The email landed in my inbox on a dreary Melbourne Tuesday. “Spotted something interesting on the Hume yesterday,” wrote my long-time contact at a major automotive supplier. Attached was a grainy smartphone photo showing a convoy of vehicles at a highway rest stop – a heavily camouflaged SUV surrounded by an eclectic collection of electric vehicles, their distinctive shapes immediately recognizable despite the distance.
Little did I know this casual tip-off would lead me down a rabbit hole investigating one of the most comprehensive local validation programs ever undertaken by a Chinese manufacturer in Australia. Over the past three months, Geely – one of China’s largest automotive conglomerates and owner of brands including Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus – has been quietly conducting an extensive benchmarking program for its upcoming EX5 electric SUV against key competitors across multiple Australian locations.
Through conversations with industry insiders, witnesses to the testing program, and analysis of sighting reports across automotive forums, I’ve pieced together a fascinating picture of exactly which vehicles Geely is measuring itself against – and what this reveals about its ambitions in our increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
The EX5: Geely’s Electric Spearhead
Before diving into the benchmarking program, it’s worth understanding what the EX5 represents for Geely. While not yet officially confirmed for Australia, the EX5 has been caught testing here multiple times over the past six months, suggesting a local launch is very much on the cards.
The EX5 is a medium-sized electric SUV that sits on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform – the same advanced EV-specific platform that underpins models like the Zeekr 001 and the recently announced Smart #5. In its home market, the EX5 is positioned as a premium-mainstream offering with a focus on technology, range, and value.
“This isn’t just another Chinese EV being thrown at the Australian market to see if it sticks,” explained Michael Chen, an automotive consultant specializing in Chinese brands who’s been monitoring Geely’s Australian activities. “The level of local testing and benchmarking we’re seeing suggests Geely is taking the Australian market very seriously – they want to get this right from day one.”
During a recent industry event in Sydney, I cornered a Geely representative who, after some coaxing and the promise of anonymity, confirmed the extensive nature of their Australian program. “We’ve been testing across five states in everything from alpine conditions to outback heat,” they revealed. “The EX5 has already covered over 100,000 kilometers on Australian roads, and the benchmarking program is just one component of our validation process.”
The Benchmark Fleet: Hunting the Competition
What makes Geely’s Australian testing particularly interesting is the comprehensive collection of competitor vehicles they’ve assembled for side-by-side comparison. According to multiple sightings and industry sources, the benchmark fleet includes at least eight different electric vehicles spanning various price points and segments.
The most frequently spotted accompanying the camouflaged EX5 prototypes are:
Tesla Model Y
Perhaps the most obvious benchmark, the Model Y represents the volume-selling standard in the electric SUV market. With its combination of range, performance, and established charging network, the Model Y is the vehicle to beat in the premium electric SUV segment.
During testing near Cooma in the Snowy Mountains region last month, witnesses reported seeing a white Model Y Long Range alongside two EX5 prototypes, with engineers conducting what appeared to be charging speed comparisons at the local Tesla Supercharger station.
“They were meticulously timing the charging sessions and taking measurements with various instruments,” said Robert Thompson, a Model Y owner who observed the testing while charging his own vehicle. “One engineer was constantly moving between the cars with a laptop, downloading data. They weren’t trying to be subtle about it.”
BYD Atto 3
As a fellow Chinese manufacturer that has already established a foothold in Australia, BYD represents a key competitive benchmark for Geely. The Atto 3 has quickly become one of Australia’s best-selling electric vehicles, offering a compelling combination of price, specification, and practicality.
The Atto 3 has been spotted accompanying the EX5 during urban testing in both Sydney and Melbourne, suggesting Geely is paying particular attention to how BYD has adapted its vehicles for Australian consumer preferences.
“I saw them testing in stop-start traffic on Punt Road one afternoon,” shared James Wilson, an automotive engineering student who recognized the convoy. “They had an Atto 3 and what looked like the camouflaged Geely prototype, plus another Chinese EV I couldn’t identify. They were moving through the traffic together, with a driver and passenger in each vehicle taking notes or recording data.”
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Representing the cutting edge of mainstream EV technology, the Ioniq 5 has been frequently observed alongside the EX5 during testing. With its 800-volt architecture, striking design, and strong critical reception, the Ioniq 5 embodies many of the qualities Geely would likely want to emulate.
A senior technician at a charging network provider, who requested anonymity due to commercial relationships, confirmed seeing the vehicles testing together. “They’ve been systematically working through our charging network, testing both vehicles at various sites. They seem particularly interested in comparing charging curves and thermal management during fast charging sessions.”
Volvo EX30
Interestingly, Geely has also been benchmarking against the Volvo EX30 – a vehicle from its own corporate stable. While smaller than the EX5, the EX30 represents Volvo’s newest electric offering and provides a reference point for premium European-influenced design and user experience.
“It makes perfect sense when you think about it,” explained Chen, the consultant. “Geely owns Volvo, but they maintain distinct brand identities and positioning. The EX30 gives them an internal benchmark for quality and refinement while allowing them to ensure the EX5 maintains its distinct character rather than feeling like a rebadged Volvo.”
