All-new Geely EX5 launched in China: Now with RWD, from RM 59k – will Proton eMas 7 follow suit?

The new Geely EX5, which forms the basis of the Proton eMas 7 sold in Malaysia, has officially gone on sale in China. The new EX5 is available in five variants, with launch prices ranging from RMB 97,800 to RMB 137,800 (around RM 59,600 to RM 84,000).

One of the biggest changes is underneath the bodywork. The new EX5 has switched to a dedicated rear-wheel-drive (RWD) electric platform, replacing the front-wheel-drive layout used by the outgoing model.

The new SUV also gets an upgraded Qianli Haohan H5 driver-assistance system, an 800V high-voltage platform, a single electric motor and Geely's latest Aegis Short Blade battery with 6C charging.

Exterior

The new Geely EX5 retains the family's design language, with a closed-off front end and sharp headlamps.

The front bumper has been revised, with a more prominent front lip and chrome trim giving the nose a sharper appearance.

Higher-spec versions get a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor for the Qianli Haohan H5 driver-assistance system. The EX5 has a total of 27 high-performance sensors, supported by a cloud-based World Action Model (WAM and a single-stage end-to-end architecture running on the vehicle.

The system is designed to support assisted driving in both urban and motorway environments.

The sides feature more pronounced body lines and conventional mechanical door handles, while the rear gets a full-width LED tail-light bar.

The EX5 measures 4,636 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,670 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase.

Interior

Inside, the new EX5 uses Flyme Auto 2, powered by the Longying 4nm cockpit computing platform.

The cabin features a digital instrument cluster, a large floating infotainment screen and a newly designed three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.

Other equipment includes a head-up display, Flyme Sound system, a wireless phone charging pad and a crystal electronic rotary controller.

Power and charging

The new EX5 uses a single electric motor producing up to 245 kW, along with Geely's AI Smart Charging technology and the latest Aegis Short Blade battery.

Three range options are available: 530 km, 550 km and 635 km.

The SUV's full 800V architecture supports 6C charging, with peak charging power reaching 460 kW.

Under normal-temperature conditions, charging from 10% to 70% takes just 8 minutes 25 seconds. Geely also says the EX5 is compatible with 99% of public charging stations.

The new EX5 uses a dedicated RWD electric chassis architecture and Geely's Thunder 16-in-1 intelligent electric drive system. The suspension setup includes a five-link rear independent suspension and CDC continuously variable dampers, with the aim of balancing ride comfort and handling.

What about the Proton eMas 7?

The Geely EX5 and Proton eMas 7 are closely related models, making the new drivetrain layout particularly relevant to the Malaysian market.

The Chinese-market EX5 has now moved from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, along with a major upgrade to its electrical architecture, charging system and driver-assistance technology.

Whether the Proton eMas 7 will eventually receive similar changes remains to be seen. For now, Proton has not announced any corresponding update for the Malaysian model.