Geely EX5 Inspire Review: The Best Value Electric SUV in Australia?
The Australian electric mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive, but a new challenger has arrived to shake up the establishment. The 2026 Geely EX5 Inspire combines European-backed engineering, highly advanced tech, and a shockingly affordable price tag. If you are unfamiliar with Geely, you know their work: they hold significant stakes in Volvo, Lotus, Zeekr, and Mercedes-Benz. With the EX5, Geely has leveraged that global expertise to deliver a no-compromise, feature-packed family EV.
Here is our comprehensive review of the top-spec 2025 Geely EX5 Inspire.
How much does the Geely EX5 cost?
Value is where the EX5 truly shines. The range kicks off at $41,990 plus on-road costs for the base 'Complete' model. We tested the top-of-the-range 2025 spec Inspire variant, which comes fully loaded for just $44,990 plus on-road costs. For under $50,000, you are getting a level of premium equipment that rivals cars costing tens of thousands more.
| Model Year | Variant | Battery Size | WLTP Range | Price (RRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Runout) | Complete | 60.2kWh | 430km | $40,990 |
| 2025 (Runout) | Inspire | 60.2kWh | 410km | $44,990 |
| 2026 (Update) | Complete | 68.4kWh | 475km | $41,990 |
| 2026 (Update) | Inspire | 68.4kWh | 450km | $45,990 |
What is the Geely EX5 warranty?
When considering a new challenger brand in the Australian market, after-sales support is often the deciding factor for family buyers. Fortunately, Geely is backing the EX5 with an ownership and warranty package designed to offer complete peace of mind and compete directly with the industry leaders.
The EX5 features a comprehensive suite of connected services including live traffic, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and remote vehicle functions which run on an initial trial period before subscription fees apply.
Here is a full breakdown of the Geely EX5’s warranty and support coverage:
| Coverage Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Warranty | 7 years / unlimited km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / unlimited km (to 70% SOH) |
| Roadside Assistance | Up to 7 years (when serviced within network) |
| Connected Services | 2 years included |
With a 7-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year battery warranty, Geely is making a clear statement about the build quality of the EX5 and their long-term commitment to Australian drivers.
What does the Geely EX5 cost to service?
One of the most significant advantages of making the switch to an electric vehicle is the reduction in ongoing maintenance, and the Geely EX5 is no exception. With fewer moving parts than a traditional combustion engine, routine maintenance is minimal, keeping your long-term running costs incredibly low.
To provide absolute transparency for family buyers, Geely offers a highly competitive capped-price servicing program. The service intervals are generous, requiring a visit only every 12 months or 20,000 kilometres (whichever comes first).
Here is the complete capped-price servicing schedule for the first 7 years or 140,000 kilometres:
| Service Interval | Cost |
|---|---|
| 12 months / 20,000 km | $171 |
| 24 months / 40,000 km | $303 |
| 36 months / 60,000 km | $171 |
| 48 months / 80,000 km | $671 |
| 60 months / 100,000 km | $171 |
| 72 months / 120,000 km | $303 |
| 84 months / 140,000 km | $262 |
Total cost: $2,052 over 7 years (around $293 per year)
Bottom line: one of the lowest EV servicing costs in Australia right now
What is the Geely EX5 like on the inside?
Stepping into the EX5 Inspire, the immediate impression is one of minimalist luxury. Geely has wisely avoided excessive gloss-black plastics, opting instead for soft-touch materials, non-reflective patterned inlays, and premium GeeLuxe synthetic leather.
Key interior features of the Inspire include:
- Supreme Seating: The front seats are heated, ventilated, and feature 6-mode massage functionality, while the rear seats offer a 2-stage recline.
- Cutting-Edge Tech: Powered by Meizu (a tech giant akin to Apple or Samsung), the 15.4-inch HD multimedia display is crisp, fast, and glare-free even in direct sunlight. A 13.4-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) projects vital info directly onto the windshield. Thanks to recent over-the-air updates, the system now fully supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Immersive Audio: The Inspire features a massive 1,000W, 16-speaker Flyme premium sound system including speakers built directly into the driver's headrest for private phone calls.
- Space & Practicality: The rear offers a flat floor, air vents, a unique storage drawer, and exceptional legroom. Boot space is 302 litres with the seats up (plus a deep under-floor compartment), expanding to a cavernous 1,877 litres with the seats folded flat.
What’s under the bonnet and what is real-world efficiency like?
There is no "frunk" under the bonnet; instead, you'll find a single electric motor driving the front wheels.
- Power & Torque: 160kW / 320Nm
- 0-100km/h: 7.1 seconds (Inspire)
- Battery: 60.22kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
- Claimed Efficiency & Range: 16.6kWh/100km / 410km (WLTP)
Real-World Road Trip Performance & Charging Costs: During a gruelling 900+km Sydney to Brisbane test conducted by our sister site, Road Trip Reviews, the EX5's efficiency actually beat manufacturer claims on several highway legs. Their real-world testing from Sydney to Cameron Park recorded 16.1kWh/100km, and on the final 226km stretch into Brisbane (in torrential rain), the car averaged an astonishing 13.4kWh/100km.
The EX5 accepts up to 100kW of DC fast charging and 11kW AC home charging. It holds a surprisingly flat charging curve, easily pulling a 70% to 100% charge in just 30 minutes. Real-world public charging proved highly economical. Charging at home before departure cost just 26c/kWh, while highway top-ups included a $15.35 session at the newly upgraded 6-bay Evie charger in Cameron Park, and a $27.46 (37.6kWh) charge at the Tesla New Italy Supercharger. (Tip: Skip the unreliable Thrumster Chargefox station in Port Macquarie, and opt for the new Tesla Big Banana supercharger when passing through Coffs Harbour).
It also supports Vehicle-to-Load (3.3kW) to power camp appliances and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (6kW) charging to rescue stranded EVs.
How does the Geely EX5 drive?
The EX5 is tuned for effortless comfort. Around the city, the suspension is super smooth, absorbing bumps without bouncing around too much, and visibility is excellent. On the highway, it feels stable and composed. The Intelligent Cruise Control is a standout feature, seamlessly adapting to traffic speeds while keeping the car perfectly centred in its lane through bends and twists.
Is the Geely EX5 safe?
Geely’s heavy focus on safety is evident. The EX5 Inspire is packed with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) and has been awarded a 5 Star ANCAP rating.
Safety Highlights:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) & Multi-Collision Braking
- Blind Spot Detection & Lane Changing Assist
- Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with braking
- An ultra-crisp Surround View 360-degree camera with 3D views and moving guidelines. Using the indicator at low speeds automatically triggers a side or bird's-eye view to protect your 19-inch alloys from curbs.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Geely EX5 Inspire is a triumph. It marries an exceptionally comfortable ride with top-tier technology, rock-solid highway driving assists, and impressive real-world efficiency that routinely beats its own spec sheet. At $45,990, the value proposition is practically unbeatable, making it an absolute must-drive for anyone considering an electric family SUV.
