First Look: Geely gets PHEV timing right with EX5 EM-i

In these challenging times, it pays to be flexible when it comes to mobility.

On one hand, the daily grind requires a vehicle that’s efficient and easy on the bills, while the occasional long-distance trips require one that could easily be topped up at the nearest fuel station.

It’s no surprise, then, that plug-in hybrids are having a moment. And right now, more brands have started to recognize how the formula fits the current Philippine driving setting. Enter Geely Motor Philippines with the EX5 EM-i.

At first glance, the EX5 EM-i is undeniably an electrified vehicle with its closed-off grille design, flanked by split LED light signatures, which give out its futuristic expression. The rest of the body, however, plays it smart, rather than loud, with its clean and contemporary crossover form.

Down the side, the EX5 EM-i has a familiar silhouette with proportions that are easy on the eyes. It’s the kind of design that blends into urban environments easily, which, for many buyers, is exactly what they need. The rear finishes off the design with the lighting elements stretching across, giving it a wider, more planted stance.

The EX5 EM-i’s look doesn’t try to be a statement piece, but rather a daily driver that just happens to be smart underneath.

Step inside, and the EX5 EM-i starts to shift its character. From a restrained exterior, the cabin leans more into a modern and tech-forward approach.

Front and center is a large 15.4-inch infotainment display with multiple options for customization with the Flyme OS, complemented by a digital instrument cluster and a heads-up display that flashes the road information ahead.

The ambient lighting, along with the panoramic sunroof, adds a layer of sophistication inside, while material choices strike a balance between providing comfort and quality. Wireless smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB charging ports, and a 16-speaker Flyme audio system keep the occupants engaged.

Pop the hood, and the EX5 EM-i shows its Geely Super Hybrid powertrain - one where the electric motor with 218 PS and 262 Nm of torque does most of the heavy lifting. The 1.5-liter gasoline engine, on the other hand, steps in primarily as a generator, keeping the 18.4 kWh LFP battery charged rather than directly driving the wheels in most situations.

With more than 100 km of pure electric range, over 1000 km of combined range, and a claimed efficiency of up to 41.6 km/l, the EX5 EM-i’s powertrain means daily commutes can be done almost entirely on electricity, with the gasoline engine acting as a safety net for longer trips.

Charging is relatively convenient as well. With DC fast charging, the battery can go from 30% to 80% in about 20 minutes, while a full AC charge takes roughly three hours. That means an overnight charge at home is more than enough to give what’s basically a full tank of gas every morning.

Beyond the electrified powertrain, the EX5 EM-i also leans into intelligent driving features. It comes equipped with Geely’s L2 intelligent driving system, including things like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning. These systems work together to give that extra layer of convenience and safety on the road, whether in long highway drives or heavy traffic situations.

There’s also the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which allows the EX5 EM-i to power external devices. It’s a small detail, but one that adds practical utility for leisure trips, and emergency situations where a mobile power source is needed.

With buyers in the market being more open to electrification, the Geely EX5 EM-i feels like a product that arrives at exactly the right time. The best part is that the EX5 EM-i is the kind that eases a buyer into electrified mobility, rather than forcing a complete shift.

In doing so, Geely may have found itself back in a position when the Coolray first arrived - offering the right technology, at the right price, at precisely the ideal moment when the Philippine market is ready to embrace it.