Updated Geely EX5 lineup gains RWD and 800V tech in China

Key highlights:

• Updated 2027 EX5 gains RWD and 800V technology in China
• Larger batteries support up to 460kW DC charging
• Australia’s launch timing remains unconfirmed

Geely has detailed an updated rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the EX5 in China which uses an 800V electrical system and supports up to 460kW of DC fast charging. The existing front-wheel-drive model keeps its 400V setup with slower 120kW of DC charging.

The updated 2027 Geely EX5 (or Geely Galaxy E5) in China brings faster charging, a new rear-suspension layout, optional adaptive dampers, and LiDAR-based driver assistance. Geely Australia has not yet confirmed when the updated model will arrive locally.

Three new rear-wheel-drive variants

The updated 2027 Geely EX5 (or Geely Galaxy E5) lineup in China now includes three new rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variants featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture, and they sit at the upper end of the model’s lineup, with the existing 400V front-wheel-drive (FWD) variants.

These variants use Geely’s so-called Gold Brick batteries and support 6.6kW AC charging. The DC charging receives a massive upgrade with 6C ultra-fast charging that supports up to 460kW of peak charging power, charging the new RWD variants from 10%-70% in 8 minutes and 25 seconds. 

The 800V variants also support a 6kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)system. The batteries feed a rear-mounted electric motor, which gives these variants a 0-100km/h time ranging from 5.8 to 6.2 seconds.

Entry-level version keeps 400V

The updated range still starts with the 530 Global Classic Edition, which uses a 400V electrical system and a 60.22kWh LFP battery. Its 1.8C fast DC charging reaches 120 kW. This variant matches the 68.4kWh battery trim available in Australia.

The updated variants also receive a different rear suspension arrangement, as Geely replaced the previous four-link independent rear suspension with a five-link setup. Adaptive dampers also become available for the first time.

Also read: EVC wants Australia to dramatically boost electric car sales

Exterior features and dimensions

The updated EX5 first appeared in a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filing in June 2026. The front end now uses a sharper bumper with larger vertical side air intakes.

Geely has also replaced the previous door handles with more traditional units, following new Chinese-market regulations. At the back, the main visual change involves ‘Geely’ lettering across the centre of the tailgate.

The updated variants have grown in length and width but use a slightly shorter wheelbase.

Interior and LiDAR technology

Geely has kept most of the cabin unchanged. The updated EX5 continues with a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, but the new three-spoke steering wheel provides the main interior change.

A LiDAR unit now sits above the windscreen, and it supports Geely’s Qianli Haohan H5 active safety and driver assistance suite. Its functions include:

• Urban Navigation on Autopilot (NoA)
• Highway Navigation on Autopilot (NoA)
• Autonomous lane changes
• Traffic light detection

What about the Australian launch?

Geely Australia has not yet confirmed when the updated EX5 will arrive here.

Geely has delivered 10,737 EX5s in Australia to the end of August 2026, making it one of the country’s best-selling EVs. Earlier this year, Geely Australia also introduced a larger 68.39kWh battery, replacing the previous 60.22kWh pack.

The local EX5 gained some equipment and colour changes at the same time. A cargo blind and Mode 2 charging cable became standard, while Jungle Green joined the exterior colour range

The EX5 now offers both front- and rear-wheel drive, which makes it an unusual choice among mid-size crossover SUVs, although the BYD Atto 3 Evo also offers both drive layouts in Australia.

Mass-market combustion-powered mid-size crossover SUVs generally use front- or all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive appears much more often among electric SUVs.

The EX5 joins the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, along with more affordable electric SUVs such as the Leapmotor C10, in offering rear-wheel drive.

Wanna own a Geely but double-thinking about the budget? Explore these used Geely cars offered with a 30-day return policy.