Geely’s planning a significant upgrade for its EX5 electric SUV, with the biggest change being a complete switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. The update also brings a major power boost and several cosmetic tweaks.
The family SUV launched in the UK this year but has been available in China since 2024. Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filings reveal the planned changes for what’s becoming a standard midlife refresh by China’s fast production cycles.
The powertrain overhaul represents the most dramatic change.
Geely’s ditching the current 225bhp front-mounted motor for a much stronger 328bhp rear-mounted unit. This follows the same path that Polestar took with its Polestar 2 – another brand under Geely’s umbrella.
The power increase pushes the EX5’s top speed from 109mph to 124mph. While Geely hasn’t released new acceleration figures, the current 6.9-second 0-62mph time should drop significantly with the extra power.
BYD made similar moves with its competing Atto 3. That model’s 201bhp front motor got replaced with either a 309bhp rear unit or a 443bhp dual-motor setup.
Geely hasn’t announced changes to the EX5’s 66kWh battery pack.
The power upgrade could bring increased capacity and range improvements beyond the current 267-mile limit, though nothing’s confirmed yet.
Subtle Visual Updates
The exterior changes are minimal compared to the powertrain overhaul. MIIT images show a lightly redesigned front bumper and new tailgate lettering as the main visual updates.
The most noticeable change involves the door handles. Geely’s replacing the current flush-fit handles with protruding ones to comply with new Chinese safety regulations.
UK availability remains unclear.
A Geely spokesperson told EV Powered that the company “does not comment on future product” when asked about bringing the updated EX5 to British markets.
The timing suggests Geely’s responding to increasing competition in China’s electric SUV segment, where manufacturers regularly update their models to stay competitive.
