Geely has revealed a significantly updated version of the EX5 electric SUV in China, bringing more power, a switch to rear-wheel drive, and a new LiDAR-based driver assist system.
The 2026 Geely EX5 (sold in China as the Geely Galaxy E5) retains its familiar silhouette but packs substantial changes under the skin. The most notable upgrade is a new 245kW rear-mounted electric motor, replacing the current 160kW front-wheel-drive setup. That is an extra 85kW (114 hp) and a top speed increase from 175 km/h to 201 km/h.
The update also brings a mild front-end restyle, traditional door handles, a relocated charging port, and the addition of a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor for advanced semi-autonomous driving.
Powertrain and performance
The headline change is the switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. The updated EX5 uses a single TZ184QY301 electric motor mounted on the rear axle, producing 245kW (329 hp). That is a significant jump from the 160kW motor in the current Australian-delivered model. Top speed rises from 175 km/h to 201 km/h. Battery details for the Chinese update have not yet been published. The current Australian EX5 uses a 68.4kWh LFP battery, which replaced the original 60.2kWh pack in March 2026. It is not yet known whether the updated Chinese model uses a different capacity.
Exterior design changes
The updated EX5 gets a reprofiled front bumper with larger side air intakes, a more prominent blade above the lower intake, and active aero shutters. Overall length grows by 21mm to 4636mm. Width (1920mm), height (1670mm), and wheelbase (2750mm) remain unchanged. Approach and departure angles are 16 and 20 degrees respectively. The rear bumper, taillights, and headlights carry over unchanged.
Door handles and charging port
In line with Chinese regulations that will require physical door handles meeting emergency-use criteria by 2027, the Galaxy E5 swaps its previous flush pop-out handles for raised external handles. This design is already used on the related Geely Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid sold in Australia. The charging port has been moved from the right-front guard to the rear left quarter panel.
Driver assist and LiDAR
A new LiDAR sensor sits above the windscreen, joined by side cameras on the front fenders and an additional camera integrated into the tailgate spoiler. This hardware is expected to enable Geely's latest G-ASD G-Pilot H5 semi-autonomous driving system, featuring Navigate On Autopilot (NOA) on both highways and urban roads. However, this system is currently limited to the Chinese market.
Comparison: current EX5 vs updated Chinese EX5
Specification | Current EX5 (Australia) | Updated EX5 (China) |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
Motor power | 160 kW | 245 kW |
Top speed | 175 km/h | 201 km/h |
Length | 4615 mm | 4636 mm |
Width | 1920 mm | 1920 mm |
Height | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
Wheelbase | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
Battery | 68.4 kWh LFP | TBC |
Door handles | Flush pop-out | Raised external |
Charge port location | Right-front guard | Rear left quarter |
LiDAR | No | Yes (roof-mounted) |
Driver assist | Standard ADAS | G-Pilot H5 (NOA, China only) |
Will it come to Australia?
Geely Auto Australia has not confirmed availability or a release date in Australia.
Given that the current Australian EX5 already received a battery upgrade in March 2026, the powertrain and door handle changes could arrive as a running update. The LiDAR-based driver assist suite is less likely, as it appears tailored to the Chinese market.
The updated Geely EX5 represents a meaningful step forward for the model, with more power, rear-wheel drive, and a more sophisticated driver assist system. The 245kW RWD setup addresses one of the main criticisms of the current car: its modest power output and front-wheel-drive layout. Australian buyers will need to wait for official confirmation, but the powertrain and door handle changes would be welcome additions to what is already a competitive mid-size electric SUV.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
