In an automotive landscape where the in-car experience is increasingly defined by software, Geely has rolled out a significant over-the-air update for its EX5 electric SUV, addressing key user feedback and enhancing the vehicle’s day-to-day usability. This latest software push is centered on delivering long-awaited connectivity features and introducing a new layer of driver-centric personalization, effectively evolving the vehicle’s capabilities long after it has left the showroom floor. The update underscores a commitment to refining the ownership experience by rectifying initial feature omissions and empowering drivers with more streamlined control over their vehicle’s settings. By focusing on both major functionality, like smartphone integration, and nuanced quality-of-life improvements, the update aims to create a more intuitive and seamless interface between the driver and the machine. This move reflects a broader industry trend where automakers leverage OTA technology not just for bug fixes, but for substantial feature deployments that keep their products competitive and aligned with evolving consumer expectations in the connected-car era.
Bridging the Connectivity Gap
The most prominent addition in this software release is the introduction of Android Auto, a feature whose absence at the EX5’s initial launch was a notable point of discussion among potential buyers and early adopters. Fulfilling its promise to expand in-car connectivity, Geely has now enabled both wired and wireless Android Auto functionality, which integrates directly with the vehicle’s expansive 15.4-inch central infotainment display. This development brings the EX5 to feature parity with its existing Apple CarPlay integration, ensuring a comprehensive and familiar interface for a much broader segment of smartphone users. Beyond this headline feature, the update also refines the auditory experience with several subtle yet impactful changes. Drivers can now select from three new low-speed pedestrian-alerting sounds, dubbed Classic, Galactic, and Constellation, allowing for a touch of personalization in how the vehicle announces its presence. Furthermore, a new confirmation sound now accompanies any change in drive modes, providing clear, audible feedback that a new setting has been engaged, enhancing driver awareness without requiring visual confirmation.
Personalization and Future Prospects
This update introduced a driver profile shortcut, a sophisticated feature aimed at streamlining the customization of the driving experience. This new function allows owners to save their preferred configurations for select safety assist systems, the three primary drive modes (Eco, Comfort, and Sport), and various energy regeneration levels into a single, easily accessible profile. While critical safety features such as lane-keeping assist and speed-limit alerts will still default to their active state upon each startup to comply with ANCAP safety standards, the shortcut provides a one-touch solution to revert all other settings to the driver’s saved preferences. This convenience feature is accessible either through a dedicated steering wheel button or via the infotainment screen’s swipe-down menu, minimizing distraction and setup time. The update also brought a specific enhancement for the EX5 Inspire trim, adding a power tailgate shortcut to the on-screen menu. Looking ahead, Geely confirmed that owners of the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid could anticipate a similar OTA update later in the first quarter of the year, which was also expected to include the much-anticipated addition of Android Auto, signaling a consistent software strategy across its modern vehicle lineup.
