Modern Proton cars don’t get the iconic “Handling by Lotus” badge on their tailgate any more, but it seems that the Proton eMAS 7’s Chinese cousin could be getting just that. Geely has just confirmed its entry to the UK, and its first model to be launched there will be the fully electric Geely EX5 – but with special suspension works from Lotus Engineering.
Speaking to the media, Geely Auto UK General Manager, Mike Yang said, “We know the Geely EX5 is a great product with several core features that will appeal to a British audience. We’re aware that UK customers have unique demands.”
“For that reason, before we release the car for sale, we’re working with the experts at Lotus Engineering to make sure we have a car that’s in line with expectations. Lotus Engineering has a formidable track record along with some of the best R&D resources, so we’re delighted to be working closely with them,” he added.
It was previously hinted by Proton that the ride and handling tuning of the export-market Geely EX5 will be based on the eMAS 7, which the national carmaker said comes with a unique suspension setup specifically developed for the Malaysian roads. However, it appears that won’t be the case any more, at least for the UK model, as the experts in Hethel are now taking over suspension tuning works.
Actual specifications of the UK-bound Geely EX5 has not been revealed yet, but it should fall right in line with the export specifications of the model, which also largely mirrors the Proton eMAS 7. A single motor on the front axle outputs 218 hp (160 kW) and 320 Nm, and is paired to either a 49.52 kWh or 60.22 kWh battery pack to give the SUV up to 345 km and 410 km of range (WLTP) respectively.
Performance varies by variant (due to weight), with the lower range option edging it out slightly in the century sprint times, taking 6.9 seconds (vs 7.1s). With a 100 kW DC fast charger, going from 30-80% on the electric SUV takes approximately 20 minutes.
RELATED: Geely tested the Proton eMAS 7’s Aegis Gold Brick battery pack… By crushing it with a tank
Fleet buyers account for the majority of EV sales in the UK, and Geely is confident that the EX5 will appeal to UK buyers – especially in the “key segment” fleet buyers.
Deliveries for the Geely EX5 is expected to begin in the last quarter of the year, with more Geely models to follow suit next year.
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