Geely E5 EM-i Hybrid SUV Launches in Cape Town: 943 km Range at Thorp Geely

Cape Town's Thorp Geely dealership has unveiled the Geely E5 EM-i, a family-friendly plug-in hybrid SUV that blends electric efficiency with petrol convenience and delivers up to 943 km combined range. It arrives as a smart hybrid option for South African motorists who want the best of both worlds.

Available now at Thorp Geely, the EM-i mirrors the sleek design of the all-electric E5 while adding the flexibility of a hybrid powertrain. Clean lines, confident stance, and practical proportions make it a natural fit for South African families who want style without sacrificing substance.

Why It Stands Out

• Series-parallel hybrid setup pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine (73 kW) with a 160 kW front motor for about 193 kW combined output.
• Around 83 km of pure electric driving for daily commutes, plus up to 943 km WLTP combined range for long trips.
• Targeted efficiency of about 6.2 L/100 km keeps fuel stops infrequent and running costs low.
• Launch pricing starts at R599,999 for Aspire and R679,999 for Apex, making it one of SA's most accessible PHEV SUVs.

Designed for South African Lifestyles

Measuring roughly 4,740 mm long, the E5 EM-i offers a roomy cabin, elevated ride height, and suspension tuned for local road conditions. Standard 18-inch alloys and full LED lighting give it a confident look day or night. Inside, leatherette and soft-touch materials, dual-zone climate control, and 6-way driver adjustment (electric on Apex) keep everyone comfortable. Ventilated front seats on Apex help in summer heat, while hill-start assist, hill-descent control, six airbags, and a comprehensive safety suite are tailored for South African roads and adventures.

Tech and Features That Impress

A large 15.4-inch infotainment screen with OTA updates, Apple CarPlay, and a 10.2-inch digital cluster headline the tech story. The EM-i Aspire arrives well equipped with keyless entry/start, a leather multifunction steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and robust driver aids. The Apex trim adds a head-up display, wireless phone charging, powered and ventilated front seats, 256-colour ambient lighting, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and a power tailgate. Across the range, a surround-view camera and safety assists make tight parking or city traffic easier to navigate.

Performance Meets Practicality

For short trips, charge the 18.4 kWh battery and enjoy near-silent electric driving. DC fast charging up to 36 kW can take the battery from 30% to 80% in about 20 minutes, while home charging is easy with the included 7 kW charger. When you head further afield, the petrol engine seamlessly extends range without drama. The low-mounted battery keeps the centre of gravity stable, regenerative braking feeds energy back into the pack, and the chassis is tuned for a smooth, composed ride even when the roads get rough.

How to Book a Test Drive

Ready to experience the EM-i? Book a test drive with Thorp Geely in Table View online or by calling the dealership. The team will demonstrate the hybrid system, charging options, and ownership support (including the 5-year/75,000 km service plan) so you can see why the E5 EM-i is making headlines as a forward-thinking choice for South African roads.