The Geely EX2, China’s top-selling car of 2025, has launched in the UK. Last year, the electric hatchback sold 465,775 units in its home market, outperforming every other vehicle regardless of fuel type. Geely aims to achieve similar success in Britain.
The price gap that complicates everything
In China, the EX2 starts at ¥61,800—about £7,000. State subsidies and a local supply chain helped make it popular. In the UK, the entry-level Pro trim begins at £20,990, nearly triple the Chinese price. The mid-spec Max, which Geely expects most buyers to select, starts at £23,490. The top-tier Ultra reaches £25,490.
At these prices, the EX2 loses its cost advantage. It now competes against established small EVs like the Renault 4, MG4, and BYD Dolphin, which offer longer ranges and more distinctive styling.
What £21,000 actually buys
The base Pro trim includes a 35kWh battery and an 81bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. Acceleration is slow: 0-62mph takes 14.2 seconds. Range is limited to 155 miles officially, though real-world conditions will reduce that.
Most buyers will choose the Max or Ultra trims. The Max upgrades to a 47kWh battery and a 114bhp motor, cutting the 0-62mph time to 11.5 seconds and extending range to 214 miles. This is a distance buyers shopping for a small hatchback might find adequate enough. The Ultra adds heated seats, a 360-degree camera, and ambient lighting but retains the same powertrain.
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All versions support DC rapid charging. The infotainment system features a 14.6-inch central touchscreen.
A car built for space, not speed
The EX2’s strongest feature is its interior. Despite its 4.1-meter length, the cabin feels larger than expected, closer in size to the Renault 4 crossover than the smaller Renault 5. Adults over six feet tall will find enough headroom and legroom, even in the rear. The middle seat is wide enough for an adult, a rarity in this class.
Storage is generous. The EX2 includes 36 cubbies, while the boot offers 375 litres, nearly matching the VW Golf. Geely has maximized space, though the low boot floor makes loading heavy items awkward.
How it drives: comfortable, but not engaging
The ride is smooth, absorbing potholes better than many rivals. At 1,365kg for the Max and Ultra, the car is light for an EV, which helps it feel nimble in cities.
Performance disappoints. Even the Ultra struggles with initial acceleration, requiring careful planning when pulling out of junctions. The rear-wheel-drive layout makes the car feel hesitant off the line. On motorways, the EX2 keeps pace with traffic without excessive noise.
Steering is light and vague at low speeds, making parking easier but offering little feedback at higher speeds. The turning circle is tight, almost taxi-like, due to the absence of a front-mounted motor. However, the car never feels engaging to drive.
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The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are overly aggressive. Lane-keep assist frequently corrects perceived deviations on country roads, tugging the wheel. The driver-attention monitor chimes whenever the driver glances at the infotainment screen or side mirrors. Both can be disabled, and Geely has simplified the process via a software update.
Value for money: a tough sell
The EX2’s pricing puts it against cars offering more range and character. The Renault 4 E-Tech, for example, starts at £26,240 but qualifies for the UK’s £3,750 Electric Car Grant, reducing its effective price to £22,490—just £1,000 more than the EX2 Max. The French crossover also provides 220 miles of range, more distinctive styling, and a more appealing interior.
Geely offers 0% APR financing, making the Ultra available from £299 per month. That’s cheaper than the Nissan Micra but more expensive than the MG4 Urban, which starts at £289 per month and offers 258 miles of range.
Without a clear price advantage, the EX2’s appeal depends on its practicality. It is one of the roomiest and most comfortable small EVs available, but its limited range and plain styling make it a harder sell in a crowded segment.
The original success in China relied on affordability. In the UK, the EX2 must rely on space, equipment, and a smooth ride. Whether that will attract British buyers is uncertain.
Geely is targeting a modest 5% market share. Given the competition, even that goal may be ambitious.
