Lead Hook
When Geely rolled out a facelift for its compact electric SUV, the changes were more than cosmetic. According to AutoExpress, the EX5 will swap from front‑wheel to rear‑wheel drive, install a 328‑hp motor, and mount a roof‑level LiDAR for Level‑3 autonomy. The move also shifts the charging port to the rear, removes flush‑fitted door handles (a Chinese ban slated for 2027), and keeps the 60.22‑kWh LiFePO4 battery that delivers a 267‑mile range. The price in the UK remains £31,990‑£36,990.
The Deep Dive
Rear‑wheel drive (RWD) is a rare choice for a compact EV that has traditionally been front‑wheel drive (FWD). The switch signals Geely’s intent to improve handling dynamics and potentially reduce packaging constraints. RWD can also allow for a more balanced weight distribution, which is advantageous for both performance and safety. However, it requires a new rear suspension architecture and may increase manufacturing complexity.
The new 328‑hp motor, as reported by AutoExpress and corroborated by WhichCar’s June 2026 review, is a significant power bump over the previous 260‑hp unit. The top speed rises to 124 mph, a figure that aligns with the motor’s torque curve and the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile. While the 0‑62 mph acceleration improvement is mentioned in the article, no official data confirms the figure, and industry observers note that the change may be modest.
Battery chemistry remains LiFePO4, a choice that prioritises safety and cost over energy density. The 60.22‑kWh pack delivers a 267‑mile range under the WLTP cycle, matching the UK spec sheet. Geely’s press release and MITT patent filings confirm the battery chemistry and capacity, but a potential 70‑kWh variant is only hinted at in patent documents and has not yet been announced as a production option.
The roof‑mounted LiDAR, a first for the EX5, is aimed at Level‑3 autonomy. According to AutoExpress, the sensor will provide the vehicle with the perception needed for hands‑free driving in certain conditions. Adding LiDAR increases cost and weight, but it positions Geely against rivals like Tesla and NIO that are also pushing Level‑3 capabilities.
Relocating the charging port to the rear side is a practical design decision that frees up front space for the battery and improves aerodynamics. The move also aligns with the new RWD layout, which requires a different front‑end architecture.
The removal of flush‑fitted door handles is a compliance measure. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced a ban on flush handles in 2027 to improve safety. By pre‑emptively dropping them, Geely reduces future redesign costs and aligns with upcoming regulations.
Audit & Contradictions
According to the fact‑check audit, the AutoExpress article’s core claims match independent sources:
- Rear‑wheel drive layout – confirmed by WhichCar and the official press release.
- 328‑hp motor – verified by the same sources.
- 124‑mph top speed – consistent with the motor’s specifications.
- Rear‑side charging port – corroborated by the design changes noted in the press release.
- 60.22‑kWh LiFePO4 battery – confirmed by the UK spec sheet.
- Roof‑mounted LiDAR for Level‑3 autonomy – reported by AutoExpress and WhichCar.
- Removal of flush handles – aligned with China’s 2027 ban.
- UK price range of £31,990‑£36,990 – matches Geely UK website data.
- 267‑mile range – accurate per the UK spec sheet.
Unverified points remain:
- 0‑62 mph acceleration improvement – no official data.
- 70‑kWh battery variant – only mentioned in patent filings.
Overall, the article’s claims exhibit a low contradiction level, with no factual errors identified.
Future Outlook
Geely’s bold shift to RWD and the addition of Level‑3 LiDAR position the EX5 as a more performance‑oriented and autonomous‑ready competitor in the crowded compact EV segment. The move may influence other Chinese OEMs to reconsider drivetrain layouts, especially as they aim to differentiate in markets where handling and safety are premium concerns.
LiFePO4’s continued use underscores a broader industry trend toward safer, cheaper battery chemistries, even if it sacrifices some energy density. Should the 70‑kWh variant materialise, it could offer a higher‑range option without abandoning LiFePO4’s safety profile.
Regulatory compliance, such as the flush‑handle ban, will force manufacturers to anticipate future safety mandates, potentially accelerating design cycles. Meanwhile, the rear‑side charging port may become a new standard for vehicles that adopt RWD, improving front‑end packaging and aerodynamics.
For competitors, the EX5 facelift signals that incremental power gains, autonomy features, and regulatory foresight can coexist with cost‑effective battery chemistry. The next few years will likely see a wave of similar facelifts as OEMs balance performance, safety, and market differentiation.