50 weight distribution between the axles, which also contributes to good dynamic behaviour.

The result of this work is a surprisingly roomy cabin. The rear seats offer legroom typical of models from a higher segment, the backrests can be reclined for greater comfort on long journeys and the car has 33 storage compartments spread throughout the interior. There is even a 14-litre compartment under the rear seat.

The boot is not disappointing either. Its 461 litres can carry the shopping and luggage required for family use, while, if necessary, with the seats folded down it reaches 1,877 litres, making it an especially versatile and practical SUV. It has a wide loading opening, very boxy shapes and a low floor height, which makes loading easier.

Roomy, simple interior

Inside, as in most models from China, minimalism dominates. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.4-inch central screen bring together practically all driving and entertainment functions. It is true that it requires a short period of adjustment, but once you are used to it, it poses little difficulty. It is not as practical and intuitive as physical buttons, but it is the usual norm in modern electric models.

The infotainment system responds quickly thanks to a dedicated automotive processor and is also easy to use after a few minutes of getting used to it, with features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OTA remote updates and a connectivity system with a dedicated app for the model.

Efficient motor

The main argument for the Geely E5 is probably under the bodywork. Its electric motor develops 218 CV and 320 Nm of torque, enough to move an SUV of these dimensions with ease. It promises acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and claims a top speed of 175 km/h. It does not seek to impress with blistering acceleration, but rather to offer a progressive and refined response, much more pleasant in daily use. The power delivery is very well metered and conveys a very pleasant feeling in terms of refinement and driving enjoyment.

The GEA platform integrates a propulsion system called “11 in 1” that brings together the motor, power electronics, thermal management and other components in a single unit weighing less than 80 kg. This high level of integration reduces weight, improves efficiency and simplifies maintenance, while the 192 Wh/g Short Blade LFP battery promises great durability and efficiency at low temperatures, 3,500 charge cycles with an estimated service life of one million kilometres.

Efficient charging

The battery fitted to this version, of 68.4 kWh, is homologated for up to 475 kilometres of WLTP range and claims up to 620 kilometres in urban driving, figures that proved quite realistic during the test thanks to low consumption: 21.2 kWh/100 km on the motorway at legal speeds at a temperature of 17ºC. Even when driving with some enthusiasm on secondary roads, the on-board computer recorded reasonable values for an SUV of this size, while with relaxed driving it is easy to match the manufacturer’s homologated consumption figures on the on-board computer.

We found the energy regeneration system interesting. On slight downhill gradients it makes good use of battery recharging, a situation that intensifies considerably when the brake pedal is pressed.

Charging at stations is another of its main selling points when travelling. It accepts up to 11 kW on alternating current and up to 135 kW on direct current, allowing it to recover from 30 to 80% of the battery in barely twenty minutes. Beyond the figure, the important thing is that this power considerably reduces waiting times during a trip and makes the E5 a much more usable electric car outside the urban environment. During the test we had the chance to make two fast charges at 180 kW DC chargers and, in both cases, the same pattern was recorded: charging starts at around 130 kW, stays at this power for five minutes and then stabilises at 100 kW for another 15 minutes, tapering off once it passes 80% charge. This means that in about 20 minutes most of the battery has been recharged, allowing you to continue your journey without having to wait longer to resume your trip.

Good behaviour

On the move, comfort stands out above all. The suspension filters out irregularities effectively, the sound insulation is very well done and the steering prioritises ease of driving over sporty feel, as its touch is quite soft. The suspension is not especially firm, but it is very comfortable in everyday use. It is designed for covering miles in a relaxed way and without fatigue, a philosophy consistent with its family-oriented approach.

Its equipment also stands out, as it comes with a heat pump, heated and ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, full connectivity, V2L bidirectional charging and a wide package of safety assistants and driving aids.

It is worth noting that the model comes with a warranty of 8 years or 200,000 kilometres, covering both the vehicle and the battery, guaranteeing a minimum of 70% SOH.

The entry-level version has a list price of 37,400 euros, although the bill can be reduced considerably if you take advantage of the financing promotions, Auto+ incentives and CAE. In the case of the top-of-the-range version, the E5 Max+, with a 68.4 kWh battery, the selling price exceeds 41,000 euros before promotions, but can come close to 35,000 if you take advantage of all the available discounts and promotions.

In short, the electric version of the Geely E5 is very well balanced, practical and reasonably priced compared with rivals in its segment. It offers a very competitive combination of range, equipment and space, to which must be added the pleasant driving enjoyment it provides.

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Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverGeely E53 versions · from 37,490 €