Everything you need to know about Geely Auto

Your ultimate guide Geely Auto, the Chinese automotive giant making waves on UK roads

If you’ve been following the UK automotive scene, you’ve probably noticed Chinese manufacturers making some serious noise lately. (Although not that much actual noise – most of their cars are electric after all.)

While you might know Geely as the owner of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, they’re now bringing their own-badged vehicles to British shores.

Their first UK offering, the Geely EX5, has landed and it’s got the automotive world taking notice.

Whether you’re considering your first electric SUV lease, or you’re a seasoned driver looking for exceptional value, understanding what Geely brings to the table could transform your next leasing decision.

Here’s everything you need to know about this ambitious manufacturer.

Who is Geely?

Don’t let the unfamiliar name fool you – Geely is far from being a startup trying to crack the automotive world.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded by Chinese entrepreneur Li Shufu in 1986, starting life as a refrigerator parts company before moving into motorcycles in 1994.

By 1997, they’d made their boldest move yet: entering the automotive industry.

What makes this transition remarkable is that Geely became China’s first privately owned automobile company, breaking the mould in a market dominated by state-owned enterprises, like Chery.

The name ‘Geely’ itself means ‘auspicious’ or ‘propitious’ in Chinese. And, given their journey from fridge parts to global automotive powerhouse, it seems rather fitting.

Today, Geely ranks 225th in the Fortune Global 500 list of the world’s largest companies.

In 2024 alone, the company produced over three million vehicles globally, with an impressive 1.48 million of those being plug-in electric vehicles.

But here’s what really sets Geely apart: they’re not just another car manufacturer trying to break into new markets. They’re an established automotive conglomerate with a portfolio that reads like a who’s who of premium brands.

Who owns and makes Geely?

Geely is still privately owned by founder Li Shufu, and operates from its headquarters in Hangzhou, China.

What started as one man’s vision has grown into a global automotive empire.

The company’s approach to growth has been strategic, not rushed. Rather than trying to compete head-on with established manufacturers, Geely invested heavily in acquiring and developing premium brands that would teach them about global markets.

Their most famous acquisition came in 2010 when they purchased Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company.

This wasn’t just about adding a badge to their collection. It was about learning Swedish engineering excellence and understanding European consumer expectations.

In 2017, they acquired a majority stake in British sports car manufacturer Lotus Cars, further expanding their expertise in performance vehicle development.

Today, Geely operates through multiple business units, each targeting different market segments. Think of it like the Volkswagen Group model – many different brands all operating under the same umbrella company.

The Geely automotive empire

Understanding Geely means understanding their multi-brand strategy.

Unlike manufacturers that put everything under one badge (like BYD), Geely operates distinct brands for different audiences.

Geely Auto: The original mainstream brand, primarily focused on value-oriented family vehicles with strong electric offerings.

Zeekr: Premium battery electric vehicles (BEVs) targeting luxury EV buyers who want cutting-edge technology.

Lynk & Co: Trendy, tech-focused vehicles developed with Volvo, targeting younger urban consumers.

Volvo: The Swedish premium brand focusing on safety, luxury, and sustainable mobility.

Polestar: Electric performance vehicles that blend Scandinavian design with cutting-edge EV technology.

Lotus: High-performance sports cars and electric vehicles focusing on lightweight engineering.

Smart: A joint venture with Mercedes-Benz creating electric microcars for urban mobility.

London EV Company (LEVC): Electric taxis and vans, including the iconic London black cab.

This diverse portfolio means Geely has expertise across every segment of the automotive market, from affordable family cars to high-performance supercars.

Where are Geely cars made?

While Geely’s manufacturing base remains primarily in China, across 11 facilities, they’ve established a global presence that extends far beyond their home market.

The company operates research and development centres in key automotive hubs, including Gothenburg in Sweden, Coventry in the UK, and Frankfurt in Germany. They also run global design studios in Shanghai, Gothenburg, Barcelona, California, and Coventry.

This global network isn’t just for show.

It’s about understanding local markets and consumer preferences.

For UK customers, your Geely will come from their well-established Chinese production facilities, but the design and engineering input comes from their global network of experts.

The Geely EX5: A UK debut done right

Geely’s first car to bear their badge in the UK is the Geely EX5, and they’ve chosen their debut vehicle wisely.

This all-electric C-segment SUV joins one of the most competitive markets in British automotive, taking on established players like the SKODA Enyaq, Kia EV3, and Citroen E-C4 X, as well as other Chinese newcomers.

What sets the EX5 apart from the crowd is its focus on practical family motoring without compromise.

Power and performance

The Geely EX5 comes with a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, delivering enough power for 0-60mph in around seven seconds.

It’s not the fastest family SUV you can lease, but it prioritises comfort and refinement over outright performance.

Range and charging

Every Geely EX5 gets the same 60.2kWh battery, with range* varying slightly between trim levels.