Volkswagen ID.4
Representing mainstream European EV engineering, the Volkswagen ID.4 has been spotted multiple times as part of the benchmark fleet, particularly during highway testing on the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne.
“They were clearly doing NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) comparisons,” noted Sarah Jenkins, an automotive engineer I spoke with who encountered the convoy at a highway service station. “They had microphones and measurement equipment set up in all the vehicles, and were taking turns driving at specific speeds. The engineers were rotating between vehicles and comparing notes between sessions.”
Kia EV6
Kia’s distinctive electric crossover has also featured prominently in Geely’s benchmark testing, particularly during performance-oriented evaluation sessions. The EV6’s combination of driving dynamics, charging capability, and distinctive design makes it an important yardstick in the competitive set.
During what appeared to be handling assessment at a closed facility near Wodonga, a Geely test convoy including an EV6 was observed by a local driving instructor who uses the same facility for advanced driving courses.
“They had a whole fleet of EVs running through a slalom course and conducting emergency lane-change maneuvers,” he told me when I tracked him down through a mutual contact. “The EV6 seemed to be setting the benchmark for handling. They’d run it through the course, then immediately follow with their prototype and compare data. They repeated this process methodically with each vehicle in their fleet.”
MG4
Representing the value end of the electric vehicle spectrum, the MG4 has been included in Geely’s testing program, suggesting the company is benchmarking across multiple price points. As one of Australia’s most affordable EVs, the MG4 embodies the kind of value proposition that Chinese brands have used to gain market share.
A service technician at a regional dealership confirmed seeing the convoy. “They pulled in for some minor maintenance on the MG4 – just a tire pressure issue. I recognized the camouflaged vehicle from photos online. The team was professional but tight-lipped. They had detailed checklists they were working through for each vehicle.”
BMW iX3
At the premium end of the spectrum, the BMW iX3 has been spotted as part of the benchmark fleet, particularly during interior evaluation sessions. This suggests Geely has premium aspirations for the EX5, at least in terms of cabin quality and user experience.
“I saw them parked at a roadside rest area near Ballarat,” said Michael Thompson, a car enthusiast who documented the sighting on an automotive forum. “They had the doors open on all the vehicles and were systematically photographing and measuring interior components. They had sample materials they were comparing to the BMW’s interior surfaces.”
Testing Protocols: Beyond Simple Comparison
What’s particularly noteworthy about Geely’s benchmarking program is the systematic and scientific approach they appear to be taking. Rather than simply driving the vehicles back-to-back for subjective comparisons, they’ve been implementing rigorous testing protocols across multiple disciplines.
During a chance encounter at a charging station in South Australia, I struck up a conversation with a member of the testing team (who, unsurprisingly, declined to be identified for this article). While cautious about revealing specific details, he provided some insight into their methodology.
“We’re conducting what we call ‘dimensioned benchmarking,'” he explained. “It’s not just about whether something feels better or worse – we quantify everything. If a competitor’s regenerative braking feels more natural, we measure exactly why – the deceleration curve, the transition points, the pedal feel. Then we can incorporate those specific parameters into our own calibration.”
This scientific approach extends to almost every aspect of the vehicles’ performance and user experience. According to witnesses and industry sources, Geely’s testing has included:
Thermal Testing
Australia’s extreme climate makes it an ideal testing ground for thermal management – a critical factor for electric vehicles. Multiple sightings have reported Geely conducting thermal performance evaluations in heatwave conditions, particularly in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
“I saw them with all the vehicles hooked up to temperature monitoring equipment near Coober Pedy during that heatwave in January,” reported a road train driver who recognized the convoy during his regular route. “It was over 45 degrees that day, and they were running the air conditioning at maximum while monitoring battery temperatures. They’d cycle through driving and charging protocols, all while recording data.”
Range and Efficiency Testing
Arguably the most important metric for any electric vehicle, range and efficiency testing has been a major focus of Geely’s program. They’ve been observed conducting controlled range tests on specific highway routes, maintaining consistent speeds while monitoring energy consumption.
“They’ve been running a standardized loop between Melbourne and Albury,” confirmed a highway patrol officer who’s encountered the convoy multiple times. “Same drivers, same speeds, same climate control settings. They’re clearly trying to establish apples-to-apples comparisons for real-world range.”
Charging Infrastructure Compatibility
Australia’s fragmented charging infrastructure presents unique challenges, and Geely has been methodically testing compatibility across multiple charging networks including Chargefox, Evie, and Tesla Superchargers (using adapters).
“They’ve been one of our most active users over the past three months,” revealed a source at one of Australia’s major charging providers. “They’ve tested at over 80% of our sites nationally, often comparing their prototype side-by-side with other vehicles to benchmark charging speeds and compatibility.”
User Experience and Ergonomics
Beyond the technical aspects, Geely has been paying particular attention to user experience elements – conducting detailed analysis of infotainment systems, control layouts, and general ergonomics.
