5 min read

Geely EX5 EM-i MAX Review: The PHEV Sweet Spot

August 4, 2026

Words & Photos by Paul Espino

The “just in case” mindset of many Filipino buyers has made plug-in hybrids the logical middle ground, turning them into one of the most competitive and fastest-growing segments in the local automotive industry.

The arrival of the Geely EX5 EM-i Max has made the PHEV SUV segment even more interesting. Buyers who were previously deciding between the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i and Omoda Jaecoo J7 SHS now have another serious option to consider.

Priced at ₱1,468,000, it enters one of the market’s most hotly contested segments. After spending time behind the wheel, we’d say it more than deserves to be part of the conversation.

Old Money Looks

Unlike a lot of its competitors, where you see aggressive cuts and bold angles, the Geely EX5 EM-i takes a more subtle approach. It’s rounded and curvy, elegant without being shouty. My daughter calls it “Old Money”

Ground clearance is a respectable 172 mm, riding on 245/45 R19 tires. You get the usual powered tailgate, but there’s no kick sensor or fancy hidden door handles here—just features that already work. I do like that Geely gave the EX5 EM-i a revised front end for the PHEV model. The DRLs look slick, and while the rear end appears a little plain during the day, it really comes alive at night.

Some even say it looks a bit like a Porsche Macan. Either way, it’s a handsome SUV that should age well.

As expected: Practical, Luxurious & Spacious

Inside the EX5 EM-i It feels roomier than the exterior suggests, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers

Our test unit came finished in a rich brown / black interior that immediately gives the cabin a more premium atmosphere. Material quality is impressive throughout, with soft-touch surfaces where it matters and solid fit and finish that has become a hallmark of modern Chinese vehicles.

The driver’s seat features an Easy Entry function that automatically slides back when getting in or out. Interior tech inside follows the now-familiar minimalist approach, with a large central touchscreen, compact digital instrument cluster, and Flyme audio system taking center stage.

Thankfully, Geely hasn’t completely abandoned physical controls. The climate control buttons on the center console feel like an afterthought, but they’re still far easier to use than digging through touchscreen menus. The Max variant also gets a 50W wireless charger, your required USB ports with A/C performance is just on the “ok” side.

Practicality is another strong point. With 528L rear sets up cargo space and over 1300L when folded down. The adjustable cargo floor creates a flat loading area when needed, The absence of a spare tire feels like a missed opportunity, —which probably would have been enough to silence those who insist every SUV should come with one.

Efficiency Without the Anxiety

Geely claims up to 105 kilometers of pure electric driving range, enough to cover the daily commute for many owners without using a drop of fuel.

During Geely Philippines’ own long-distance drive, the EX5 EM-i Max completed a four-day route covering Manila, Ilocos Norte, Tuguegarao, Baguio, and back to Manila, recording a total distance of 1,265 kilometers under mixed driving conditions. A separate run with the EX5 EM-i Pro later extended that figure to 1,324 kilometers, highlighting the efficiency potential of Geely’s new EM-i hybrid system.

However… Not Without Its Quirks

As impressive as the EX5 EM-i’s efficiency is, there are still a couple of areas where Geely could further refine the driving experience.

The EX5 EM-i Max’s energy regeneration feels noticeably more conservative than what we’ve experienced in competitors such as the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i.

We found ourselves running out of EV range more often than expected, even after spending plenty of time on the road. Compared to some rivals, the EX5 EM-i simply doesn’t seem as eager to put energy back into the battery, which means you’ll likely find yourself plugging in more often if you want to maximize electric driving.

The other annoyance comes from the overly sensitive driver alerts, like speed limit beeps that come out of nowhere. You can turn it off or adjust these settings (at least most of it).

Built for The Long Drives

While the EX5 EM-i Max can get from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 8.0 seconds, outright performance isn’t really what the EM-i is about.

Under the hood is Geely’s new 1.5-liter naturally aspirated EM-i hybrid powertrain, paired with a 160 kW electric motor producing a combined 218 PS and 262 Nm of torque. while the suspension leans toward comfort perhaps wallowy for some but most passengers will appreciate its relaxing ride, their’s a tiny bit of tyre noise that we’d like but again most people will love sitting inside the EX5 EM-i .

One feature that genuinely stood out during our time with the EX5 EM-i Max was its head-up display. Not the first time we’ve seen one but finally a system where it displays not just speed, or traffic around you but also directions coming from Android Auto. Eureka!

Its ADAS suite is another highlight. During our time on NLEX, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic braking all behaved naturally & confidently , without the sudden corrections. Combined with the excellent head-up display, the EX5 EM-i Max feels right at home on long-distance drives.

Verdict

The Geely EX5 EM-i Max is arguably Geely Philippines’ strongest product to date. It combines attractive styling, a spacious and well-finished interior, excellent highway manners, impressive driver assistance technology, and one of the best head-up displays currently available at this price point.

While its conservative energy regeneration strategy and occasionally overactive safety alerts keep it from claiming the crown, it’s also one of the more attractively priced options in the segment(Less than around 100k vs the BYD SL6) . We’d gladly live with those quirks if it meant driving home in a genuinely capable SUV—and still having some money left in the bank.