It is February 2026, and the Australian EV market is no longer just a two-horse race between Tesla and BYD. While many legacy brands are still struggling to balance range with a “reasonable” price tag, a global giant has quietly—and then very loudly—shifted the goalposts. Enter the 2026 Geely EX5.

For those who haven’t been tracking the corporate family tree, Geely isn’t a “newcomer” in the traditional sense; they are the powerhouse behind Volvo, Polestar, and Zeekr. With the EX5, they’ve finally put their own badge on a mid-size SUV that targets the heart of the Australian suburbs.

At EV evolution, we’ve been watching the EX5’s rapid rise since its local launch in early 2025. But it’s the latest 2026 “Extended Range” update that has everyone talking. Can you really get a mid-size SUV with 475km of range for under $42,000? We’ve crunched the numbers, tested the new 68.4kWh battery, and spent hours lurking on Reddit to see what real Aussie owners are saying.

The 2026 Upgrade: More Range, More Value

The big news for 2026 is the arrival of the Geely EX5 Extended Range. According to the latest local pricing data, Geely has managed to squeeze a larger 68.4kWh “Shortblade” LFP battery into the chassis, bumping the WLTP range from 430km to a very competitive 475km.

The Geely EX5 price in Australia remains its most potent weapon:

• EX5 Complete (Extended Range): $41,990 (plus on-road costs).
• EX5 Inspire (Extended Range): $45,990 (plus on-road costs).

At $41,990, the Geely EX5 Australia entry point is significantly cheaper than a base Tesla Model Y or even a high-spec BYD Atto 3, despite offering more interior space and comparable range. It is, quite simply, the new “value benchmark” for the Geely electric SUV Australia lineup.

Performance: Soft, Silent, and Substantial

On the road, the EX5 doesn’t try to be a sports car. It uses a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 160kW and 320Nm. It’s punchy enough for a 0-100km/h sprint in roughly 7.4–7.6 seconds, but its real strength is its “lopey,” comfortable ride.

Geely’s local engineers have spent significant time tuning the suspension for our unique Aussie “coarse-chip” roads. The result is a car that feels “cushioned” and remarkably quiet. However, being a front-wheel-drive (FWD) SUV with instant electric torque, it can be prone to a bit of wheel-spin if you’re too eager away from the lights on a wet Sydney morning.

Real-World Review: What Aussie Redditors are Saying

We don’t just rely on the manufacturer’s brochure. At EV evolution, we value “boots on the ground” feedback. The Users reviews Geely EX5 on r/GeelyEX5Australia and r/AustralianEV have been surprisingly positive, with a few consistent “teething” issues.

“Had mine about two months and so far very happy with it. Initially, I found the speed ‘bings and bongs’ very irritating… Now they’ve updated the software and it’s easy to turn it off and my liking of the car went from a 7 to a 9/10.” — CaptainSqueaky, Reddit.

“The back seat is enormous. I fit back there with leagues of kneeroom and headroom despite a panoramic sunroof… visibility is great thanks to big windows and mirrors.” — Tom White (CarsGuide), via Reddit discussion.

The Pros:

• Space Management: Owners are obsessed with the “hidden” storage, including a massive under-floor boot area and a drawer under the rear seats.
• The “Lounge” Seat: The Inspire grade features a passenger “leg rest” and massage functions that feel like they belong in a car twice the price.
• Warranty: A 7-year unlimited km vehicle warranty and 8-year battery warranty provide the peace of mind needed for a “new” brand.

The Cons:

• The “Ghost in the Machine”: Early software versions were notorious for “naggy” driver attention alerts. Geely has been aggressive with OTA (Over-the-Air) updates to fix this, but it’s still a common talking point.
• No Spare Tyre: Like many modern EVs, you’re relying on a repair kit.
• Charging Speed: While 100kW DC charging is “decent,” it lags behind the ultra-fast speeds of the Zeekr 7X or Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Strategise Your Geely EX5 Purchase

Is the EX5 the “Sweet Spot” for your family? At EV evolution, we’ve built the tools to help you look past the glossy screen and see the real-world impact on your wallet:

• EV Fuel Savings Calculator: Compare the 16.5kWh/100km efficiency of the EX5 against your current petrol SUV. You might be surprised to find it pays for its own “price premium” in less than 24 months.
• EV Charge Cost: See exactly what it costs to fill that new 68.4kWh battery using your specific home electricity plan.
• EV Charging Time Calculator: With a 100kW DC limit, find out exactly how long your “pit stop” will be on a trip from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast.
• The EV Vibe Check: Heading out for a long drive? Use our community map to find the chargers that owners actually trust.

🤖 Start the Conversation with the AI Agent

Choosing between a Geely EX5, a BYD Atto 3, or a Tesla Model Y is the ultimate 2026 dilemma. Should you go for the Geely’s superior interior comfort, or does the Tesla’s charging network still win?

Don’t leave your decision to a coin toss—start a conversation with our EV evolution AI Agent. Our AI is updated daily with the latest Reddit sentiment, dealer pricing, and technical service bulletins. You can ask:

• “Compare the Geely EX5 Inspire vs the BYD Sealion 7 for a family with three kids.”
• “Is the Geely EX5 eligible for the FBT exemption in my state?”
• “What is the latest software version for the Geely EX5 in Australia?”
• “How does the EX5’s 3.5-star safety tech compare to the Volvo XC40?”

The Verdict: Has Geely Found the Sweet Spot?

The 2026 Geely EX5 isn’t just a “budget” alternative; it’s a sophisticated, comfortable, and remarkably spacious SUV that happens to have a very aggressive price tag. By hitting that $42k mark with nearly 500km of range, Geely has found the “Goldilocks Zone” of the Australian EV market.

While the software still has a few “bings” to iron out, the sheer value on offer makes the EX5 a contender for the best-value EV of the year.

Ready to see the real-world numbers? Use our EV fuel savings calculator to see the ROI, then chat with the AI Agent to plan your test drive today.

About EV Evolution

 EV evolution is Australia’s AI-powered hub for the modern driver. Through our signature EV Strategy Suite—including the EV Vibe Check and our real-time AI Agent—we provide the transparent, fact-based data you need to switch to an EV with total confidence. Our mission is to empower every Aussie to trade the petrol pump for a plug with zero guesswork. We are committed to delivering a high-fidelity knowledge base that enables young professionals and modern families to navigate their electric transition with data-driven precision.