The list keeps growing to the point of vertigo. Almost every month since early 2026, Europe has welcomed another Chinese brand that seems to shrug off seemingly trivial customs hurdles. After making inroads with our neighbors, Geely arrives in France with the Starray, a hybrid SUV unveiled here, and its electric twin, the E5, lined up against the Skoda Elroq, Peugeot E-3008, or Tesla Model Y. Not to mention its compatriots, fiercely price-competitive. The segment borders on overload, leaving one to wonder if there’s space for everyone. Especially for a manufacturer that had been unknown on our shores under its own name (the group also owns Volvo and Lotus). A perspective is instructive: Geely topped China’s sales last year. Here, the brand aims for about 5% market share by 2030.
Geely E5 218 hp / 68.4 kWh Max+ : no pretension of reinventing the segment…
This E5 does not claim to reinvent the family electric SUV. It isn’t aiming to turn heads either: the design is as neutral as can be, vaguely reminiscent of a softened Porsche Cayenne. The cabin isn’t particularly original in its layout, appearing to borrow from a lot of Chinese productions… or from Tesla: a horizontally oriented instrument panel, a raised center console, a large central screen (15.4 inches with excellent resolution) that runs most of the controls, except for a few climate shortcuts. As is common, mastering this digital environment requires digging through multiple menus, sometimes cluttered, to access driving aids (which the driver eagerly disables at every startup because they’re annoying). The E5 stands out more for its cascade of equipment and its welcoming vibe: the cabin, well finished for the most part, with a few trim details aside, pleases both the eye and the touch thanks to padded plastics and pleasant faux leathers.
Likewise, interior space is generous for a mid-size SUV (4.62 m long): two adults fit comfortably, with ample legroom and headroom (the roofline is nearly flat) and they benefit from a comfortable rear bench that’s a tad firm in the center. The trunk, however, is modest—461 L including the subfloor—and there’s no front storage under the hood.
With the wheel in hand, the first miles roll by calmly and without surprises. The 218 hp delivers brisk but non-brutal acceleration. That quiet, subdued ride quality is complemented by a hushed, composed cabin—so long as the road is smooth and the line fairly straight. Unfortunately, rougher terrain quickly reveals the downsides.
Geely E5 218 hp / 68.4 kWh Max+ : fairly sensible on the scales
On a road with at least some surface degradation, the body moves are noticeable. The culprit is a soft, overly forgiving suspension and a chassis that tends to pogo and roll at even moderate speeds. Nothing dangerous, but comfort takes a hit, especially in the rear seats. The car is fortunately balanced, the battery tucked under the floor helping with mass distribution.
The E5’s curb weight sits around 1,815 kg. We shouldn’t expect dynamism from this prudent family hauler, but the steering feels entirely detached, too light and overly amplified, betraying a curious tuning choice (or some approximations?). Even more problematic is the front axle’s traction when you demand watts if the wheels aren’t perfectly straight. The 320 Nm of torque isn’t monstrous. This placid highway cruiser stays comfortable at speed, but it isn’t quick, and wind noise rises past 110 km/h. The front passenger, perched in the “comfort” seat Geely markets for its leg support, will be waiting for a break—the seat is too high, too firm, and lacks proper support.
Geely E5 218 hp / 68.4 kWh Max+ : energy management is the pleasant surprise
The pleasant surprise comes from energy management, even though there are a few usage quirks: there’s no single-pedal mode, and dialing in regenerative braking requires at least two interactions on the screen. In Max+, the top trim with a 68.4 kWh battery (modest for a SUV of this class), the E5 proves to be frugal: about 16 kWh/100 km in a mixed cycle.
The 450 km range seems realistic, with a touch of restraint. Note that in the entry version, the E5 uses a 60.2 kWh pack but still travels nearly as far: about 430 km quoted, thanks to a 100 kg lighter curb weight and 18-inch wheels (19 inches on our test model). The payoff at the charger comes at the DC fast-charging station: up to 120 kW maximum, a middle-of-the-pack figure for this segment. The 400 V architecture and LFP battery chemistry prevent any charging-records, and AC charging is a conventional 11 kW. Then the price, enticing without being a budget miracle, starts at €37,990 in Pro trim with the smaller battery, while our Max+ sits at €41,990. In this respect, its Chinese rivals MGS5 EV and Leapmotor B10 still hit harder on price.
Geely E5 218 hp / 68.4 kWh Max+ : its advantages?
- Efficiency / range
- Price / equipment
- Interior presentation
Geely E5 218 hp / 68.4 kWh Max+ : its drawbacks?
- Handling
- Modest trunk
- Ergonomics a bit muddled
The Auto Journal verdict: 3/5
A solid student without charisma or a fatal flaw, this Geely E5 offers a spacious, comfortable package that positions itself as a respectable alternative to established family SUVs. Add to that reasonable efficiency and a well-equipped cabin… while not ignoring a few chassis-related hiccups.
Geely E5 218 hp / 68.4 kWh Max+ : in measurements
Find our first test of the Geely E5 218 hp / 68.4 kWh Max+ in Auto Journal issue no. 1216 dated 03/09/2026.
