Chinese firm Geely’s return to South Africa kicks off with the fully electric Geely E5 and the plug-in hybrid Geely E5 EM-i crossovers. Here’s what they’ll cost you…
- Geely marks return to SA with E5 and E5 EM-i launch
- E5 EM-i debuts as local market’s most affordable PHEV
- Fully electric E5 crossover offers up to 430 km of range
Back in April 2024 , Cars.co.za reported that Geely appeared to be plotting a comeback to South Africa, news we confirmed in March 2025 . Now we have pricing details of the models with which the Zhejiang-based company will officially mark its relaunch.
Yes, after quietly exiting Mzansi approximately a decade ago, the Geely Auto brand is back, with the Chinese group’s Zeekr, Farizon and Riddara sub-brands also planned. The first vehicles on the menu, though, are the Geely E5 electric vehicle (EV) and Geely E5 EM-i plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Let’s start with the latter. Launching as South Africa’s most affordable PHEV, the E5 EM-i Aspire is priced from R599 999 , seeing it undercut the likes of the Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plus (R619 900) and the BYD Sealion 6 Comfort (R639 900). The Chinese firm also offers the higher-specced E5 EM-i Apex for R679 999 .
Both derivatives pair a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (73 kW and 125 Nm) with an electric motor (160 kW and 320 Nm), with the total system power coming in at 193 kW. The 0-100 kph dash takes a claimed 8.0 seconds for the Aspire and 8.1 seconds for the slightly heavier Apex.
In each case, an 18.4 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack offers a listed all-electric range of up to 83 km, pushing the total claimed WLTP range to 943 km. The Geely E5 EM-i measures 4 740 mm long (making it a little longer than a Haval H6 , for instance), with a wheelbase of 2 755 mm. The Chinese firm lists a luggage-capacity figure of 528 litres.
While the E5 EM-i Aspire includes a 15.4-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlamps and adaptive cruise control, the Apex grade gains a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, a powered tailgate, 256-colour ambient lighting, a head-up display, a 16-speaker “premium” sound system (with head-rest speakers), powered front seats, wireless smartphone charging and additional advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features.
Meanwhile, the fully electric Geely E5 Aspire starts at R699 999 , with the E5 Apex priced from R759 999 . Both are powered by a front-mounted electric motor that produces 160 kW and 320 Nm. A 60.22 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack offers a claimed WLTP range of 430 km for the Aspire variant and 410 km for the Apex derivative.
The 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 6.9 seconds in the former and 7.1 seconds in the latter. At 4 615 mm long, the E5 is interestingly slightly more compact than its E5 EM-i sibling, with its wheelbase some 5 mm shorter (at 2 750 mm), too. The listed luggage capacity for this electric crossover comes in at 461 litres.
The E5 Aspire ships standard with features like a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, front-seat ventilation, a 15.4-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster and 18-inch alloys. The E5 Apex, meanwhile, adds a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, 256-colour ambient lighting, a front-seat massage (and memory) function, a head-up display, front parking sensors, 19-inch rims and the aforementioned 16-speaker audio system.
What does the Geely E5 cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Geely E5 EM-i Aspire | R599 999 |
| Geely E5 EM-i Apex | R679 999 |
| Geely E5 Aspire | R699 999 |
| Geely E5 Apex | R759 999 |
The prices above include a 6-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/200 000 km battery pack warranty. The E5 EM-I PHEV derivatives come with a 5-year/75 000 km service plan, while the E5 EV variants feature a 6-year/120 000 km service plan.
In addition, Geely Auto SA says a “wallbox charger is complimentary” with every E5 and E5 EM-i purchase, along with R10 000 in free public charging for the former and R5 000 in free public charging for the latter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the South African starting prices for the Geely E5 EM-i (PHEV) and the fully electric Geely E5?
A: The E5 EM-i plug-in hybrid starts at R599 999 (Aspire) and the fully electric E5 starts at R699 999 (Aspire).
Q: What is the claimed electric driving range for the fully electric E5 and the PHEV E5 EM-i?
A: The fully electric E5 (Aspire) has a claimed WLTP range of 430 km. The E5 EM-i plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of up to 83 km and a total claimed WLTP range of 943 km.
Q: What warranty and service plans are included with the new Geely E5 models?
A: All models include a 6-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/200 000 km battery pack warranty. The E5 EM-I PHEVs come with a 5-year/75 000 km service plan, while the E5 EVs feature a 6-year/120 000 km service plan.
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