Geely’s upcoming EX5 has broken cover with its official launch in China, sporting a few revisions to its looks but far more significant changes under its panelwork as it looks to cement its place as one of Australia’s most popular medium SUVs. 

The headline change is the switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, complete with a huge jump in power. When it goes on sale, the updated EX5 will have ditched the 160kW/320Nm e-motor that currently drives the fronts in favour of a 245kW unit powering the rear rubber.

Front view of a white Geely Galaxy E5 SUV on a brick plaza, with two people seated in the background.
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An upgrade to an 800-volt electrical system is also on the way, according to launch details revealed by CarNews China. While the current EX5 has a 68.4kWh battery, the newer version will get a choice of a 61.5kWh or 70kWh pack, delivering a claimed 451km and 521km of range respectively – an improvement over the 430-475km of the model that’s on sale now.

The switch to rear-wheel drive – which matches competitors like the BYD Atto 3 – has opened up a luggage compartment under the bonnet, claimed to be 160 litres, with an electrically powered hood. The new EX5 is slightly bigger than the current version at 4636mm long, 1920mm wide and 1670mm high.

Changes to the exterior don’t exactly jump out at first glance, but they are meaningful. The front bumper is new, with accents in matte chrome, and the pop-out door handles of the outgoing EX5 have been replaced with conventional items due to Chinese design rules.

Luxurious tan leather car interior with a wide central touchscreen and city skyline outside the windshield.
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The front wheel arches get black trim, the wheels have grown to 19 inches from the previous 18, additional sensors have been placed in the front fenders and there’s a LiDAR unit mounted on the roof. The only noticeable interior changes are the flat-bottom steering wheel and brown option for the upholstery.

Contacted for comment about Aussie pricing and availability, Geely told WhichCar by Wheels, “We have no updates to share regarding the Geely EX5 at this time. Any new developments or changes will be communicated in due course.”