Chinese car manufacturer Geely has launched its EX2 electric hatchback in the United Kingdom, bringing China's best-selling car of 2025 to British showrooms with prices starting at £20,990.
The model dominated the Chinese vehicle market last year after registering 465,775 deliveries across all fuel types, supported by a domestic starting price of roughly ¥62,000, or £7,000. However, localized supply chains and state support in Beijing mean the entry-level UK price is three times higher than in its home market.
Geely offers the UK EX2 in three distinct trim levels, beginning with the entry Pro model at £20,990. The manufacturer expects the Pro to account for just 5 per cent of UK sales due to its smaller battery and limited range.
The Pro variant features a 35kWh battery paired with an 81bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. It completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in 14.2 seconds, which is three seconds faster than a new Fiat 500 Hybrid, but its official battery range is restricted to 155 miles.
Powertrain options and trim levels
Most British buyers are expected to choose the mid-spec Max trim, which starts at £23,490. It upgrades the powertrain to a 47kWh battery (47.1kWh capacity) and a 114bhp electric motor, reducing the zero-to-62mph acceleration time to 11.5 seconds while increasing the official driving range to 214 miles.
The range-topping Ultra variant costs £25,490 and shares the 47kWh battery and 114bhp motor arrangement with the Max. It achieves a top speed of 81mph, delivers 150Nm of maximum torque, and records energy consumption of 15.5kWh per 100km.
All variants include DC rapid charging capability, rated at 60kW for the Pro trim and 80kW for larger-battery models, alongside an 11kW onboard AC charger. A public fast charger replenishment from 30 per cent to 80 per cent takes 25 minutes, while a full home recharge using a 7kW wallbox takes 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Dimensions and exterior styling
Measuring 4,135mm long, 1,805mm wide excluding mirrors, and 1,580mm tall, the EX2 features a 2,645mm wheelbase. Its physical footprint aligns closely with the retro Renault 4 crossover rather than smaller superminis like the Renault 5, competing directly against electric vehicles such as the Citroen e-C3, Ford Puma Gen-E, MG4 Urban, and BYD Dolphin.
The exterior design presents a soft-edged silhouette with feather-inspired headlights and tail-lights. Standing nearly 1.6 metres tall, the roofline makes the car taller than a Mini Aceman crossover SUV.
Cabin space and standard equipment
Standard equipment on the entry Pro trim includes keyless entry and start, LED daytime running lights, high-beam assist, a reversing camera, heated power-folding door mirrors, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, every EX2 contains faux leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, climate control, an 8.8-inch digital driver display, and a 14.6-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Stepping up to the Ultra trim adds a contrast black roof, metal side skirts, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system. Geely offers only two optional extras: an off-white interior finish for £200 and fitted bonnet stripes for £185.
Interior roominess is a central highlight of the EX2 packaging. Generous headroom and legroom allow six-foot adults to sit comfortably in the front and rear, while the rear bench accommodates three adult passengers for short journeys.
Storage solutions across the cabin include 36 individual compartments, with a 37th upcoming addition consisting of a 25-litre hidden box beneath the rear seats. The absence of a front electric motor allows for a 70-litre front trunk under the bonnet that fits charging cables and a small rucksack.
At the rear, the luggage boot provides 375 litres of storage space with the rear backrests upright, expanding to 1,320 litres when folded flat. However, the boot floor sits well below the loading sill, making heavy items awkward to lower, and the parcel shelf is disconnected from the tailgate, which can cause the Ultra model's electric tailgate mechanism to malfunction if misaligned.
The interior construction blends hard and soft-touch plastics with solid switchgear, though the metallic-look door mirror controls are noticeably plastic. Most vehicle functions are controlled through the responsive central touchscreen sub-menus, supported by a bottom shortcut bar for climate controls, while the digital driver display features small text that can prove difficult to read while driving.
Road testing and safety systems
Geely owns British sports car manufacturer Lotus, whose engineers in Hethel reportedly fine-tuned the EX2 chassis for European road conditions. Road testing across Wiltshire demonstrated that the 1,365kg hatchback provides high ride comfort over B-road imperfections without shuddering over potholes.
Initial acceleration from a standstill is deliberately calm, requiring careful planning when pulling out of junctions. Acceleration modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Snow, which must be selected through the infotainment touchscreen because there is no physical mode switch.
The light steering setup provides a tight, black-cab-like turning circle ideal for urban maneuvering, though higher speeds reveal limited steering feedback. Yokohama tyres engineered for low rolling resistance yield modest grip levels, while large door mirrors generate minor wind noise at motorway speeds.
Testing revealed overly invasive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including lane-keep assist triggering steering wheel resistance on narrow country lanes and a driver-attention monitor alerting when checking mirrors. Both systems can be deactivated, and Geely has revised touchscreen menus to simplify turning them off following early feedback.
Financing options and market rivals
The EX2 faces competition from non-Chinese electric vehicles that qualify for the UK Government's Electric Car Grant of up to £3,750 until April 2030. After accounting for the grant, a mid-spec Renault 4 E-Tech costs £2,500 more than the EX2 while offering longer driving range and superior driving dynamics.
To attract British buyers, Geely is offering 0 per cent APR finance deals, enabling the top-spec EX2 Ultra to be acquired for £299 per month compared to £336 per month for a Nissan Micra. However, the competing MG4 Urban provides a longer official range of 258 miles at a lower monthly cost.
