LONG-TERM EV TEST! GEELY EX5 2026 REVIEW AUSTRALIA: WHY THIS CUT-PRICE TESLA MODEL Y IS WORTH A LOOK

EV Channels Review

The Geely EX5 Inspire is presented as a compelling, cut-price alternative to Tesla's Model Y, offering significant value for its price point, comparable to mid-spec combustion SUVs. The reviewer highlights its impressive feature list, including synthetic leather, memory/heated/ventilated/massage front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium-sounding audio system, all usually found in more expensive vehicles. Practicality is another strong suit, with a well-proportioned size for urban maneuverability, good visibility, and a spacious interior featuring clever storage solutions and comfortable seating. The driving experience is praised for its quiet, plush, and comfortable ride, especially on rough roads, and light steering. However, the EX5 is not without its drawbacks. The infotainment software is criticized for its confusing menus, tiny icons, and unintuitive interface, requiring excessive clicks for basic functions. Real-world range falls short of the sticker claim, achieving around 365 km instead of the advertised 410 km, and charging speed is capped at 100 kW, which may be limiting for frequent long-distance travelers. The most significant criticisms are leveled at the active safety systems (ADAS), which are described as "deal-breakingly annoying" due to constant, intrusive alerts from lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver attention monitoring, often requiring deep menu dives to disable. The reviewer concludes that while the EX5 is a comfortable, well-specced, and affordable EV for urban use with home charging, its range limitations and particularly the unrefined ADAS make it less suitable as an intercity tourer or sole vehicle. The potential for software updates to fix many of these issues is noted, but the reviewer questions why these weren't resolved before launch.