• Geely EX5 SE: 267 miles
• Geely EX5 Pro: 258 miles
• Geely EX5 Max: 255 miles

Charging speeds reach up to 160kW for rapid top-ups, while home charging at 7kW takes just over six hours for a full 0-100% recharge.

*All ranges based on WLTP Combination testing

Vehicle-to-load capability

One standout feature is the Geely EX5’s ability to provide 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, or 6kW vehicle-to-vehicle charging.

This means you can power camping equipment, e-bikes, or even help charge another electric vehicle.

Interior space and practicality

Where the Geely EX5 really shines is in maximising interior space and clever storage solutions.

The cabin offers loads of space for both front and rear passengers, with even tall adults finding comfortable leg and head room in the back. The SUV profile gives you excellent visibility, and the height of the car offers a commanding driving position.

Boot space and storage

Geely quotes several boot capacities depending on the floor position:

• 302 litres with the floor in its highest position
• 410 litres with the floor lowered
• Additional 51-litre storage compartment underneath the boot floor for the charging cable

The boot shape, particularly its 1.1-metre width, makes it extremely practical for family use, even if the actual numbers aren’t that competitive when compared with its rivals.

Unique features

One clever touch is the sliding drawer underneath the middle rear passenger seat, offering 14 litres of storage for items you don’t need regular access to.

Even more unusual is the ability to fold the front seats completely flat (with headrests removed), creating a bed-like space that pairs perfectly with the EX5’s V2L charging capability for camping adventures.

Technology and safety

The Geely EX5 comes with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance aids as standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system.

Inside, every model gets a 15.4-inch central touchscreen with excellent resolution and response times.

The Max trim adds a 13.8-inch head-up display that even includes a ‘snow mode’ with blue colouring.

Physical controls are minimal, with most functions controlled through the touchscreen, although there’s a useful rotary dial on the centre console that can be programmed to quickly adjust audio, temperature, fan speed, or even the wallpaper settings.

The Geely EX5 has even achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating already, demonstrating Geely’s commitment to meeting European safety standards from day one.

Warranty and reliability

One of the biggest concerns with any new brand is long-term reliability and support. Geely addresses this head-on with an impressive warranty package:

• Six years/125,000 miles base coverage
• Two additional years available for a total of eight years’ warranty
• Battery cover for eight years/125,000 miles

This comprehensive coverage is up there with the longest in the industry, and showcases Geely’s confidence in their product.

While UK-specific reliability data is limited given their recent arrival on our roads, Geely’s global track record is encouraging. They’ve built over 15 million vehicles worldwide, and established a reputation for durability in markets where they’re already established.

What do you get for your money?

Value proposition is where Geely really makes their mark.

The Geely EX5 is positioned to offer premium features and build quality at an accessible price point.

With three trim levels – SE, Pro and Max – there’s an EX5 to suit different budgets and requirements. Even the entry-level SE includes wireless smartphone charging, tinted windows, heated steering wheel, keyless go, and a suite of comprehensive safety aids.

For lease customers, this translates to competitive monthly payments while getting a well-equipped, practical electric SUV backed by comprehensive warranty coverage.

The road ahead for Geely in the UK

The Geely EX5 is just the beginning of Geely’s UK plans.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is expected to join the line-up in 2026, broadening the brand’s appeal to customers who aren’t ready to go fully electric.

Following that, Geely plans to introduce a B-segment hatchback (around the size of a Renault Clio or Hyundai i20), and then a larger D-segment SUV flagship (equivalent to something like the Polestar 2), giving them a comprehensive line-up to compete across multiple market segments.

With their global resources, established premium brand expertise, and commitment to electric mobility, Geely is well-positioned to become a significant player in the British market.

Should you consider a Geely lease?

If you’re looking for a practical, well-equipped electric SUV that offers excellent value for money, the Geely EX5 deserves serious consideration.

The combination of competitive lease rates, comprehensive warranty coverage, and proven electric vehicle tech makes it an attractive proposition for families making the switch to electric leasing.

What makes Geely particularly appealing is their backing.

This is an established global manufacturer with expertise across premium brands like Volvo and Lotus.

The Geely EX5’s focus on comfort, practicality and real-world usability rather than headline-grabbing performance figures show a mature understanding of what UK families actually want from their electric SUV.

With the comprehensive eight-year battery warranty and extensive standard equipment, you’re leasing peace of mind alongside practical electric motoring.

As with any car lease decision, it’s worth comparing total costs including monthly payments, running expenses, and end-of-lease charges. But with competitive pricing, impressive efficiency, and comprehensive warranty coverage, Geely is positioning itself as a smart choice for drivers who want the latest EV tech without the premium cost.

The automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, and Geely’s arrival represents another compelling option for drivers ready to embrace the electric future.

Their combination of global expertise, proven technology, and competitive pricing could make them one of the success stories of the UK’s electric vehicle transition.