The South African market is getting increasingly crowded with plug-in hybrid SUVs, but every now and then a vehicle comes along that deserves a little more attention than it gets. The Geely E5 EM-i Apex is one of those cars.
It might not be the first SUV that comes to mind when shopping in this segment, but after spending some time behind the wheel, I reckon it is one of the most slept-on cars in the market right now.
Understated looks, with a familiar resemblance
The E5 EM-i Apex has a clean, understated design. It doesn’t rely on dramatic styling or unnecessary design elements to get noticed. The slim LED headlights, closed-off front grille, flush door handles and full-width rear light bar give it a modern appearance.
Look at it from certain angles, particularly towards the rear, and you might get a slight Porsche Macan impression. That’s not a bad thing, especially when the end result looks this good.
It’s a design that should age rather well, which is more than can be said for some of the styling experiments we’ve seen recently.
A cabin that gets the basics right
Inside, Geely has kept things clean and uncluttered. The dashboard has a minimalist layout, with a large infotainment screen taking centre stage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the system is fairly straightforward to use.
There’s also plenty of headroom and legroom, making the cabin a comfortable place to spend time. It feels airy and spacious, which is exactly what you want from a family SUV.
Then there’s the sound system. The 16-speaker Flyme setup is genuinely impressive. The sound is clear, detailed and has enough punch to make you reconsider your usual playlist. Audiophiles will appreciate this one. Geely clearly understands that a good sound system can make even the daily commute a little more enjoyable.
Other features include a panoramic sunroof and a head-up display.
Efficiency without the fuss
Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 160 kW.
On the road, the E5 EM-i Apex is comfortable and refined. The transition between electric and petrol power is smooth, and the overall driving experience doesn’t require much getting used to.
Fuel consumption was another pleasant surprise. Even after the battery had been depleted, we managed an average of 5.9 L/100km. Geely also claims a combined driving range of up to 943 km, which makes the E5 an appealing option for buyers who want the benefits of electrification without having to plan their lives around charging stops.
Don’t sleep on this one
What we like about the Geely E5 EM-i Apex is that it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. It has a smart design, a spacious and comfortable cabin, an excellent sound system and an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain.
At R679,999, it deserves to be on the shopping list of anyone considering a family SUV in this price bracket. It may not have the badge recognition of some established rivals, but dismissing it because of that would be a mistake.
The E5 EM-i Apex is one of those cars that probably deserves more attention than it’s currently getting. And honestly, after hearing that sound system, you might find yourself looking for excuses to take the long way home.
