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We strapped our equipment to the Geely E5 EM-i Apex to measure acceleration, braking, and real-world fuel economy – here’s how this Chinese plug-in hybrid stacks up against the competition.
Published: [Current Date]
The Geely E5 EM-i is a compact plug-in hybrid SUV currently sold in markets like South Africa and China, with speculation about a potential US launch under Geely’s broader global expansion strategy. Its PHEV system pairs a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine with a single front-mounted electric motor, fed by an 18.4 kWh battery pack. In flagship Apex trim, the powertrain delivers combined outputs of 160 kW (215 hp) and 262 N·m (193 lb-ft). The test unit weighed 1,768 kg (3,898 lbs) as measured.
On our test strip, the Geely E5 EM-i Apex sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.38 seconds, translating to an estimated 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. For overtaking, the car covered the 60-80 km/h (37-50 mph) increment in 1.78 seconds, 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph) in 2.33 seconds, and 100-120 km/h (62-75 mph) in 3.37 seconds. These figures place it slightly ahead of the Toyota Prius Prime (0-60 mph ~8.0 sec) but behind the Honda CR-V PHEV (0-60 mph ~7.2 sec). The E5 EM-i’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps deliver smooth, linear power delivery.
In our 10-stop emergency braking test from 100-0 km/h (62-0 mph), the E5 EM-i recorded best and worst stops of 2.71 and 2.78 seconds, respectively. The 322 mm ventilated front / 302 mm ventilated rear disc brakes brought the SUV to a halt in an average time of 2.73 seconds – earning an “excellent” rating – over a distance of 38.75 meters (127 feet). This is competitive with compact SUVs like the Ford Escape PHEV (132 ft) and better than the Hyundai Tucson PHEV (135 ft).
On our standardized fuel route (mix of urban and highway driving), the Geely E5 EM-i returned an average fuel consumption of 5.12 L/100 km, which equates to 46 MPG US. That’s about 6% higher than Geely’s claimed 4.3 L/100 km (55 MPG). On a full 50-liter (13.2-gallon) tank, real-world range works out to 943 km (586 miles), versus the company’s claimed 1,002 km (623 miles) with a full tank and full battery. The electric-only operating range is rated at 105 km (65 miles) under the NEDC cycle – expect about 45-50 miles in real-world US driving.
While Geely does not yet sell the E5 in the United States, the brand is actively expanding its presence through its subsidiary Lynk & Co and by investing in Polestar. The E5 EM-i’s 18.4 kWh battery is larger than the Toyota RAV4 Prime’s 18.1 kWh, but the RAV4 Prime offers 42 miles of electric range (EPA). The E5’s combined 215 hp is lower than the RAV4 Prime’s 302 hp, but its fuel economy (46 MPG real-world) is close to the RAV4 Prime’s 38 MPG combined in hybrid mode. The E5 EM-i would likely be priced around $35,000-$40,000 if launched in the US, undercutting the RAV4 Prime ($43,000+). However, U.S. buyers should note that Geely’s reliability and service network remain unproven in this market.
Note: US EPA estimates would likely be lower for electric range and higher for fuel consumption. Geely has not announced U.S. availability for the E5 EM-i.
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