Geely Auto South Africa
42 Saturn Crescent, Linbro Business Park,
Johannesburg
Press Release
PR-2025-GEELY E5 & E5 EM-i
GEELY E5 & E5 - EMI Debuts in South Africa: A New Era of Intelligent Electric
Mobility Begins
Anchored in Geely’s vision of A Sustainable Future, A Better World and its mission to create an inclusive mobility ecosystem that exceeds expectations for all, the arrival of the Geely E5 and E5 EM-i signals a powerful leap forward for South Africa’s evolving new energy landscape.
Perfectly suited to South African needs, the E5 embodies Geely’s commitment to delivering refined, intelligent, and accessible electric mobility to every driver.
Built on the advanced GEA Architecture, offering the spaciousness of a larger vehicle within a compact, efficient SUV form.
With the E5 being the first Geely model to achieve dual five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP and ANCAP, it brings world-class safety directly to South African families.
[18 & 19 November 2025], [Gallagher Estate – South Africa] Geely Auto today announced the official South African debut of the Geely E5 and E5 EM-i, its all-electric and plug-in hybrid SUV. As a strategic product in Geely’s global new-energy expansion, the E5 and E5 EM-i reinforce the brand’s mission to make refined and intelligent cars for everyone, a promise that carries meaningful impact in South Africa, where customers seek sustainable options without compromising quality, performance, or safety.
E5
Available locally in Aspire and Apex variants, the Geely E5 features a confident, modern exterior with dimensions of 4,615 × 1,901 × 1,670 mm and a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, delivering a very spacious interior for South African families and professionals alike. The trunk offers 461 litres of standard capacity, expandable to 1,877 litres, equivalent to 21 twenty-inch suitcases,making it versatile for everything from city commuting to weekend getaways across the country.
The Geely E5 is engineered with an advanced next-generation battery system and an integrated 11-in-1 electric drive unit, delivering exceptional power, refinement, and long-range capability. Its 60.22 kWh battery pack enables the Aspire variant to achieve an impressive 430 km WLTP combined range, while the Apex variant reaches 410 km. With a peak output of 160 kW and 320 N·m of immediate, seamless torque, acceleration is instantaneous and consistently strong, maintaining full performance across 12 consecutive high-load accelerations without degradation.
Dynamic performance is equally remarkable. The Geely E5 reaches a top speed of 175 km/h and secures an elk test result of 78 km/h, placing it among the segment’s top performers. Its sophisticated architecture incorporates independent suspension to deliver a poised balance between confident handling and refined ride comfort.
Charging convenience has been elevated through support for rapid 1.8C charging, enabling a 30%–80% charge in just 20 minutes. Complementing this is a suite of versatile driving modes (Economy, Normal, Sport) and enhanced utility through V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) capabilities, ensuring practical, recreational, and emergency functionality whenever needed.
The Geely E5 invites customers into a world of elevated personal expression. Standard specification pairs the pristine Snowy White exterior with a Dark Blue interior, presenting a serene and contemporary minimalist aesthetic. For those seeking further individuality, the palette expands with four additional metallic finishes, Turquoise Green, Carbon Black, Frost Grey, and Moonlight Silver, alongside an optional Ivory White interior, allowing each owner to craft a look that reflects their personal style. Wheel designs further enhance the visual signature: the Aspire variant features elegant 18-inch alloys, while the Apex variant offers 19-inch low-drag alloy wheels that seamlessly combine aesthetic sophistication with aerodynamic efficiency.
Porcelain-Inspired Global Aesthetics
Drawing from the timeless allure of fine porcelain, the Geely E5 embraces a global design language that transcends borders. Its sleek, minimalist form celebrates purity of expression, where gentle yet purposeful body lines create a powerful visual presence through refined simplicity. Exterior colours are inspired by the depth and radiance of premium glazes, while the vehicle’s fluid, porcelain-like contours evoke a sense of flowing light and enduring beauty.
