Although relatively new to the local automotive world, (launching the EX5, Starray EM-i and Riddara RD6 last year), Geely has one extra ace in the hole it’s about to reveal. It’s called the Geely EX2 and not only is it a citi-tastic EV Hatch, but it also comes with a ‘World’s Best Selling Small EV’ moniker. No pressure then.
So what is the Geely EX2?
I’m currently sitting in Sydney, having just spent the day putting the new Geely EX2 through its paces, and it’s a stark reminder of why this brand has been making such waves.
You see, although VERY large in China, Geely’s rise downunder has been a bit of a whirlwind. Since their launch Geely Aus has seen a consistent upward trend in volume, hitting their 10,000th delivery recently and eyeing 20,000 before the month is out. They’ve expanded from 22 showrooms at launch to 80 active sites today, with plans to push past 100 by year-end. While in NZ, the range is available in 8 showrooms across the country (and expanding) and making extensive gains in the EV and PHEV markets they currently reside. But the Geely EX2 is a different beast entirely. We’re talking about a B-segment hatchback, a category that many manufacturers have been abandoning in favour of larger, higher-margin SUVs.
So why bother with a light hatch in 2026? Because Geely has spotted a gap. While traditional buyers of internal combustion engine (ICE) hatches are still shopping, there’s a massive influx of cross-shopping from people who previously wouldn’t have looked at a car this size. Corolla, i30, and Mazda 3 buyers are suddenly eyeing up smaller electric vehicles, and light SUV owners are looking for something more nimble.
The EX2 is Geely’s answer to the compromises usually associated with this segment. Traditionally, buying a small hatch meant sacrificing style, space, safety, dynamics, comfort, or technology to hit a price point. The Geely EX2, however, seems determined to solve all of them at once.
Set Faces to Stun
Let’s talk aesthetics. Ashur Varde, Geely’s product manager, joked that the designers set their “faces (fazers) to stun” with this one, and he’s not wrong. The EX2 is undeniably cute, but it’s a sophisticated kind of cute. It features “feather-like” headlights and a friendly, smiling front fascia that greets you every time you approach.
Proportionally, it hits that “golden ratio” (0.618) between the middle and the glasshouse, and the S-curves along the body play with light and shadow in a way that makes it look wider and more planted than its dimensions suggest.
Inside, the concept is a “mobile living room.” It’s an inviting, comfortable space that feels far more premium than the price tag suggests. Built on the GEA architecture (the same platform that underpins the larger EX5 and Starray) it benefits from a long wheelbase that maximizes interior space.
You get six exterior colours inspired by the cosmos, and two interior themes, the traditional Horizon Grey or the more Scandinavian-inspired Skylight White.
The Practicality Puzzle
Here is where the Geely EX2 genuinely shocked me. I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to random gear in my car, and the storage solutions here are nothing short of brilliant. There are over 30 storage points, including a drawer-style glove box and a 28-litre under-seat storage bin, perfect for tucking away valuables or, as Ash suggested, an Xbox controller.
But the real party trick is the “frunk.” Because the Geely EX2 is rear-wheel drive, the engineers have carved out a massive 70-litre front trunk. When you combine that with the boot, you’re looking at roughly 445 litres of total cargo space. To put that in perspective, that’s encroaching on small SUV territory. It’s a massive feat for a car with such a tiny turning circle.
Power and Range
The Geely EX2 comes with two distinctive powertrains, the base model Complete comes with a 60kW/150Nm rear-mounted electric motor attached to 35.3kWh battery and offers 252km of range (WLTP). While the Inspire has an 85kW/150Nm rear motor and a 47.1kWh battery providing 345km of range. We only drive the latter.
Driving Impressions – Nimble and Mature
Out on the roads around Sydney (city, urban and greater), the Geely EX2 feels surprisingly mature. It’s a rear-wheel-drive setup with multi-link rear suspension, a combination that usually promises a bit of fun, and the Geely EX2 delivers. Apparently It was tuned by Geely Technology Europe, with 30,000 virtual iterations before a single tyre touched the tarmac, followed by real-world testing by a team of twelve experts with an average of 17 years of experience from brands like BMW, Audi, and Land Rover.
The result is a car that balances everyday comfort with genuine agility, particularly since it boasts a turning circle of 9.9m. In the inner-city traffic of Sydney, it’s a breeze to park and maneuver. But take it onto some twistier roads, and it holds its own. It’s not a sports car, but it’s very engaging.
Alas, the off the line acceleration is akin to a 1980’s family hatch, at around 11 seconds 0-100km/h. But on the upside it allows you plenty of time to admire the Geely EX2’s good looks in the shop windows. Another positive is that the power delivery is smooth, and the ride quality is composed, avoiding that jittery feeling you often get in lighter, shorter-wheelbase vehicles. Rest assured your latte will remain safe in your sipper cup.
The Two Flavours
Geely is launching the EX2 with a focus on two distinct trim levels, Complete and Inspire, though the core experience remains consistent. Both trims come with a full suite of ADAS technology as standard, no need to pay extra for safety. You get Active Lane Change Assist, Evasive Maneuver Assist (a bit of Volvo DNA there), and Intelligent High Beam Assist that provides over 170 metres of illumination .
The entry-level Complete model is already well-specced, but the “Inspire” trim is where most buyers are expected to land, Geely anticipates 70 to 80 percent of sales will go this way. The Inspire adds creature comforts like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a power tailgate (with height adjustment for those of us who aren’t vertically gifted), and a surround-view monitor that makes parking in tight spots stress-free.
Tech, Price and Ownership
The tech interface is powered by Geely’s Flyme Auto, and it’s fully customisable. The 8.8-inch digital display gives you all the vitals, and the main screen is intuitive. One quirk: there’s no physical shortcut button for drive settings on the steering wheel. Instead, you use a swipe-down menu to access your “Drive Setup.” It’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you’ve set your preferences (like muting the speed limit alerts) it’s easy to manage.
The battery tech is also worth noting. It features 18 temperature sensors and liquid cooling, which is crucial for our climate. It’s designed to handle the heat without compromising efficiency. Charging is straightforward: the larger battery takes just over six hours on an AC charger (6.6 kW) or about 47 minutes on a DC fast charger.
So how much is it? Well I’m glad you asked. Geely EX2 Confirmed NZ pricing: Geely EX2 Complete – $32,990 + ORC and Geely EX2 Inspire – $37,990 +ORC
Ownership is backed by a solid promise: an unlimited kilometre warranty (seven years for the vehicle, eight for the battery), seven years of roadside assistance, and two years of connected car services.
Tarmac Takeaway
The Geely EX2 will certainly be a disruptor, but in a seemingly unloved (or maybe overlooked) segment right now. By refusing to compromise on the things that usually make small cars feel “cheap,” Geely has created a compelling package. It’s safe, it’s incredibly practical, and it’s genuinely fun to drive (when on the move).
As for the future, Geely has a massive roadmap ahead, with six new products, ranging from small sedans to large, rugged SUVs, planned for the next twelve months. If the Geely EX2 is any indication of the quality and thought process behind these upcoming models, the rest of the industry should be paying very close attention.
The Geely EX2 isn’t just a car for the city; it’s a car that proves you don’t need to sacrifice the “big car” experience just because you’re driving a small car. It’s smart, it’s stylish, and it’s ready to make a serious dent in the market. If you’re in the market for a B-segment hatch, do yourself a favour and take one for a spin. You might be surprised by just how much car you can get for your money.
Thanks for the great images Digital Fuel Productions
