A significant update for the Geely EX5 electric mid-size SUV has been revealed through the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology with updated styling, more power and even a switch to a rear-wheel drive drivetrain that replaces the current model’s front-wheel drive layout. It’s yet to be confirmed for markets outside of China, though given the popularity of the current EX5 in Australia, we’re expecting it to launch locally eventually.

Outside, the updated EX5 sports new front end styling with a new bumper design for a bolder and more characterful look. The side air intakes have been made larger than the current model, and a satin chrome finish has been added as well.

There are new alloy wheel designs in both 18- and 19-inch sizing, while the EX5 has also gained regular door handles to comply with new Chinese regulations banning the pop-out handles that feature on the current EX5. At the rear, the EX5 is largely unchanged, aside from the Geely name now spelt underneath the tailights.

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We can also spot a LiDAR sensor on the roof, which suggests that the EX5 will gain a Level 3 autonomous driving system in its home market, but that likely won’t spread to the Australian market.

Under the skin, the EX5 has gained a new 245kW motor, which is a lot more powerful than the current 160kW unit, and it’s now located on the rear axle and not the front. Geely is yet to confirm if the bump in power will improve acceleration, but the top speed has reportedly risen from 175km/h to 200km/h.

The Chinese documents did not confirm battery sizes, but the current EX5 uses 68kWh battery in Australia with a claimed WLTP range of between 450km and 475km. Smaller 50kWh and 60kWh batteries are offered in overseas market EX5s as well.

Geely Australia is yet to comment on the updated EX5 and if it will be sold locally, but we’d be surprised if we didn’t see it before the end of 2026.