The Australian automotive landscape is buzzing with a fresh wave of electric vehicles, and for good reason. Just recently, a new contender has arrived on our shores, sparking considerable excitement among those tracking the affordable EV segment. As discussed in the accompanying video, the Geely EX2 has officially landed in Australia, ready to challenge established players and redefine expectations for compact electric cars.
This car holds a special significance because it is not just another new model; it’s China’s best-selling car, a fact that speaks volumes about its appeal and proven track record in a highly competitive market. With its arrival, many discerning buyers are now asking if this widely popular model can replicate its success here, offering a compelling blend of value, practicality, and driving comfort.
1. Unpacking the Geely EX2: Pricing and Value Proposition
The Geely EX2 enters the Australian market with a very attractive price point, aiming to capture the attention of budget-conscious consumers seeking an accessible entry into electric mobility. Understanding the different trim levels is crucial for buyers to maximize their investment and secure the best possible experience with this vehicle.
1.1 Base Model vs. Inspire Grade: A Critical Choice
The base model of the Geely EX2 is priced at $26,490 AUD before on-road costs, which typically brings the drive-away price to approximately $30,000 AUD. While this initial figure appears highly appealing, a closer examination reveals significant differences when compared to the top-of-the-range Inspire grade. For an additional cost of about $4,000, stepping up to the Inspire trim provides a substantially enhanced package.
The Inspire grade, which retails for $30,990 AUD before on-road costs (around $35,000 AUD drive-away), justifies its higher price through a suite of meaningful upgrades. It features a larger 47.14 kWh LFP battery, delivering a commendable 345 km WLTP range. This is an impressive increase, offering almost 50% more range than the base model’s 35.35 kWh LFP battery, which only provides 252 km of WLTP range. Furthermore, the Inspire benefits from a more powerful 85 kW electric motor and faster 80 kW DC fast charging capabilities, compared to the base model’s 60 kW motor and 60 kW DC charging.
These enhancements are not merely numerical; they translate into a much more capable and practical electric vehicle for daily use, providing greater flexibility for longer journeys and quicker top-ups. The investment in the Inspire grade is therefore strongly recommended for any potential buyer, ensuring better performance, range, and enhanced resale value down the line.
2. Exterior Design and Thoughtful Features
The Geely EX2 presents a compact and modern exterior design that subtly hints at its underlying sophistication, distinguishing itself from some of its more overtly styled competitors. Its aesthetic is generally described as understated, prioritizing functionality and broad appeal over polarizing design choices.
2.1 Funky Yet Functional Styling
Despite its compact dimensions, the Geely EX2 manages to feel substantial on the road, a quality often missed in smaller vehicles. Geely has embraced a “galaxy motif” for its branding, evident in subtle design elements like star patterns. The car is available in a variety of vibrant colors, including pink, green, blue, and gray, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle with a touch of character.
One notable feature is the 70-liter frunk (front trunk), a practical addition especially impressive for a rear-wheel-drive vehicle in this segment. This front storage space is equipped with convenient gas struts, reflecting an attention to detail usually found in more premium offerings. The headlights, while not exceptionally bright LEDs, integrate seamlessly into the overall design, complemented by a 360-degree camera system for enhanced maneuverability.
2.2 Aerodynamics and Practicality
An often-overlooked aspect of affordable EVs is aerodynamic efficiency, yet the Geely EX2 incorporates functional aero elements that open and close. This smart design contributes to improved range, a crucial factor for electric vehicles. Additionally, the Inspire grade comes with upgraded Yokohama BluEarth GT economy tires on 16-inch wheels. While these tires are designed for efficiency rather than aggressive performance, they are perfectly matched to the car’s power output, prioritizing comfort and range. The smaller wheels also contribute to a smoother ride and better energy consumption.
Practicality extends to the door handles, which feature a physical button for easy operation, a refreshing departure from some less intuitive capacitive systems. The inclusion of tinted privacy glass and a rear wiper, a feature sometimes absent in this price bracket, further underscores Geely’s commitment to user-friendly design. The powered tailgate on the Inspire grade, offering 375 liters of boot space (expandable to 1340 liters with rear seats folded), rivals the cargo capacity of a Volkswagen Golf, making the EX2 surprisingly practical for families and urban dwellers.
3. Interior Comfort, Technology, and Practicality
Stepping inside the Geely EX2, one is immediately struck by an interior that defies its price point, offering a level of refinement and quietness rarely found in this segment. The cabin experience is designed for comfort and ease of use, making even longer journeys enjoyable.
3.1 Refined Cabin Experience
The interior of the Geely EX2 is arguably one of the most refined in its class. The solid thud of the doors upon closing immediately conveys a sense of quality and robust build. Soft-touch materials are strategically placed at key contact points, while even hard plastics feature a rubberized texture that enhances tactile feel. The overall result is a remarkably quiet cabin, significantly contributing to a serene driving experience over extended periods.
The seats, though covered in faux leather or vinyl, are surprisingly comfortable and offer ample adjustability, allowing drivers of varying heights to find an ideal position. Occupants sit relatively high, providing an elevated driving position similar to a small SUV, which contributes to a feeling of spaciousness rather than being confined in an economy car. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are standard on the top trim, along with a wireless phone charger, further elevating the premium feel.
3.2 Advanced Tech and Thoughtful Storage
The cabin is exceptionally practical, boasting immense storage solutions throughout. A large sliding drawer provides generous space, complemented by massive door bins and additional storage under the center console. Connectivity is well-addressed with both USB-C and USB-A ports available. Physical air vents, which blow “ice cold” air, ensure immediate and effective climate control without impacting range significantly. The sound system, while adequate, is not a standout feature but performs acceptably for the segment.
