Electric cars are no longer exotic in Belarus: the production of the Geely EX5, the first mass-produced electric car of local assembly, has started at the BelGee plant. Although this is not a complete localization, but rather a large-node assembly, the event is still significant: the first cars have already reached dealers and are even available for test drives.
The Geely EX5 is available in two versions — Pro and Max. The difference between them is 6,000 BYN (about 163 thousand rubles), but in terms of equipment, these are two quite different cars. Max offers maximum "stuffing" — a projection display, seat ventilation, a panoramic roof and a whole set of electronic assistants. However, as the test drive showed, many of these assistants do not work perfectly. The lane keeping system and sign recognition often make mistakes, and the adaptive cruise control reacts too sharply. Therefore, many experts advise choosing a simpler and more reliable Pro configuration, where everything you need is already there — all-round cameras, a "warm package", regular cruise control and a Russified interface.
Externally, the Geely EX5 does not strike with imagination, but looks neat and modern. Soft lines, recessed door handles, solid rear optics and 18-inch wheels create a harmonious image. At the same time, the drag coefficient is only 0.269 — an excellent indicator for a 4.6-meter crossover.
The interior is assembled neatly, without chrome and "piano" lacquer. Eco-leather and pleasant plastic look more expensive than you might expect in this segment. In the center of the panel there are two screens: a 10.2-inch instrument panel and a 15.4-inch multimedia system based on Flyme OS. The interface is fully Russified, including the voice assistant, albeit not the most understanding. Wireless charging is supported, there is heating for all seats and the steering wheel, many USB ports and sockets.
On the road, the electric crossover is pleasantly surprising. The 218 hp engine and 320 N⋅m pulls confidently, and acceleration to 100 km/h fits in about 7 seconds. Smooth running and comfort are the strengths of the EX5. The suspension (McPherson at the front and multi-link at the rear) gently smooths out road imperfections, although some roll is felt on steep turns. The electric power steering is adjustable in three modes — "Comfort", "Standard" and "Sport", and energy recuperation is adjusted depending on the driving style.
The climate control system needs improvement — it is noisy and does not always evenly distribute the air flow, but the heating system compensates for this disadvantage in the cold season. The electronics are generally well thought out: when the driver approaches, the door handles automatically extend, and the windows can be closed remotely with the key.
The main advantage of the EX5 is energy efficiency. In a mixed cycle, the electric car consumes 16–17 kWh per 100 km, which allows you to travel up to 310 km on a single charge. The 60.22 kWh battery supports fast charging via the CCS Combo 2 connector: with a power of 90 kW, the car "adds" more than 110 km of mileage in 15 minutes. From a household charger, the EX5 accepts up to 11 kW, and the heat pump ensures stable battery operation in winter.
Everything is also in order with practicality. The trunk volume of 461 liters (up to 1877 liters with the seats folded down) and longitudinal roof rails allow you to use the crossover as a full-fledged family car. The interior is spacious, the fit is comfortable both in the front and in the back. Under the false floor of the trunk there is a large niche, but there is no spare wheel.
The guarantees are impressive: 6 years or 150,000 km for the car, 8 years or 150,000 km for the battery and 3 years for the paintwork. At the same time, the price looks competitive: the basic Pro version costs 73,900 BYN (approximately 2 million rubles).
Taking into account all the factors, the Geely EX5 can be considered a successful start for the Belarusian electric car industry. It does not pretend to be a premium flagship, but combines reasonable cost, modern design, decent range and thoughtful comfort. At the same time, the novelty is able to push such competitors as BYD Song Plus on the market, especially in conditions when "gray" imports are becoming more expensive. For Belarus, the Geely EX5 is not just an electric car, but a symbol of the transition to a new era of its own "green" automotive industry.