The lustrous surfaces of the front fascia and body panels capture light in motion, shifting the vehicle’s character from dawn to dusk. This interplay of illumination and shadow bestows the E5 with a dynamic elegance that appears to evolve naturally with its surroundings. Renowned for its rich, glassy texture, this design philosophy transforms the exterior into a sophisticated canvas alive with subtle visual nuances.
Inside, comfort and intuitiveness are expressed through every detail, from the sculpted front lighting signatures to the ergonomic high armrests and meticulously crafted seating. The design prioritises both the visual and tactile experience, ensuring every touchpoint exudes quality, comfort, and thoughtful craftsmanship. The result is a holistic environment that harmonises premium aesthetics with everyday practicality.
The Geely E5’s design excellence has been internationally celebrated, earning some of the highest accolades in global design. Honours include the German Red Dot Design Award, Italy’s A' Design Award, the American IDA International Design Gold Award, and the MUSE Platinum Award, affirming Geely’s leadership in next-generation new energy vehicle design.
Premium Space, Luxury Comfort: Setting a New Benchmark
Engineered with class-leading spatial innovation, the Geely E5 achieves an outstanding 67.2% space utilisation ratio, delivering an expansive 4.03 m² of interior volume and an exceptional cabin length of 1,891 mm. Even passengers up to 1.8 meters tall enjoy generous rear headroom and an impressive 1,005 mm of second-row legroom, ensuring uncompromised comfort for family journeys and everyday commuting.
Designed with remarkable thoughtfulness, the Geely E5 sets a new benchmark for intelligent storage design, offering an unparalleled 33 interior storage spaces, the most comprehensive in its class. Every compartment reflects meticulous craftsmanship and a deep understanding of real-world usability. The armrest box employs an innovative hidden-bridge structure, creating generous space for handbags, shoes, and everyday essentials. In the rear, a sophisticated three-tier trunk layout ensures clothing and personal items remain neatly organised on any journey.
Further elevating practicality, a class-exclusive 51 litre sunken compartment with dry-wet separation offers true versatility that’s ideal for outdoor lifestyles, from storing fresh catch after a fishing trip to keeping delicate items protected. For added convenience, the second row features a pull-out storage module offering 14 litres of easily accessible space, opening effortlessly with a single pull.
Comfort in the Geely E5 rises to true luxury standards. Rear passengers enjoy 30°/35° dual-position seatback adjustments, achieving a supremely relaxing 109° reclining angle designed for stretching out, unwinding, and taking in the scenery in comfort. Up front, the seats combine ventilation and massage functions, while the passenger seat includes a thoughtfully designed leg rest that alleviates fatigue on long journeys. In the Apex version, the leg rest becomes fully motorised, delivering an even smoother, more indulgent experience.
Industry-Leading Technologies Driving a New Standard of Performance
GEA Platform: Forging the Future of Electric Mobility
The Geely E5’s remarkable spaciousness is made possible by the breakthrough GEA Global New Energy Architecture, Geely Auto’s flagship technology platform. Built on the seamless integration of hardware, systems, ecosystem intelligence, and AI, the GEA architecture forms a holistic technological foundation that redefines what an electric SUV can deliver.
Across five core pillars, space innovation, intelligent energy management, uncompromising safety, advanced AI, and dynamic driving performance, the GEA platform enables the E5 to offer a superior, next-generation mobility experience tailored for discerning modern drivers.
Advanced 11-in-1 Electric Drive: Engineering New Levels of Efficiency
At the heart of the Geely E5 lies an 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive system that sets new benchmarks within the global EV landscape. This highly integrated powertrain achieves the “four bests” in its class: lightest weight, most compact structure, strongest power output, and highest efficiency.
Its IGBT-based electric drive efficiency reaches an impressive 90.04%, making it the first mass-production system on a 400V platform to surpass the 90% threshold and earning the prestigious Electric Drivetrain 5A-Level Certification from the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre.
Enhanced with patented 360° bidirectional full oil-cooling and flat-wire winding, the cooling surface area expands by 35.3%, minimising energy losses and ensuring consistently optimal performance.
