Geely EX5 Review: I Loved My Volvo XC60… But This Genuinely Surprised Me

When Van Mossel Breeze invited me to try the brand new Geely EX5 at their new Poole dealership, I’ll be honest - I was curious, but cautious.

I previously drove a Volvo XC60 and absolutely loved it. It felt safe, premium and solid -everything I wanted as a busy mum of two running a business. The only reason I changed was because Volvo didn’t offer an electric XC60 at the time, and I wanted to move to an EV - which is how I ended up with the VW ID. Buzz (which I love and it looks epic wrapped in TGt branding!)

So stepping into the Geely EX5, I wasn’t expecting to be that impressed; I didn't even know much about Geely as a brand.

But I really was impressed!

Collecting from Van Mossel Breeze Poole

The new Geely dealership in Poole is modern, clean and easy to access - which, when you’ve got children in tow during half term, matters.

The team were really welcoming, relaxed and great with the kids (they were setting up for an event and even gave the kids some wicked merchandise which they were delighted with). They were also very up with getting involved with some of the content. After a short intro to the car, within minutes we were set up and ready for a day driving around Poole and Bournemouth.

First Impressions: It Feels Very Premium

The exterior is sleek and confident without being flashy. It looks like it belongs in the same category as higher-end SUVs. The real surprise is when you step inside. The interior genuinely feels like a top-spec Volvo XC60.

Soft-touch finishes. Clean Scandinavian-style design. Large, intuitive screen. Beautiful stitching. Solid doors. Quiet cabin. It feels expensive.

If you blindfolded me and sat me in that driver’s seat, I would have assumed I was in a much higher price bracket.

Driving the Geely EX5 Around Bournemouth

We spent the day in Bournemouth town centre in half-term traffic and pouring rain - not exactly the easiest test conditions. It was busy, the weather was awful, and parking was tight. The Geely EX5 handled it effortlessly.

It’s smooth, responsive and incredibly easy to drive. The electric acceleration is refined rather than jerky, which makes it perfect for family driving.

Parking was simple thanks to the camera system and excellent visibility. For a mid-size SUV, it feels very manageable - even in busy city centre car parks.

As a mum, safety and stability matter to me more than speed or flashiness. It felt secure on the road, even in heavy rain.

Space & Practicality (Mum Test Approved)

The girls had plenty of space in the back and immediately commented on how comfortable it was - always a good sign.

There’s ample room for bags, coats, and the usual “we might need this” half-term extras. I easily fit both their scooters, helmets, coats and our day bag in the boot - with plenty of remaining space.

It ticks the family practicality box without feeling like a “mum car”.

Technology & Features

The tech feels modern but not overwhelming.

• Large central touchscreen
• Digital driver display
• Driver assistance features
• Premium interior detailing
• Smart connectivity

Everything feels intuitive, which is important - I don’t want to need a manual every time I adjust something.

The Big Question: Would I Choose It?

If you’re considering a Volvo XC60 but want to go electric - and don’t want to jump into the £60k+ bracket (you're looking around 30-36k) - the Geely EX5 is absolutely worth a test drive.

• You get that premium Scandinavian feel.
• You get the safety.
• You get the refinement.
• You get the electric drive.

But at a much more accessible price point. And that’s what genuinely surprised me.

Final Thoughts

I went into this review open-minded but slightly sceptical. I left genuinely impressed.

The Geely EX5 feels like a high-end electric SUV that punches well above its price point.

If you're looking for an electric family SUV in Dorset, I would absolutely recommend visiting Van Mossel Breeze’s new Geely dealership in Poole and experiencing it for yourself.

Sometimes the brands you least expect are the ones that surprise you the most.

Author Bio: Liz Hutchings

Liz is a busy mum of two, a business owner, and is passionate about family-friendly vehicles that don’t compromise on style or performance. Having driven premium models like the Volvo XC60, she’s always on the lookout for cars that combine safety and practicality. When she’s not test-driving the latest SUVs, you’ll find her exploring Dorset with her family, sharing tips on balancing everyday life with a love of cars.

Helpful Resources:

• Car Dealerships in Dorset
• Breeze Motor Group
• Geely Poole