Finally, a crucial piece of the puzzle is here for Geely EX5 owners! For a while now, those behind the wheel of the Geely EX5 in Australia have been missing a feature that's become almost standard in new cars. But here's where it gets exciting: a significant over-the-air (OTA) software update is rolling out this week, bringing a much-anticipated capability to the Chinese automaker's first Australian model: Android Auto.
This digital enhancement began its journey to EX5 owners on February 4, 2026, and the seamless rollout is expected to conclude by February 9. The best part? You don't even need to schedule a trip to the dealership. This update can be downloaded directly to your mid-size electric SUV using your home Wi-Fi or your smartphone's connection, making it incredibly convenient.
When the Geely EX5 made its debut Down Under in early 2025, it was positioned as a contender against popular models like the Tesla Model Y. Geely isn't stopping there, either; they've also committed to delivering the first local OTA update for the related plug-in hybrid, the Starray EM-i, before the end of March. It's clear Geely is focused on enhancing their offerings post-launch.
And this is the part most people miss: While the infotainment system will now beautifully integrate Android Auto, featuring both wired and wireless connectivity, it's worth noting that the climate controls will continue to be managed from the bottom section of the infotainment touchscreen, similar to how Apple CarPlay is integrated.
But the benefits don't stop at just app mirroring! This update injects a couple of clever features designed to make the EX5's safety functions even more intuitive and user-friendly. For instance, there are now three distinct low-speed Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sounds to choose from: Classic, Galactic, and Constellation. This adds a touch of personalization to how the car signals its presence to pedestrians.
Furthermore, Geely has introduced the ability to save your preferred driving settings. Imagine setting up your ideal drive mode, energy regeneration level, and even the on/off status for systems like lane-keep assist, emergency lane-keep assist, and driver fatigue detection. Once configured, you can effortlessly recall this personalized profile using a dedicated shortcut button on the steering wheel or via a quick swipe-down gesture on the touchscreen. You can even tailor your preferred speed limit alert settings within this profile, opting for it to be off, indicated by a blinking icon, or a blinking icon accompanied by an audible alert.
To top it all off, the update also includes a notification sound that plays when you switch between drive modes, along with a handy shortcut for tailgate control accessible from the swipe-down menu.
It's interesting to reflect that the Geely EX5 was among the very few new vehicles launched in Australia without Android Auto upon its arrival. It also initially lacked Apple CarPlay, though that was rectified with an update in August 2025. With the addition of Android Auto, the EX5 now aligns with the vast majority of new cars on the market. In fact, in its segment, only the Leapmotor C10 now remains without these essential connectivity features.
Looking at sales figures from last year, the Geely EX5 found 3944 homes in Australia. While this number was surpassed by the BYD Sealion 7 (which sold 13,410 units), the EX5 significantly outperformed other electric SUVs like the Leapmotor C10 (579 units) and the Deepal S07 (287 units). It even came remarkably close to the sales of the petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid MG HS, which sold 4201 units.
Now, here’s a thought to ponder: With the addition of Android Auto, does the Geely EX5 now truly compete head-to-head with established rivals in terms of user experience, or are there still lingering aspects that differentiate it? What are your thoughts on these OTA updates and their impact on vehicle ownership? Let us know in the comments below!