Reliability is equally exceptional. After enduring more than one million kilometres of durability testing, the electric drive proves its long-term robustness. Complemented by over 160 wind-noise optimisation measures, the E5 maintains an ultra-quiet cabin of just 68.3 dB at 120 km/h, setting a new benchmark for serenity in its class.
Short Blade Battery: A New Benchmark in EV Safety
The E5’s Short Blade Battery undergoes some of the industry’s most extreme safety assessments, designed by the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre. Tested across six severe scenarios, including prolonged seawater immersion, high-altitude freezing conditions, repeated 26-ton crushing, underbody impact shocks, side-pole collisions, and open flame exposure, the battery consistently meets the highest safety criteria: no smoke, no fire, no explosion. Even post-test, all parameters remain stable and within specification.
Its endurance is equally impressive, supporting up to 3,500 charging cycles, surpassing industry standards by 40% and delivering outstanding long-term value. With low-temperature range retention 8.7% above the industry average, the E5 ensures dependable performance even in the most challenging climates.
Next-Generation Intelligent Cabin: Elevating the Future of Connected Mobility
The Geely E5 sets a new benchmark in intelligent cabin innovation, delivering a seamlessly integrated digital environment that enhances every moment behind the wheel. Its advanced four-screen interactive ecosystem, Flyme Auto’s fluid information architecture and voice intelligence, smartphone-vehicle fusion capabilities, immersive Flyme Sound audio, and high-performance computing powered by a cutting-edge 7nm chip together create a class-leading cabin defined by intelligence, power, and effortless luxury.
Four-Screen Connected Experience: A Harmonised Digital Interface
At the heart of the Geely E5 lies an ultra-modern, multi-display cockpit featuring a 15.4-inch high-definition central touchscreen, a 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a commanding 13.8-inch HUD. Paired with the driver’s smartphone, these displays enable a true four-screen interactive ecosystem. Information flows intuitively and cohesively across all interfaces, allowing the driver to access critical data and controls with absolute clarity and ease. This is digital integration at its most refined, intelligent, instinctive, and elegantly executed.
Flyme Sound: Immersive, Boundary-Pushing Audio Excellence
The Geely E5 is equipped with Geely’s self-developed Flyme Sound Boundaryless Audio System, engineered to envelop occupants in a richly dimensional soundstage. Featuring a dedicated 1000W amplifier and 16 meticulously tuned speakers, including a class-exclusive headrest system, Flyme Sound delivers an auditory experience on par with elite acoustic brands.
High-frequency speakers positioned at the dashboard edges, a precision mid-range centre unit, and immersive headrest speakers work in harmony to create a theatre-grade surround effect. Four tailored audio modes: Share, Drive, Private, and Smart, ensure a personalised listening experience whether you’re navigating city streets or enjoying a quiet moment on the open road.
World-Class Safety: Proven Global Leadership
In a landmark achievement, the Geely E5 has secured dual five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, marking the first time a Geely model has earned this prestigious distinction. This accomplishment affirms the E5’s compliance with stringent safety standards across more than 100 global markets and reinforces Geely’s position at the forefront of new-energy vehicle safety innovation. With the E5, Geely doesn’t simply meet global expectations, it surpasses them, setting a new global standard for EV safety performance.
Rigorous Testing: Safety and Performance Beyond Expectation
Engineered to surpass global safety benchmarks, the Geely E5 undergoes one of the industry’s most demanding evaluations, the 50 km/h frontal centre-pole crash test, and exceeds standards across every dimension, from structural integrity and functional performance to new-energy safety and occupant protection.
In the instant of impact, the vehicle’s intelligent safety architecture activates with precision: hazard lights illuminate automatically, the door handles unlock and extend outward to support rapid rescue access. Most importantly, the passenger cabin remains impressively intact, with no battery leakage, smoke, or thermal anomalies, ensuring vital survival space and precious time for occupants.
Intelligent Safety Systems: A New Benchmark in Protective Technology
Advanced safety intelligence is a defining hallmark behind the Geely E5’s dual five-star certification. Powered by the cutting-edge GEA platform, the model delivers L2-level intelligent driving assistance through a seamlessly integrated suite of ADAS technologies.