During one session observed at a Melbourne shopping center car park, the team was methodically evaluating entry and exit ease across all the benchmark vehicles, with particular attention to door opening angles, step-over heights, and head clearance.
“They had people of different heights and builds getting in and out of each vehicle while they recorded the process,” said Emma Chen, who witnessed the testing while returning to her car. “They were timing how long various tasks took, from getting in to starting the car to setting up the navigation. It was like watching a very boring Olympic sport – but I guess that’s how you build a better car.”
What This Reveals About Geely’s Ambitions
The comprehensive nature of Geely’s benchmarking program offers fascinating insights into the company’s ambitions for the Australian market. By selecting such a diverse range of competitors to measure against, Geely is clearly positioning the EX5 to compete across multiple segments of the EV market.
“The breadth of their benchmark fleet tells us they’re not just aiming for one specific competitor,” observed David Miller, an automotive industry analyst I consulted about this story. “They’re looking to cherry-pick the best aspects from each vehicle – Tesla’s technology, Hyundai’s charging capability, BMW’s premium feel, BYD’s value proposition. It’s an ambitious approach that suggests they want the EX5 to be all things to all people.”
This comprehensive approach reflects Geely’s global strategy of elevating Chinese automotive brands beyond simply competing on price. As the owner of Volvo and Lotus, Geely has demonstrated its ability to manage premium international brands while developing its own increasingly sophisticated vehicles.
“Geely isn’t interested in being just another Chinese brand selling on price,” explained Chen, the consultant. “They have genuine engineering ambition and the resources to execute at a high level. The extensive benchmarking we’re seeing in Australia is consistent with how they approach vehicle development globally – methodical, thorough, and with an eye toward exceeding rather than merely matching the competition.”
The Australian Market Context
Geely’s intense focus on Australian testing and benchmarking comes at a pivotal time for our electric vehicle market. With government incentives driving increased adoption and traditional barriers like range anxiety gradually diminishing, Australia is becoming an increasingly important battleground for EV manufacturers.
Chinese brands have made significant inroads, with BYD quickly establishing itself as a major player and MG offering compelling value propositions. However, established players like Tesla, Hyundai, and Kia maintain strong positions, while European brands target the premium segments.
“Australia represents a perfect test market for global ambitions,” noted Miller, the analyst. “We have challenging conditions, discerning consumers, and a competitive landscape that spans from affordable Chinese options to premium European brands. If you can crack the Australian market, you’ve probably built a globally competitive product.”
Geely’s choice to conduct such extensive testing here rather than simply adapting vehicles developed for other markets signals a serious commitment to getting their Australian offering right from launch.
During a recent automotive industry conference in Melbourne, I asked a senior executive from another Chinese manufacturer about Geely’s testing program. His response was telling: “They’re raising the bar for all of us. The days of bringing Chinese vehicles to Australia with minimal local adaptation are ending. Consumers here expect vehicles developed for local conditions, and Geely is setting a new standard for that approach.”
When Might We See the Results?
While Geely has not officially confirmed the EX5 for Australia, the extensive local testing suggests a launch is likely within the next 12-18 months. Industry sources indicate that the benchmarking program is in its final stages, with engineering sign-off expected by the end of the year.
A dealer source with knowledge of Geely’s plans suggested they’re targeting a comprehensive launch rather than a gradual rollout. “The plan appears to be establishing a proper dealer network from day one, with multiple models including the EX5. They’re not interested in a soft launch with limited distribution – they want to make a splash.”
This would align with Geely’s global approach of thorough preparation followed by decisive market entry. In European markets where they’ve recently launched, Geely has typically entered with a fully formed product lineup and dealer network rather than a tentative toe-in-the-water approach.
Raising the Bar for Market Entry
As I compiled research for this article, speaking with witnesses to Geely’s testing program and industry insiders familiar with their strategy, a clear picture emerged of a company taking the Australian market extremely seriously. The days of Chinese manufacturers entering our market with minimally adapted vehicles appear to be giving way to comprehensive localization and competitive benchmarking.
For Australian consumers, this intensive development approach promises EVs that are truly suited to our conditions rather than merely adapted from vehicles designed for China or Europe. The rigorous benchmarking against class leaders suggests Geely is aiming high with the EX5 – targeting the best aspects of established competitors.
Whether this translates to market success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Geely’s methodical approach to benchmarking and local validation sets a new standard for how international manufacturers, particularly those from China, approach the Australian market. The days of treating Australia as an afterthought appear to be ending, at least for manufacturers with serious global ambitions.
As my contact at the supplier who first tipped me off to this story noted when I circled back to him: “They’re doing the hard yards now so they don’t have to make excuses later. That convoy of benchmark vehicles isn’t just about comparing cars – it’s about understanding what Australian consumers expect and delivering it from day one.”
For potential EV buyers, that’s a promising sign of how competitive and sophisticated the market is becoming. When the Geely EX5 eventually arrives on Australian shores, it will have already covered thousands of kilometers here, measured itself against the best in the business, and been refined specifically for our conditions. That’s a level of commitment that should put established players on notice.
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