Geely Auto has expanded its presence in the UAE with the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid offering, the Geely EX5 EM-i, marking the local rollout of its New Energy Vehicle programme. The launch, handled by AGMC, signals a broader push toward electrified mobility that combines battery-powered driving with conventional petrol capability, a configuration increasingly suited to regional driving patterns.
Positioned in the compact SUV segment, the EX5 EM-i follows the earlier introduction of the fully electric EX5 but takes a more transitional approach. Its plug-in hybrid setup allows drivers to operate on electric power for shorter daily journeys while retaining extended range for longer trips. Geely claims a total driving range of up to 1,065 kilometres, with approximately 170 kilometres possible on electric power alone. The system pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 29.8 kWh battery, delivering combined outputs of up to 317 horsepower and 387 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is quoted as low as 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres under mixed conditions, figures that place the model competitively among similarly sized PHEVs.
The EX5 EM-i is built on Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture, a modular platform designed to support both electric and hybrid powertrains. While the company highlights a claimed engine thermal efficiency of 46.5 percent, real-world performance will ultimately depend on driving habits and charging frequency, particularly in the UAE’s high-temperature environment.
Design and packaging focus on practicality rather than excess. The exterior follows a restrained, modern SUV profile with full-width lighting elements, while the interior prioritises space and usability. With rear seats folded, total storage capacity reaches 2,056 litres, including underfloor compartments. Higher specifications add features such as a panoramic sunroof, a 15.4-inch infotainment display, ambient interior lighting, and a multi-speaker audio system. Connectivity functions include voice control and remote vehicle management via a mobile app, features now expected rather than exceptional in this category.
Safety credentials form a central part of the positioning. The EX5 EM-i has received five-star ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, supported by a structural design intended to protect critical components such as the battery and fuel system. A combination of airbags, driver assistance systems, cameras, and radar-based monitoring supports everyday driving and highway use.
Beyond the vehicle itself, AGMC is investing in dedicated NEV sales and service facilities across all seven emirates, with technicians trained specifically for electric and plug-in hybrid systems. This infrastructure will be critical as Geely plans to introduce additional electrified models to the local market.
Priced from AED 89,900, the Geely EX5 EM-i enters the UAE market as one of the more accessible plug-in hybrid SUVs available. Its success is likely to depend less on design awards or global sales milestones and more on how effectively it balances running costs, real-world range, and aftersales support for local drivers navigating the shift toward electrification.
