It’s February 2026, and if you take a quick squiz at any suburban driveway from Castle Hill to Caulfield, you’ll notice the landscape has shifted. The “Tesla-only” era of the Australian EV market is officially in the rearview mirror. While the Model Y Juniper refresh has its fans, the real noise this year is coming from a familiar name with a very new attitude: Geely Australia.
The Geely EX5 Inspire has landed with a splash, carrying a price tag that makes even the most hardened petrol-head double-take. At $44,990 (MRLP), it’s undercutting the heavyweights while packing features usually reserved for the “six-figure” Euro crowd. But as we know here at EV Evolution, a bargain on paper doesn’t always translate to a win on the bitumen.
After living with the EX5 for a few months and gathering data from our community of real road users, we’re ready to answer the big question: Is the EX5 the best value EV in Australia, or has Geely’s high-tech ambition tripped over its own feet?
The “Secret Sauce”: Why the Shortblade Battery is a Game Changer
Let’s start with the “Pros,” and specifically, the hardware that’s got the tech enthusiasts buzzing. While most entry-level EVs are still wrestling with battery degradation anxiety, the EX5 arrives with Geely’s proprietary “Shortblade” (Aegis) LFP Battery.
From a “Real Road User” perspective, this isn’t just marketing fluff. This 60.22kWh pack is rated for 3,500 cycles. To put that in Aussie terms: if you drive 20,000km a year, this battery is theoretically built to last you 50 years or a million kilometres.
Why does this matter for your 2026 purchase?
- Resale Value: In the used car market of 2030, a car with a battery that refuses to die will be the ultimate asset.
- Safety: Geely’s “Eight-Needle” puncture tests and infantry rifle bullet tests (yes, they actually shot the battery) prove that this LFP chemistry is arguably the safest on the market.
- Charging Habits: Unlike older NMC batteries, you can charge this to 100% every single day without the “range guilt” of damaging the cells.
For the value-conscious buyer, the Shortblade battery provides a level of long-term security that makes the $44,990 price point feel like a steal.
The Drive: A “Lopey” Legend for Aussie Suburbs
We’ve seen plenty of Chinese EVs arrive in Australia with suspension that feels like it was tuned for a marble floor. The EX5 is different. Geely spent nearly a year testing this car on our local coarse-chip bitumen and cratered suburban backstreets.
The result? A ride that is “lopey” and incredibly soft. For the average family doing the school run or commuting through the inner-west, the EX5 is a cloud. It suppresses road noise better than almost anything in its class.
The Catch: It’s no corner-carver. Real-world feedback suggests that if you push it hard through a roundabout, there’s a bit of body roll. But let’s be honest: are you buying a mid-size SUV to hunt Porsches, or to keep the kids quiet on the way to footy? For 90% of us, the comfort-first approach is exactly what the doctor ordered.
The “Too Smart” Problem: UI Frustrations and “Menu Diving”
Now, we have to talk about the “Cons.” While the interior looks like a Volvo and feels like a Lexus, the Flyme Auto operating system is where the “too smart for its own good” tag comes in.
Almost everything is controlled via that massive 15.4-inch 2.5K HD screen. On paper, it’s glorious. In practice? It can be a nightmare.
- Want to adjust the mirrors? Dive into a menu.
- Need to open the glovebox? Tap the screen.
- Adjusting the air-con fan? Hope you don’t hit a pothole while aiming for that tiny slider.
Our users have been vocal: the “digital-only” approach is distracting. While Geely has provided a customisable steering wheel button, it’s not enough to replace physical switches.
The “Just In” News: As of February 9, 2026, Geely pushed a major Over-The-Air (OTA) update that has silenced the infamous “bing-bongs.” Previously, the car would chirp at you for looking at a side mirror too long (Driver Attention Monitor) or doing 101km/h in a 100 zone. The new “Drive Setup” shortcut finally allows you to save your preferences so you don’t have to disable these “nannies” every time you start the car. Oh, and Wireless Android Auto has finally joined Apple CarPlay in the mix.
Range Reality: The 365km Truth
Geely claims a 410km WLTP range for the Inspire. If you’re driving purely in the city, you might get close. However, the “Real Road User” audit tells a different story for those of us hitting the M4 or the Monaro Highway.
In mixed highway and urban driving, most owners are reporting a usable range of 350km to 370km.
- DC Fast Charging: Capped at 100kW. In 2026, where rivals like the Xpeng G6 are hitting 200kW+, the EX5 feels a little slow at the charger. Expect a 10-80% top-up to take about 35–40 minutes at a standard 75kW NRMA or Chargefox station.
The Verdict: Is the EX5 the New King?
So, is the Geely EX5 Inspire the best value EV in Australia?
If you prioritize luxurious interior materials, world-class battery durability, and a supple ride, the answer is a resounding yes. It offers a premium experience that makes the BYD Atto 3 look a bit basic and the Tesla Model Y look a bit spartan.
However, if you can’t stand touchscreens or you do frequent 500km+ road trips, the “smart” UI and the middling highway range might wear thin.
🚀 Master the Evolution with the EV Strategy Suite
Choosing an EV in 2026 is about more than just a test drive; it’s about the math. Should you opt for the Geely EX5 Inspire or wait for the Zeekr 7X? How does the $44,990 price tag look when you factor in a Novated Lease?
Don’t guess—audit. Our EV Evolution Strategy Suite is designed to take the “Vibe” out of the decision and replace it with data.
Have a specific question about the EX5? Ask our AI EV Agent right now. Whether you want to know:
- “Will the Geely EX5 fit my specific ISOFIX car seats?”
- “What is the exact tax saving on an EX5 for someone earning $120k?”
- “Can I run a coffee machine off the V2L port while camping?”
Our AI Agent is updated with the latest Feb 2026 software specs and Australian dealer stock. Ask your question below and get your personalized Geely Strategy in seconds.
About EV Evolution
EV Evolution is Australia’s authoritative strategic platform for electric vehicle market, dedicated to providing a high-fidelity knowledge base for the next generation of drivers. In a year defined by the Federal statutory review of FBT exemptions and the rapid arrival of record-breaking affordable models, we serve as your professional co-pilot to ensure every automotive decision is data-driven and future-proof. Our EV Strategy Suite—including the EV Tax Savings Estimator, Vibe Check Tool, and 24/7 AI Strategy Agent—empowers young professionals and families to navigate complex technical and regulatory shifts with total transparency. At EV Evolution, we don’t just track the market, we provide the strategic roadmap for your transition to the new electric standard