Core systems, including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) that work in unison to form a multilayered protective matrix.
These systems continuously scan, predict, and react to real-world road conditions, intervening when necessary to deliver uninterrupted, all-scenario protection for every journey.
Quick Feature Overview: Geely E5 Variant Lineup
Geely E5 Aspire – Starting at R699,999
Performance: 0–100 km/h in 6.9 s
Battery: 60.22 kWh
WLTP Range: 430 km
WLTP Consumption: 15.8 kWh/100 km
Key Features: V2L, V2V, 6-way power driver’s seat, front seat ventilation, Cruise Control, Door-Open Warning, 15.4” HD Central Screen, 10.2” LCD Dash display.
Geely E5 Apex – Starting at R759,999
Performance: 0–100 km/h in 7.1 s
Battery: 60.22kWh
WLTP Range: 410 km
WLTP Consumption: 16 kWh/100 km
Exclusive Enhancements (over Apex): Panoramic power sunroof with sunshade, power tailgate, 256-colour ambient lighting, front seat memory and massage functions, 2-way power passenger leg support, W-HUD, 16-speaker FLYME SOUND Premium Audio System with headrest speakers, 19” wheels.
Charging
A wallbox charger is complimentary with every E5 purchase, along with R10,000 in free public charging (equivalent to two years of charging).
E5 EM-i
The Geely E5 EM-i is the second model launched alongside the E5 in South Africa, with the brand’s launch completing the launch duo to grace the South African roads.
The E5 EM-i stands as the first purpose-built plug-in hybrid in its class that’s engineered from the very beginning to achieve a flawless harmony between electric refinement and petrol confidence. It empowers drivers to move electrically when it inspires them, shift to hybrid performance when the journey demands it, and enjoy the ultimate freedom of both worlds.
Entering the rapidly growing hybrid SUV segment, the E5 EM-i introduces Geely’s advanced EM-i (E-Motive Intelligence) system to the South African market fresh off its global market debut. Purpose-designed as a hybrid-first petrol-electric powertrain, the EM-i system delivers an effortlessly smooth, EV-like drive enriched with the flexibility, range assurance, and everyday convenience that South African drivers will value most.
The E5 EM-i sets a new benchmark in attainable New Energy luxury. With pricing from just R599,999 for the Aspire variant and R679,999 for the flagship Apex, it represents exceptional value, rivalling premium competitors, taking cutting-edge electrified innovation to South African consumers.
E5 EM-i Range Overview
Crafted to elevate every journey, the E5 EM-i range sets a new benchmark for intelligent, electrified mobility.
The range-starting Aspire variant arrives impressively equipped, featuring a striking 15.4-inch infotainment display powered by Geely’s cutting-edge Flyme operating system, a high-definition surround-view monitor, wireless Apple CarPlay (with Android Auto arriving via OTA update in Q1 2026), and a refined six-speaker audio system.
Designed to deliver a truly “complete” experience, the variant further includes automatic climate control, LED headlamps, 18” alloy wheels and the comfort to keep one driving with a smile.
Apex: The range topper of the E5 EM-i Lineup
At the summit of the range, the Apex variant enhances daily luxury with a breathtaking 16-speaker Flyme premium audio system, a panoramic powered sunroof, and a sleek head-up display (HUD). Thoughtfully curated features, front seat ventilation, driver memory seating, a power tailgate, and a palette of 256 ambient lighting colours—bring heightened sophistication to every drive.
Both Apex and Aspire variants can be styled in six exterior colours. Alpine White, Polar Black, Jungle Green, Glacier Blue, Volcanic Grey, and Cloudveil Silver are available to suit one’s tastes. Inside, the refined Ebony Black cabin is standard across the range, with the elegant Ivory White interior reserved exclusively for Apex.
EM-i Powertrain: “Efficiency Meets Intelligence”
Under the surface, the E5 EM-i is powered by an advanced hybrid powertrain built around a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine pushing out 73 kW and 125 N·m torque, delivering class-leading thermal efficiency at 46.50% and Geely’s sophisticated 11-in-1 electric drive unit, which delivers an impressive 160 kW and 262 N·m. All the power is channelled smoothly to the front wheels.
