Geely Auto Australia has begun rolling out a long-awaited over-the-air (OTA) software update for its all-electric Geely EX5, finally adding Android Auto to the mid-size SUV more than a year after its local launch.
The update is being deployed progressively between February 4 and February 9. It can be downloaded using a home or smartphone Wi-Fi connection, meaning owners won’t need to visit a dealership or service centre.
Android Auto arrives at last
The headline addition is Android Auto, offered with both wired and wireless connectivity. This brings the Geely EX5 in line with most rivals in the segment, allowing access to navigation, media and communication apps via the infotainment touchscreen.
The Geely EX5 was one of the few new vehicles sold in Australia without Android Auto at launch, and it also lacked Apple CarPlay initially. Apple CarPlay was added later via an OTA update in August 2025, with Android Auto following now.
As with Apple CarPlay, climate controls remain permanently anchored to the bottom of the touchscreen, rather than being integrated into the Android Auto interface.
New AVAS sounds and improved driver settings
Beyond smartphone mirroring, the update focuses on making the Geely EX5’s driver assistance and safety systems easier to live with day to day.
Geely has added three selectable low-speed Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sounds:
- Classic
- Galactic
- Constellation
Drivers can also now save a preferred driving profile and access it quickly using either a steering wheel shortcut button or the swipe-down menu on the central touchscreen.
The configurable settings include:
- Drive Mode: Eco / Comfort / Sport
- Energy Regeneration Level: Low / Medium / High / Auto
- Lane Keeping Assist: On / Off
- Emergency Lane Keeping Assistance: On / Off
- Driver Fatigue Detection: On / Off
- Speed Limit Alert: Off / Blinking icon / Blinking icon with sound
Additional usability tweaks
The OTA update also introduces:
- A notification sound when switching drive modes
- Tailgate control added to the swipe-down shortcut menu
Geely says the update is based on real-world owner feedback from global markets, with a focus on improving everyday usability rather than adding entirely new hardware-dependent features.
Market context and rivals
The Geely EX5 launched in Australia in early 2025 as the brand’s debut model, positioning itself as a Tesla Model Y rival in the increasingly competitive mid-size electric SUV segment.
With both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now available, the Geely EX5 leaves the Leapmotor C10 as one of the few vehicles in the class still lacking full smartphone mirroring support.
Sales performance in Australia
In 2025, Geely delivered 3,944 EX5s in Australia. While that figure trails the BYD Sealion 7 (13,410 units), which also launched early last year, the Geely EX5 comfortably outsold newer electric SUV rivals such as:
- Leapmotor C10: 579 units
- Deepal S07: 287 units
The Geely EX5 also came close to the MG HS range (petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid), which recorded 4,201 sales over the same period.
What’s next for Geely OTA updates?
Geely has confirmed the first Australian OTA update for the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid is due in the latter half of Q1 2026, as the brand continues to expand its software-led update strategy locally.
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