The newest name on Britain's roads is turning heads. Geely Auto, one of China's biggest carmakers, has officially launched its sleek and stylish Geely EX5 in the UK — a move that marks a major step in its European expansion.

"It's all about value," says Mike Yang, CEO of Geely UK, at the London launch. "Our price is built on value, but since this is Geely's first UK model, we hope to deliver outstanding quality and technology at a price customers will love."

And it's the tech inside that's drawing the biggest buzz. Drivers can customize their interior lighting to almost any color, while a premium 16-speaker sound system wraps the cabin in immersive audio. Calls can be taken hands-free, with sound directed discreetly through speakers in the headrest. And for comfort? Built-in massage seats that keep the driver relaxed, even in city traffic.

On the road, the EX5 makes an equally strong impression. But Geely's ambitions stretch beyond just a car — it's creating an ecosystem. The company has partnered with energy providers Andersen and Octopus, giving every EX5 owner access to five million charge points across the UK and competitive electricity rates.

Still, competition is fierce. The UK's electric-vehicle market is now crowded with both established European names and an influx of Chinese brands. And that's good news for buyers. 

"Competition is healthy," says Roger Atkins, automotive analyst and founder of Electric Vehicles Outlook. "It keeps prices sharp and products exciting — and that's great for consumers."

Chinese automakers have made extraordinary inroads into Europe's EV market. Brands such as BYD, MG, Great Wall Motors, NIO and XPeng have all launched in the UK in the past five years — with MG now a familiar sight on British roads and BYD's Atto 3 climbing the sales charts. 

Analysts predict that by 2030, one in six cars sold in the UK will be Chinese-made, as British buyers embrace their blend of design, innovation and affordability.

"The UK consumer is very open to Chinese brands," notes automotive journalist Richard Aucock. "We like innovation, design and value — and Geely ticks all those boxes."

To meet demand, Geely plans to expand rapidly, with 100 dealerships nationwide by the end of 2026. The goal: to make the EX5 as easy to buy — and charge — as it is to admire.

And if tonight's reaction in London is any measure, Britain may soon be ready to change gear — and go Chinese.