The Geely Galaxy E5, a compact electric SUV with a range of up to 530 kilometers, has officially entered the Chinese car market with a starting price of approximately $117,000. This vehicle, aimed at both domestic and international markets, is set to challenge the dominance of established players like BYD in the competitive compact SUV segment.
The E5 is positioned directly against BYD’s popular models, such as the Song Plus, Song Pro, and Yuan Plus, which are among the top sellers in the segment. Measuring 4.615 meters in length and priced between $17,000 and $22,000, the E5 is poised to compete particularly with the BYD Yuan Plus, which also offers a pure electric option.
From a design perspective, the Galaxy E5 presents a conservative and mature style, both inside and out, aligning with Geely’s strategy to appeal to global markets. The interior, while more understated than that of the BYD Yuan Plus, offers a more premium feel with simplified materials and a more cohesive design. Notably, the E5 comes equipped with a 15.4-inch center screen as standard across all variants, running on the Flyme Auto operating system from Meizu, a company partially owned by Geely.
Technologically, the E5 distinguishes itself with features like the ability to mirror the screen of a Meizu smartphone onto the car’s display, offering seamless integration of mobile apps. Additionally, the E5 includes an exterior speaker system capable of playing sounds and messages outside the vehicle, adding a unique touch to its feature set.
Under the hood, the Galaxy E5 is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 160 kW and 320 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 6.75 seconds. This performance is slightly better than the BYD Yuan Plus, which has a similar battery capacity but slightly lower power output.
The E5’s suspension system, featuring a double wishbone setup in the rear, provides a more premium driving experience compared to the multi-link rear suspension of the Yuan Plus. However, the E5’s steering feel, particularly off-center, leaves room for improvement, with a somewhat artificial response reminiscent of a video game.
The E5 also offers a range of advanced features, including a level two driver assistance package, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, and an available heads-up display. Rear-seat passengers benefit from ample legroom, heated and cooled seats, and an innovative storage area under the seats.
Battery options for the E5 include two LFP chemistry packs: a 49.5 kWh unit with a range of 440 km and a 60 kWh unit with a range of 530 km, both on the CLTC cycle. Geely credits its new blade-style battery pack, which boasts better energy density and heat dissipation compared to current BYD blade battery packs, for these impressive range figures.
In summary, while the BYD Yuan Plus remains a formidable competitor, the Geely Galaxy E5 offers a fresh alternative with its blend of conservative styling, advanced technology, and solid performance. As the Chinese EV market continues to grow, the Galaxy E5’s entry into the fray adds yet another exciting option for consumers.