An 18.4 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality with up to 6 kW of output, transforming the vehicle into a mobile power source. The EM-i super hybrid intelligently blends petrol and electric power for optimal performance and efficiency with a range of 943 km.
Drivers can tailor their experience with three distinct modes:
Pure – Full electric driving for BEV-like smoothness and maximum efficiency.
Hybrid – Intelligent energy balancing for extended range and reduced consumption.
Power – Electric and petrol propulsion working together for peak performance.
Charging is effortless, with support for both AC (6.6 kW) and DC fast charging (30 kW). Even better: the drive remains consistent regardless of the battery’s state of charge. With DC charging, the battery replenishes from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
The Design of the Starray EM-i
From the very first glance, the E5 EM-i makes a bold and sophisticated statement. Its front fascia is defined by an intricate, layered LED headlight signature, featuring 264 precision-engineered light beads that illuminate the road ahead with exceptional clarity, reaching an impressive distance of up to 184 metres. Every contour of the front end has been sculpted with purpose, optimising airflow and enhancing efficiency, culminating in a sleek drag coefficient of just 0.288 cd.
At the rear, the E5 EM-i continues its visual drama with a full-width LED lightbar that stretches an extraordinary 2,240 mm across the tailgate. Housing 368 individual LED beads, this unmistakable signature reinforces the model’s futuristic identity and presence on the road.
Step inside and the E5 EM-i reveals an interior that blends elegance with intelligent functionality. The cabin centres around a refined “Golden Triangle” display arrangement, comprising a 15.4-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 13.8-inch head-up display on the flagship Apex variant.
Together, they deliver a seamless, intuitive interface designed to keep the driver informed and in control. The touchscreen operates with smartphone-like fluidity, making everyday interactions effortless.
Comfort and practicality have been meticulously considered. The front seats are engineered with ergonomic precision, while rear passengers enjoy a generous 1,200 mm ceiling height and some of the longest seat cushions in the class—ensuring every journey feels spacious, supportive, and indulgent. With over 30 cleverly designed storage spaces throughout the cabin, the E5 EM-i adapts effortlessly to modern lifestyles.
Quick Feature Overview: Geely E5 EM-i Variant Lineup
Geely E5 EM-i Aspire – Starting at R599,999
Performance: 0–100 km/h in 8 s
Battery: 18.4 kWh
WLTP Range: 943 km
Key Features: V2L, V2V, 18” wheels, Cruise Control, Door-Open Warning, 15.4” HD Central Screen, 10.2” LCD Dash display.
Geely E5 EM-i Apex – Starting at R679,999
Performance: 0–100 km/h in 8.1 s
Battery: 18.4 kWh
WLTP Range: 943 km
Exclusive Enhancements (over Apex): Panoramic power sunroof with sunshade, power tailgate, 256-colour ambient lighting, front seat memory functions, W-HUD, 16-speaker FLYME SOUND Premium Audio System with headrest speakers, 19” wheels.
Charging
A wallbox charger is complimentary with every E5 EM-i purchase, plus R5,000 in free public charging.
Geely Care+: Confidence, Coverage, and Customer Commitment
Every E5 and E5 EM-i in South Africa is backed by the reassurance of the following:
Vehicle Warranty: 6year/150,000 km
Battery Warranty: 8year/200,000 km
E5 EM-i Service Plan: 5year/75,000km
E5 Service Plan: 6year/120,000km
Roadside Assistance: 5year unlimited
These benefits come together under Geely Care+, the brand’s global aftersales promise, now officially launched in South Africa. Supported by a national dealer network and a dedicated local parts distribution centre, Geely Care+ reflects Geely’s long-term commitment to customer satisfaction, offering professional expertise, swift service, and warm, attentive premium care.
For full specifications and pricing, customers are encouraged to explore the Geely Auto South Africa official website at geelyauto.co.za or connect with their nearest authorised dealer.
For any queries, please feel free to contact the Head of Product and Marketing: Jateen Daya- jateen.daya@geely.com.
