Geely sneaks into the Netherlands, and Volkswagen has every reason to worry
After summer, Geely lands its compact electric hatchback in the Netherlands. Three trims, rear-wheel drive and a price tag that won’t leave VW and Renault sleeping easy.
Volkswagen and Renault, brace yourselves — Geely is heading straight for your most sensitive turf. After summer, the Chinese giant rolls out its compact electric hatchback E2 in the Netherlands, taking direct aim at two future icons of the segment: the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Renault 5 E-Tech Electric.
Here’s a curious twist: this car has been living a double, even triple life for a while now. In China it’s known as the Geome Xingyuan, in several countries it’s sold as the EX2, and in Malaysia it goes by Proton eMas 5. In the Netherlands, it’ll settle in under a short and snappy badge — Geely E2.
The dimensions are compact, but not toy-like: 4.14 m long, 1.81 m wide, 1.57 m tall, with a 2.65 m wheelbase. In terms of size, the E2 slots neatly between the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo and ID. Cross — and it stands apart with rounded, almost cute styling and, far more intriguingly, rear-wheel drive. In this price segment, that’s a rarity bordering on a provocation.
Three versions are confirmed for the Netherlands: Max, Pro and Ultra. The entry-level Max gets a 252 km range, while the punchier Pro and Ultra stretch to 345 km. Battery capacities for the local market haven’t been disclosed yet, but in other markets Geely uses packs from 30.1 to 40.8 kWh. Power outputs come in at 79 or 116 hp. The boot swallows 375 litres — plus a welcome bonus: a 70-litre front compartment for your charging cable and bits and pieces.