Geely EX5 finally gets a key missing feature

Geely EX5 owners will receive an over-the-air (OTA) software update this week that will deliver a long-awaited feature for the Chinese auto brand’s debut model in Australia: Android Auto.

The OTA update started being delivered to owners on February 4, 2026, and the rollout will continue until February 9. The update can be downloaded to the mid-size electric SUV using your home or smartphone Wi-Fi, so there’s no need to visit a dealership.

While the EX5 became the latest Tesla Model Y rival to arrive here when it launched the Geely brand Down Under in early 2025, Geely has also promised the related plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i will get its first local OTA update before the end of March.

As with Apple CarPlay, the climate controls remain anchored to the bottom of the infotainment touchscreen.

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Not only does this update to the EX5 bring Android Auto with wired and wireless connectivity, but it also brings a couple of features intended to make safety functions more user-friendly.

There are now three low-speed Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sounds called Classic, Galactic and Constellation.

Geely has also added the option to set your preferred driving setting profile and then access it via a steering wheel shortcut button or from the swipe-down menu on the touchscreen.

Drivers can set their preferred drive mode and energy regeneration level, and whether they want the lane-keep assist, emergency lane-keep assist and driver fatigue detection systems on or off.

You can also include your preferred speed limit alert setting in this profile, choosing between off, a blinking icon, or a blinking icon and audible alert.

Finally, the OTA update also brings a notification sound when changing drive modes, plus a shortcut to tailgate control in the swipe-down shortcut menu.

The Geely EX5 was one of the few new models sold in Australia without Android Auto when it arrived here; it also lacked Apple CarPlay, though this was added in August 2025.

The addition of Apple CarPlay and now Android Auto leaves only the Leapmotor C10 in this segment without these features.

Last year, Geely delivered 3944 examples of the EX5 in Australia. While that fell short of the rival BYD Sealion 7 (13,410), which also launched early in 2025, the EX5 trounced other electric SUVs like the C10 (579) and Deepal S07 (287).

It also came within striking distance of the petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid MG HS (4201).

MORE: Explore the Geely EX5 showroom