The automotive landscape is in a constant state of flux, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the sheer volume of new brands arriving on our shores. The latest, and arguably one of the most significant, is Geely. You might not know the name, but you definitely know its work. As the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, Geely has a formidable reputation for quality, safety, and performance engineering.
Now, the mothership has landed in New Zealand, and to get acquainted with the brand and its inaugural product range, we were invited on a magical round trip from Auckland to Taupō and back, with a muddy detour along the way.
Our chariot for the first (and return) leg of the journey, the 270km drive south, was the Geely EX5, a full-electric, medium-sized SUV poised to make a significant dent in the market. Following close behind was its hybrid sibling, the Starray EM-i, with the promise of a rugged off-road session in the Riddara RD6 Ute waiting for us in Cambridge. It was a comprehensive introduction to a brand that is certainly out to prove its worth.
Geely EX5
Sliding into the driver’s seat of the EX5, the first impression is one of surprising quality and comfort. Geely calls them “Marshmallow seats,” and the name is apt. They are supremely comfortable, soft yet supportive, and figure-hugging in a way that promises to reduce fatigue on long journeys.
The cabin is defined by a distinct “cocooned” feeling for both driver and passenger, separated by a high, prominent centre console. The touch points and trim feel excellent, far exceeding the expectations its price point might suggest.
The tech interface is dominated by two large screens: a digital instrument cluster and a vast 15.4-inch central HD multimedia display. Navigation is intuitive, and visibility is excellent thanks to generous glass areas. The higher ‘Inspire’ grade we were driving adds a panoramic sunroof and a useful Head-Up Display.
A standout feature is the Flyme sound system, a 1000W, 12-speaker setup (upgraded to 16 in the Inspire) that includes speakers in the driver’s headrest. This is particularly cool for phone calls, piping the audio directly to your ear without disturbing passengers.
With a stated WLTP range of up to 430km, we set off from Auckland with a full battery showing 405km of available range. The EX5’s 160kW motor provides brisk and smooth acceleration, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds that makes merging and overtaking effortless.
On the open road, the suspension leans towards the firmer side, providing a positive and connected feel without being harsh. It corners well, feeling planted and secure, and the steering is nicely weighted (not too light, not too heavy). However, the drive wasn’t without its… interruptions. Geely, in its pursuit of safety, has implemented an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) that is, to put it mildly, vocal. Exceed the speed limit by a single kilometre per hour, and a loud, insistent beep makes its presence known.
While one can’t argue with the ‘don’t speed’ mantra, the implementation feels overly sensitive for New Zealand’s undulating roads, where your speed can momentarily drift. The intelligent adaptive cruise control also proved a little frustrating, as it tends to scrub off too much speed when approaching corners, forcing a wrestle with the lane-keep assist. I quickly switched to the standard adaptive cruise control, which proved far more usable and less intrusive.
Despite these digital nannies, the EX5 is a genuinely impressive touring vehicle – More on the EX5 on the return leg
A Dirty Diversion – Riddara RD6 UTE
Geely had arranged a proper test for its all-electric Ute, the Riddara RD6. At a Christian camp (not sure why I had to add that) off-road course in Cambridge, we got to see if this EV had the muscle to match its rugged looks.
While the course wasn’t vast, it was technical, designed to test the vehicle’s core capabilities. The Riddara was subjected to deep water wading, chassis-twisting axle articulation tests, and impressively steep ascents and descents. It handled every single challenge with surprising ease.
The silent, instant torque of the electric motor is a revelation in an off-road environment, allowing for precise and controlled application of power exactly when you need it. Hill descents were managed with electronic precision, and the chassis felt rigid and composed even when a wheel was dangling in mid-air. It was a brief but convincing demonstration that the electric future of the Kiwi Ute is in very capable hands.
Looking forward to a more extended drive of this
The SUPER Hybrid Hero: Geely Starray EM-i
For the last leg of the trip to Taupo I swapped into the Geely Starray EM-i. Marketed as a “super hybrid,” this medium-sized SUV uses a clever system that combines a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, aiming to stay in pure EV or hybrid mode as much as possible.
The immediate impression is that the Starray shares much of the EX5’s premium DNA. The modern, clean interior features the same comfortable “marshmallow effect” seats and a similar high, floating centre console that divides the driver and passenger spaces. It also boasts a massive central dial for the audio, which with a double-push, cleverly switches function to control the cabin temperature.
The tech suite is comprehensive, with two large screens, a head-up display, and the “Hi Geely” voice assistant that is genuinely communicative and useful.
On the move, the Starray drives beautifully. It’s not sluggish, holds its speed effortlessly, and the powertrain transitions smoothly between electric and petrol power. The ride is slightly softer than the EX5, but it still corners nicely without excessive body roll. A particularly nice feature is the “comfort stop,” which smooths out the final moments of deceleration to prevent that unpleasant forward jolt when you come to a halt. However, some of the family quirks remain.
The over-eager speed limit warning beeps just as frequently as in its EV sibling. And there are some design choices that take getting used to, such as the window controls which are inverted (you push up to open and down to close). The gear selector is located on an indicator stalk, while the opposing stalk handles everything from indicators and lights to the windscreen wipers. It’s a clean setup, but a departure from convention. Despite these minor oddities, the first impressions are very positive.
The return Trip
With the wind howling, rain pouring and traffic building, I headed north back to Auckland in the fully-charged EX5. Not ideal conditions for an EV but a great way to test its real-worldness.
The truth is I arrived back in Auckland after a 270ishkm drive with just 3% battery (13km) remaining, it was a little nervy I have to admit, but it made it.
For a daily driver, the range is more than sufficient, and with 100kW DC fast charging capable of taking the battery from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes, long-distance anxiety is easily managed.The only major downside is the lack of Android Auto at launch, though we’re told it’s coming in the first quarter of next year. Overall, aside from the beeping, the EX5 is a really nice all-rounder that gets top marks.
Oh and as a comparison, the Starray EM-i Superhybrid, completed the entire roundtrip without being topped up with charge AND even spent another day with me chalking up another 200km – averaging 6.3L/100km even without any battery left!
Geely has arrived in New Zealand with a confident, well-equipped, and competitively priced lineup. The EX5 (from $49,990) and Starray EM-i offer two compelling flavours of Super-Hybrids, while the Riddara RD6 proves that EV power is more than ready for the rough stuff.
All three models are packed with technology and offer a level of interior comfort and quality that punches well above their weight. Yes, the ADAS systems could use some fine-tuning for local conditions, but these are software issues that can potentially be updated over the air.
The fundamentals (the chassis, the powertrain, the build quality) are exceptionally strong. Backed by a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and an attractive launch offer, Geely has thrown down the gauntlet. OMGeely, indeed.
