The Geely E5 EM-i is a mid-size SUV that serves as Geely's flagship for its Super Hybrid technology. While it shares much of its DNA with the fully electric E5, the EM-i (Plug-in Hybrid) variant has subtle design differences but still pulls off the modern urban SUV look perfectly.
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We spent a week with the new Geely, expecting much of the same but were pleasantly surprised by the sleek, modern design, fantastic tech and features, and it was the drivetrain that truly surprised us.
Is Geely good for families?
Styling
The E5 EM-i follows a minimalist, aerodynamic aesthetic that Geely claims is inspired by Song-dynasty porcelain, with smooth, fluid surfaces and minimal sharp creases. Unlike many hybrids that retain a traditional open grille, the EM-i features a mostly closed-off front end to improve aerodynamics. It uses a sleek, "confiding" front grille design that integrates with sharp, narrow LED headlights. To maximise efficiency, it features flush-mount door handles that pop out when unlocked and aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels, 18 or 19-inch in diameter, depending on the trim. The rear is defined by a full-width floating LED light bar, giving it a futuristic look. It has a high, athletic shoulder line and a standard power tailgate. It is slightly longer than the pure EV version to accommodate the hybrid system, giving it a slightly more substantial road presence similar to a Haval H6 or Toyota RAV4
Interior and Features
The cabin is designed to feel like a floating tech suite, prioritising soft-touch materials and a clean, horizontal dash layout. The centrepiece is a massive 15.4-inch 2.5K HD floating touchscreen running Geely’s Flyme Auto system. This is complemented by a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) on higher trims. Geely moved away from "piano black" plastic, opting instead for matte-patterned plastics and liberal use of synthetic leather. The steering wheel features a unique flattened top and bottom, a "squircle" shape if you wish, housing physical buttons rather than touch-sensitive pads for better tactile feedback.
A 256-colour dynamic ambient lighting system is integrated into the dash and door panels, which can pulse in sync with the music or drive modes. The interior features 33 different storage compartments, including a unique snack drawer that pulls out from under the rear seats. The front seats are cloud-feeling units that can feature heating, ventilation, and an 8-point massage function.
Safety
The Geely E5 EM-i carries a strong safety profile, heavily influenced by Geely’s ownership of Volvo. It is built on the GEA (Global Intelligent Electric Architecture), which was designed specifically to meet global safety standards. As of 2026, the EX5 EM-i has achieved top-tier global safety ratings, marking it as one of the safest hybrid SUVs in its class. It performed exceptionally well in the Euro NCAP. scoring 5 stars for adult and child occupant protection (scoring between 83% and 87% in individual categories). It also scored 5 Stars in the rigorous ANCAP assessment in 2023–2025 testing protocols, which are notoriously difficult for new brands.
The EX5 EM-i is equipped with a Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance System. Depending on the trim, it includes up to 16 active safety features:
AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking): Detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Emergency Manoeuvre Assist (EMA): Provides extra steering torque if the car detects you are swerving to avoid an obstacle.
540° Panoramic View: Includes a "transparent chassis" mode that lets you see "through" the car to avoid hazards directly under the floor.
DOW (Door Open Warning): Alerts passengers if they are about to open a door into an approaching cyclist or vehicle.
Lane Support: Includes Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) to prevent road runoff.
The speed limit and lane-keeping alerts can be quite persistent. While they are high-performing, the "warning bongs" are a bit sensitive, often requiring a few taps on the touchscreen to mute them at the start of each drive.
The Drive
The driving dynamics of the Geely E5 EM-i are best described as refined comfort. It shares some engineering DNA with Volvo, through Geely’s GEA platform. It is tuned more for a supple, easy-going family commute than for spirited, sporty driving. The suspension is tuned for comfort. It excels at absorbing small road imperfections and speed bumps while also being silent and smooth. When the 1.5-litre engine kicks in, the integration is well-masked, avoiding the rubber-band feel common in older CVT-based hybrids. While comfortable, the ride can feel slightly fidgety on very rough, broken tarmac. The car offers three levels of regenerative braking. While effective, the Adaptive setting can occasionally feel inconsistent or jerky as the car tries to guess how much to slow down based on traffic; however, the transition between regenerative braking and the physical friction brakes is generally smooth, avoiding the wooden pedal feel found in earlier hybrid generations.
Performance
The EM-i Super Hybrid system focuses on seamless transitions between electric and petrol power. The system delivers a combined output of roughly 233kW and 387Nm of torque. This results in a 0–100 km/h time of approximately 8.0-8.1 seconds. One of its best aspects is its consistency. Unlike some hybrids that feel sluggish when the battery is low, Geely’s system maintains almost identical acceleration performance (0.03s difference) whether the battery is at 100% or at a low charge. Because the 160kW electric motor delivers instant torque to the front wheels, the front tyres can struggle for grip when accelerating hard from a standstill on wet surfaces.
Fuel Economy
This is where the Geely truly shone. With daily charging, we were able to bring the Geely down to an amazing 0.0L/100km, an incredible feat. Even when the battery was depleted on longer drives, the fuel economy only climbed to around 1.4L/100km, and the regen system quickly replaced the energy used in traffic.
Models and Pricing
| Geely E5 EM-i Aspire | R 599 999 |
| Geely E5 EM-i Apex | R 679 999 |
| Geely E5 Aspire | R 699 999 |
| Geely E5 Apex | R 759 999 |
Geely E5 plug-in hybrid is sold with a 6 Year / 150 000 km warranty on the vehicle and an 8 Year / 200 000 km warranty on the battery. Included is a 5 Year / 75 000km service plan.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a driver's car that makes you want to take the long way home, the E5 EM-i probably isn't it. However, if you want a vehicle that makes a 45-minute commute feel like 15 minutes of zen, it hits the mark. The EM-i system is exceptionally well-calibrated. Unlike some hybrids where the engine drones loudly the moment you hit a hill, the E5 transitions between electric and petrol power almost imperceptibly. It feels like an EV 90% of the time. If your priority is keeping your family safe and comfortable while saving on fuel, it’s a winner.