Technologically, the Geely EX2 shines with a massive, high-resolution display that is both snappy and functional. While many controls are integrated into this screen, a simple pull-down menu ensures easy access to essential functions like air conditioning and drive modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are seamlessly integrated, alongside built-in navigation. The vehicle is also designed to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating, indicating upcoming connected services. A digital instrument display in front of the driver, combined with subtle ambient lighting, completes a modern and user-friendly cockpit.
3.3 Spacious and Comfortable Rear Seats
The rear seating area of the Geely EX2 is genuinely impressive for a compact EV. Passengers measuring 5’11” can enjoy ample legroom and headroom, thanks to stadium-style seating that elevates the rear passengers for an open and airy feel. Despite the battery being housed in the floor, the leg angle remains comfortable. Rear occupants benefit from padded armrests, large door bins, map pockets, two air vents (a rarity in this class), and a USB-A port. While a fold-down center armrest is absent, the overall comfort and spaciousness of the rear seats make them a true highlight of the Geely EX2’s interior package.
4. Driving the Geely EX2: Performance and Experience
The driving experience of the Geely EX2 is characterized by a high degree of comfort and serenity, making it an excellent city runabout. However, certain aspects of its performance and safety systems require attention, as highlighted in the video review.
4.1 Serene Ride Quality
One of the most remarkable aspects of driving the Geely EX2 is its quiet and comfortable cabin. The car glides over bumps without unsettling occupants, a testament to its sophisticated multi-link rear end suspension system and sound-dampening measures, such as carpeting in the wheel wells. This contributes to a serene driving environment, making it an ideal choice for urban commutes and longer, relaxed journeys. It stands out as one of the most comfortable options among its “cheap Chinese EV” competitors.
4.2 Handling, Steering, and Power Limitations
While comfort is a strong suit, the Geely EX2 is not designed for dynamic cornering. It exhibits noticeable body roll and lean when pushed, indicating a focus on ride quality over sporty handling. The steering, though comfortable, lacks direct feedback, leading to a less connected feel with the road. The most significant compromise noted is the car’s power delivery.
The top-of-the-range Inspire grade, with its 85 kW motor, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 11 seconds. While adequate for city driving, this performance lags behind many competitors, which typically achieve sub-8-second times. The base model, with its 60 kW motor, is even slower, reaching 100 km/h in 14 seconds. This lack of aggressive acceleration positions the Geely EX2 firmly as an urban commuter rather than a spirited driver’s car. However, its excellent turning circle makes it highly maneuverable in tight city spaces.
4.3 Calibrating Safety Systems
A critical point of feedback concerns the calibration of the Geely EX2’s safety systems. Issues with the adaptive cruise control constantly pulling the vehicle out of its lane and an overly sensitive eye monitoring system detract from the driving experience. While some settings can be adjusted via the infotainment screen, these systems should ideally be well-calibrated from the factory to avoid being a constant source of annoyance. Geely, with its ownership of brands like Volvo and Polestar, possesses the expertise to address these issues through over-the-air updates, which would significantly enhance the car’s overall appeal.
5. Geely’s Brand Presence and Market Position
Geely is not a newcomer to the global automotive stage; it is a titan in the industry, owning an impressive portfolio of well-regarded brands. This extensive lineage provides a substantial foundation of engineering and design expertise that benefits all its products, including the Geely EX2.
5.1 A Global Automotive Powerhouse
For those unfamiliar with Geely, it is important to recognize the breadth of its influence. The company owns prestigious brands such as Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, in addition to Zeekr and others. This vast ownership structure means that technology, design principles, and manufacturing quality developed across these brands can potentially trickle down, offering significant benefits even to its more affordable offerings. The Geely EX2, therefore, leverages a strong engineering backbone that underpins some of the world’s most respected automotive manufacturers.
5.2 Competing in the Affordable EV Segment
The Geely EX2 is positioned as a direct competitor to popular affordable EVs in Australia, including the BYD Atto 1, BYD Dolphin, MG4 Urban, and GWM Ora 5 SUV. Its drive-away price of approximately $35,000 AUD for the top-spec Inspire grade places it squarely in contention with these established models. While some rivals might offer slightly more features or quicker acceleration, the Geely EX2 distinguishes itself through its superior interior refinement, exceptional comfort, and practical storage solutions, making it a strong all-around package.
Your Geely EX2 Q&A: Paving the Way in the West
What is the Geely EX2?
The Geely EX2 is an affordable new electric vehicle (EV) that has arrived in Australia, known for being China’s best-selling car. It aims to challenge existing compact electric car options in the market.
How much does the Geely EX2 cost in Australia?
The base model of the Geely EX2 costs around $30,000 AUD drive-away. The top-of-the-range Inspire grade is approximately $35,000 AUD drive-away.
What are the main differences between the Geely EX2’s base model and Inspire grade?
The Inspire grade offers a larger battery for a 345 km WLTP range, a more powerful motor, and faster DC fast charging. This is a significant upgrade from the base model’s 252 km range and slower charging.
How far can the Geely EX2 travel on a single charge?
The base model of the Geely EX2 has a WLTP range of 252 km. The Inspire grade offers an extended WLTP range of 345 km on a single charge.
Is the Geely EX2 comfortable inside?
Yes, the Geely EX2’s interior is described as refined and remarkably quiet, offering comfortable, adjustable seats and good ride quality. It’s designed for a serene driving experience.
