The Geely EX5 EM-i is here to fight the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, price starts at Php 1.288M
To say that the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is popular is an understatement. Not only did it top the Chinese automaker’s sales last year, it was also the strongest seller in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) crossover segment.
Geely Motor Philippines knows this and is taking up the challenge of competing with it. How? With the new EX5 EM-i which has just launched in the country.
Essentially a PHEV version of the fully electric Geely EX5, the EX5 EM-i is available in two variants: the Pro, priced at Php 1,288,000, and the Max, priced at Php 1,468,000. Competition-wise, it’s aimed at the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, the Ford Territory Hybrid, and the Jetour Dashing i-DM.
Of course, being a PHEV, the biggest difference here compared to the EX5 EV is the powertrain.
The Geely EX5 EM-i is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine that makes 99 horsepower and 125Nm of torque, paired to an electric motor that makes 217 horsepower and 262Nm.
An 18.4kWh LFP battery allows for an all-electric driving range of 105km, and a combined range of 1,000km, based on the NEDC Cycle, and it can be replenished through Type 2 AC charging or CCS2 DC fast charging. Geely also claims a fuel economy figure of 41.6km/l.
Geely has also done some work to aesthetically differentiate the EX5 EM-i from its EV counterpart with a redesigned front fascia, featuring split headlights and a more sculpted bumper design. The side and rear maintain the same overall look, but with new wheel designs and a slightly different taillight signature.
Enter the cabin and the EX5 EM-i is almost the same as the EX5 EV, keeping the minimalist overall design, high center console, large central infotainment screen, and two-spoke steering wheel.
As for standard equipment on the Geely EX5 EM-i, the Pro variant gets full LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone climate control.
The Max adds a couple more niceties such as larger 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors, power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, heads-up display (HUD), a 16-speaker Flyme Sound audio system, ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats.
Both come with a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), consisting of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, intelligent cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation support, and traffic sign recognition. The Max gets a handful more such as automatic high beams, rear cross traffic alert, rear cross traffic braking, door opening warning, lane change assistant, and blind spot detection.
Available exterior color options for both Pro and Max are Glacier Blue, Jungle Green, Alpine White, Cloudveil Silver, Volcanic Grey, and Polar Black. The interior can also be had in combinations of Black with Sapphire Blue, or with Amber Brown on the Max.
You already know the price, but what else comes with that? Customers will be able to take advantage of a six-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, whichever comes first, or a “lifetime” battery warranty, but only up to eight years. Also included in every purchase is a portable charging cable and wall charger.
With the Geely EX5 EM-i now in our market, do you think it will have what it takes to bring back the Geely brand’s former shine?
Photos by Julian Panlilio and Sam Surla
