Geely Auto Returns to the SA Market in Official Capacity

Geely Auto has returned to the SA new-car market in full force. The Chinese automaker’s earlier models were previously sold locally, but those cars were brought in and backed up by importers. Some of those early attempts were rather forgettable. The brand has, since exiting about a decade ago, improved markedly and is now making a full OEM entry into the local market.

Bold Steps

Since the earlier foray, the brand has taken bold steps to conquer other markets outside of its home base. This includes the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, the company has acquired Volvo Cars in its entirety, and with it a great deal of IP from the Swedish manufacturer. As a result, any Volvo you buy today is, essentially, a Geely. It also owns Lotus (yes, that Lotus) and has a major shareholding in Proton cars.

Other steps taken to improve its offerings include the implementation of design and R&D centres in places such as the UK and Sweden. The parent company has invested heavily in tech, to the tune of billions of U$. In addition, strategic partnerships with leading companies, such as Daimler, have helped it rise to be a Fortune 500 company as well as one of the 10 most valuable auto brands in the world, and the only Chinese automaker on the list.

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SA Re-entry

The return of Geely Auto to SA is the first foray into the African continent. At the automaker’s brand relaunch earlier this week, several representatives from other African markets were in attendance to learn more about the company’s first official African entry. The SA operation was already starting to set the wheels in motion from late in 2024. There is a full HQ in Gauteng, a parts warehouse as well as a dealer network that should number 40 before the year ends and 90 by the end of 2026.

What’s on the Cards?

To start, Geely Auto South Africa will offer two SUVs. These two models are the first, and will be sold under the Geely banner. Other brands from the parent company are also heading our way. Both initial offerings are electrified and based on the brand’s, in-house developed GEA architecture. This loosely translates as Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture. The platform was designed from the get-go to accommodate electrified powertrains. Space utilisation, energy management, safety and connectivity were all accounted for in terms of electrified drivetrains.

Geely E5 EM-i

The E5 EM-i (blue car pictured) opens the Geely line-up in SA. This mid-size SUV has the design hallmarks of many cars we have seen from the far east. These include slim head- and taillamps. In addition it has smooth surfaces inspired by porcelain which gives it a modern appearance. The E5 EM-i looks pretty similar to its sibling, but look closely and you will see differences in the frontal aspect. This includes different headlamp and bumper designs. The rear designs are quite similar, as are the interior treatments.

The model, which is available in two derivatives, Aspire and Apex (Oh, so close – Ed), is quite comprehensively kitted. Standard items include LED lights front and rear, ESC, a 15,4-inch HD infotainment display, 4G connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, keyless entry and start, multiple USB ports, as well as the usually expected items such as electric windows, climate control, etc. The Apex derivative adds even more, such as a full panoramic roof, to the equipment list .

The E5 EM-i is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). As a result we expect it will be the better seller of the two options on offer. It is powered by a combination of a 1,5-litre petrol engine (73 kW/125 N.m) and an electric motor (160 kW/262 N.m). Quoted figure for the benchmark 0-100 km/h test is 8,0 sec. And it has a top speed of 170 km/h. Geely says it can travel up to 943 km with a full battery and tank of fuel.

This model can be driven as an electric car, ie not using petrol in pure EV mode, or until the driver demands full power. The electric only range is just over 80 km. As a PHEV it can also be charged from a charging station. Geely SA includes a wallbox charger for the new owner’s home. In addition, R5 000 of free public charging is also included in the price. Speaking of, here’s what you can expect to pay…

Geely E5 EM-i Aspire – R599 999
Geely E5 EM-i Apex – R679 999

Geely E5

The E5, as mentioned earlier, has a slightly different, sharper appearance than its sibling. The most obvious design difference is the lack of a central air intake. The E5 is also available in Aspire and Apex variants. Again, standard specification is high, with the Apex version offering a bit more in terms of equipment.

The E5 leads the portfolio at the time of launch. This full battery electric vehicle (BEV) is powered by an electric motor that drives the front wheels. Peak power is rated at 160 kW along with 320 N.m of torque. This allows a sprint time of about 7 seconds, variant dependent, and a top speed of 175 km/h. The 60,22 kWh battery pack endows the E5 with a quoted range of up to 430 km.

The E5 boasts fast charging capabilities. On a DC fast charger it can replenish the battery pack from 30-80 per cent in 20 minutes. Like many other EVs it offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) to be able to run appliances, say when you are camping or at an outdoor event. Interestingly, it also offers vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) capabilities. This refers to the ability of one EV to charge another in case of an emergency. Geely SA also includes a wallbox charger and R10 000 of free public charging for the E5.

Geely E5 Aspire – R699 999
Geely E5 Apex – R759 999

Summary

We had a brief drive of both models on offer at the company’s grand relaunch event. Our immediate take away is that they feel like quality products with quiet cabins with high levels of perceived quality and polished ride quality. There were a few quirks, such as iffy navigations systems, but we suspect those are a result of these being early units to SA. Gauteng was in complete disarray thanks to the impending G20 summit taking place in the province so our time was limited. We look forward to driving both models at length in the weeks ahead.