2026 Geely EX2 review: International first drive

The electric car race is moving fast in Australia, and it's not just the more premium models over $50,000 that are getting the attention.

Joining the likes of the GAC Aion UT and BYD Atto 2 is the Geely EX2. This is the third Australian-bound model from this relative newcomer.

On a recent trip to China for the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, Drive was invited to a short testing opportunity behind the wheel of the EX2.

The test was short: On a closed circuit, through a gymkhana setup, and with the opportunity to poke and prod our way through the interior. Here is what we found.

Details and specifications around what Australian-delivered EX2 vehicles will get is a bit unclear yet, but we can draw some insight from overseas specifications.

There's a single rear-mounted electric motor for this hatchback with 85kW and 150Nm. Power comes from a 40.8kWh lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery, which gives a claimed range of 395km on the lenient CLTC testing. In the real world, we'd expect to see a number not too far north of 300km.

We weren't able to get any assessment of efficiency or driving range this time, but it's worth noting that there is a smaller 30.1kWh battery option available to reduce cost and driving range. If Australia gets this as a price leader, we will have to wait and see.

If success in China is anything to go by, the Geely EX2 could be a hit in Australia. This car was China's number-one seller by volume in 2025, beating out the likes of the BYD Atto 1 (Seagull) for the crown.

While it's unlikely to match the BYD Atto 1 in terms of price, there are a few key things here that put the EX2 on a good footing. Firstly, the battery of the Geely EX2 has its own dedicated thermal management using coolant. In comparison, the BYD Atto 1 redirects air-conditioning airflow to help regulate battery temperature.

The Geely EX2 also has a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension setup to go with the rear-wheel drive, while the BYD Atto 1 has a torsion beam rear setup and front-wheel drive.

In terms of dimensions, the Geely EX2 is more like the BYD Atto 2 in terms of size. It's 5mm longer, but not as wide or tall.

The good news on this front is that the Geely EX2 seems to be exceptionally well packaged. Within that length and relatively long wheelbase, you have an interior that yields plenty of space for occupants as well as some handy storage nooks.

The second row is impressive for leg room, feeling more like an up-sized SUV than a hatchback. There's a flat floor as well, but head room is a little more on the tight side for taller folks. Air vents are good to see here, though, as are power outlets.

Crane your neck down, and you'll find a handy space under the second row for storing a few bits and bobs. Something like a yoga mat or picnic blanket would work, or a bag of nappies and emergency wipes.

Boot space isn't too bad at the same time. There's not a lot of length in the load space, but it's relatively low for height and width. The brand quotes 375 litres of load space here, along with a handy 70-litre sealed bonnet storage.

Up front, you've got a generously sized screen at 14.6 inches, but Chinese specs indicate a smaller 10.1-inch display might also be available. There is also a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging and handy underslung storage in the central console.

It looks and feels fresh on the inside; a modern twist on the everyday hatchback.

The interior seems to be a notch up on the BYD Atto 2 as well, in terms of materials and design.

While our test-driving loop was short, it was also insightful. The rear-wheel-drive nature of the EX2 gives a different feel behind the wheel, with less skittish acceleration than you get with front-wheel-drive electric cars.

Although, outputs of only 85kW and 150Nm don't exactly set the world on fire. Acceleration feels brisk enough initially, but our test drive didn't allow us to explore above 50km/h.

We feel the performance would be adequate for around-town driving but not exceptional. Highway driving might be a different story, however, especially when the car is loaded up with people and luggage.

Getting the car up to a decent speed and punching it through some corners yielded good body control, to the point that the tyres started to squeal against the strain. There are acceptable levels of body roll and control, with steering that felt connected and not too vague under load. Throttle inputs were also well managed, without any peakiness or flat spots to work around.

However, one big question mark for us was the lack of assessment around ride quality. This is something we have no real visibility on yet, in terms of how the car performs over rough surfaces, pot holes and the like. This (like highway speed and efficiency assessment) will need to wait until a later date.

The relative success of the GAC Aion UT and BYD Atto puts the EX2 in the box seat for the Australian market, especially as fuel prices keep simmering away in the zeitgeist.

There's a lot to like on first impressions here. The driving nature seems to be well sorted, and the amount of interior space afforded by the 4.1-metre length is TARDIS-like.

There's a lot more yet to learn about this pint-sized EV, which will no doubt be further explored at the next opportunity.

Sam Purcell has been writing about cars, four-wheel driving and camping since 2013, and obsessed with anything that goes brum-brum longer than he can remember. Sam joined the team at CarAdvice/Drive as the off-road Editor in 2018, after cutting his teeth at Unsealed 4X4 and Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures. Off-road writer of the Year, Winner - Sam Purcell

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