The Geely EX5 has arrived in Australia and has already made a massive splash by offering a highly competitive electric mid-size SUV starting from just over $40,000 drive-away. Initial reviews have rightly praised its sharp pricing, generous space, superior build quality, and the confidence-boosting 7-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

However, to truly understand why the EX5 is rapidly climbing the sales charts and exciting Australian EV enthusiasts, you need to look beyond the spec sheet. Geely has peppered the EX5 with surprising, lifestyle-enhancing features—many of which are overlooked in standard reviews—that turn a competent EV into a genuinely liveable, premium-feeling family vehicle.

Here are the hidden gems and overlooked real-world benefits of the Geely EX5 that Australian owners are already raving about.

1. The Cabin that Becomes a Lounge: Reclining Seats and V2L Synergy

The headline feature of the top-spec EX5 Inspire variant is the front seats being heated, ventilated, and having a terrific massage function. But the true utility lies in how they integrate with the vehicle’s electrical capabilities.

• Flat-Folding Relaxation: The front seats in the Inspire variant feature an electric footrest for the passenger and recline almost fully flat. This is not just about luxury; it transforms the cabin into a legitimate “rest space.” As one owner noted on a local EV forum, “Perfect for napping while DC charging. I was able to fully recline and use the massage function—it’s a charging stop that genuinely refreshes you, not just your battery.”
• Integrated V2L Camping: Coupled with the standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability (providing up to 3.3kW of external power), the reclining seats turn the EX5 into a perfect weekend companion. Use the V2L adapter to run a coffee machine or electric cooler, and then kick back in the reclined seats under the panoramic sunroof while waiting for the kids to finish their sport. The car isn’t just transport; it’s a mobile power and relaxation hub.

2. Storage Secrets: The Boot Floor and the Rear Bench

While the quoted 410-litre boot space is respectable, it doesn’t tell the full story of the EX5’s practicality. Geely’s focus on usable storage shows an appreciation for the clutter of family life.

• The Hidden Boot Bin: The main boot floor is adjustable. Lift the floor panel and you reveal a generous 108-litre under-floor compartment. This is essential for storing charging cables, the tyre repair kit, or dirty gear, keeping them separate from luggage. Crucially, its depth allows the EX5 to swallow a full week’s worth of bulky groceries without compromising the main compartment.
• The Under-Seat Snack Drawer: A truly unique and celebrated feature is the sliding tray that pulls out from under the rear bench seat. Perfect for storing smaller items, children’s toys, snacks, or emergency wipes, this discrete storage area (capable of holding up to 3kg) has earned high praise from parents for keeping the rear cabin tidy and essentials within reach. This attention to small-item storage is a clear win for daily family use.

3. The Silent Defender: Localised Tuning and Build Quality

Most reviews focus on 0-100km/h times, but Australian owners appreciate the subtle engineering unique to the local tune.

• Ride Quality—The “Lopey” Comfort: Geely committed over a year to local R&D in Australia, specifically tuning the suspension for local road conditions. Reviewers describe the result as “lopey” or “cushioning.” While not a sports car, this setup provides a soft, compliant ride that shrugs off pockmarked city streets and worn country bitumen better than many stiffer-riding rivals (like the Tesla Model Y). For long-distance comfort, this soft, settled chassis tuning is a major advantage for Australian road trips.
• Premium Noise Isolation: Owners consistently point out the solid build quality that feels superior to its price point. The doors shut with a substantial ‘thunk,’ and the cabin is impressively quiet. This high level of noise isolation, combined with the comfortable suspension, creates a “serene and calming vehicle to drive,” which elevates the perceived luxury far beyond what the price tag suggests.

4. The V2V Safety Net: Sharing the Charge

The Geely EX5 is one of the few vehicles in its segment to offer both Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities.

• Emergency Rescue: While V2L is great for camping, the V2V function allows the EX5 to act as a mobile emergency charger, capable of delivering up to 6kW of charge to a stranded friend’s EV or PHEV using a simple Type 2 cable. This feature, largely ignored by other brands, gives the EX5 owner a quiet sense of empowerment and security, knowing they can assist other motorists.

5. Software Solutions and the Dragon Eagle Chip

While the initial launch drew criticism for the lack of native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (now being addressed via OTA updates), the core hardware powering the infotainment system is a hidden strength.

• Hyper-Fast Processing: The 15.4-inch central screen is powered by Geely’s powerful 7nm Dragon Eagle chip and the proprietary Flyme Auto operating system. Owners report that the system is incredibly fast and responsive once the initial setup is complete. Apps load instantly, and the 360-degree camera feed is lightning-quick—a huge improvement over the laggy screens found in some older competitors.

The Geely EX5 is succeeding in Australia because it offers more than just big numbers on a spec sheet. It delivers genuinely valuable, often overlooked features—from the massaging seats you can recline in while charging, to the hidden snack drawer for the kids, and the superior ride quality tuned for Australian roads. These subtle touches combine to create a compelling package that is truly built for the realities of Australian EV ownership.

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