Priced at around 800 million VND, the Geely EX5 is undoubtedly a highly attractive choice, offering exceptional value for money. The only concern is the limited number of public charging stations, which can be mitigated if owners charge their vehicles at home.
Geely might be a new name to Vietnamese consumers, having launched its brand in March and currently offering only three crossover models. However, a closer look reveals its status as a giant in the automotive industry, ranking among the top 10 largest car manufacturers globally with over 3 million vehicles sold in 2024.
Geely Group also owns renowned brands like Volvo, Lotus, Lynk&Co, and Polestar, and holds a 10% stake in Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. In Vietnam, Geely, Volvo, and Lynk&Co are distributed by Tasco, a seasoned player holding 13.7% of the Vietnamese auto market share, with over 100 dealerships nationwide and ownership of VETC, the leading electronic toll collection solution.
Beyond expanding its product lineup and dealership network, Geely has partnered with Tasco to research and build a $168 million assembly plant in Hung Yen, with a capacity of 75,000 vehicles per year. These initial efforts underscore Geely’s long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market, with the EX5 being a prime example of this dedication.
Focusing solely on the product, the Geely EX5 is positioned in the mid-size SUV segment, priced between 839 and 889 million VND (currently discounted to 809–855 million VND with tax exemptions). It competes with heavyweights like the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Territory, and VinFast VF6. What sets the EX5 apart and makes it appealing to consumers?
After a week with the Geely EX5, its standout feature is its exceptional build quality. The exterior is sleek and minimalist, a rarity among Asian-designed vehicles. The closed grille, integrated air intakes, and sleek alloy wheels create a modern, fluid aesthetic, while the rear design echoes European and American styles.
The interior is spacious and bright, thanks to ivory leather upholstery and a large panoramic sunroof. Soft-touch materials and vibrant ambient lighting adorn the dashboard, center console, and door panels, delivering a premium experience comparable to vehicles costing over a billion VND.
The centerpiece is a 15.4-inch 2.5K infotainment screen, rivaling large laptops. The driver benefits from a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a HUD system. The interior lighting offers 256 customizable colors, syncing with music to enhance the ambiance. The EX5’s visuals are sharp, vibrant, and immersive.
The 16-speaker Flyme sound system delivers rich, clear audio, with headrest speakers for a private listening experience. The EX5 excels not only in visuals and sound but also in comfort, featuring massaging front seats with heating, cooling, and a premium air filtration system.
User interaction is intuitive, with most controls integrated into the large touchscreen, complemented by physical dials for quick climate adjustments. The two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, leather-wrapped in contrasting tones, and the gear selector enhance both novelty and space efficiency. Voice commands are seamless and responsive.
Performance-wise, the EX5 defies expectations for Chinese vehicles. Its chassis, influenced by Volvo’s expertise, provides a solid, stable ride. The suspension is smooth, effectively absorbing bumps without transmitting excess force to passengers.
Powered by a 214 HP front-wheel-drive motor with 320 Nm of torque, the EX5 delivers thrilling acceleration, especially in Sport mode. It feels powerful across all speeds, ready to overtake at any moment.
Noise insulation is impressive, with the underfloor battery reducing road and tire noise. At highway speeds, only a slight wind whisper is noticeable, easily masked by the sound system.
The 60.2 kWh LFP battery offers a 495 km range, ideal for daily commutes and weekend trips up to 200 km. Tasco provides free 7 kW home chargers for early buyers and plans to establish 50 public charging stations by 2025. However, third-party charging networks like Ever EV and Charge Plus remain inconvenient, a potential concern for buyers.
The EX5 is equipped with advanced ADAS safety features, six airbags, and a 360-degree camera with underbody view, earning 5-star ratings from EURO NCAP and ANCAP.
In Vietnam’s evolving EV market, the Geely EX5 stands out as a compelling alternative to VinFast and other imports. With its modern design, spacious interior, smooth performance, premium features, and competitive pricing, it’s a well-rounded choice for those seeking a unique electric vehicle experience.
Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)
Photos: Huy Bách
