Safety and Crash Tests with Geely: Considering Chinese Cars Unsafe is a Big Mistake
There are car brands in Italy (and in Europe) that actually belong—fully or partially—to the Geely Group, a giant in the Chinese automotive industry. Recently, the company has decided to enter our market with its direct brand, to increase its competitiveness, and to make its name known, often overlooked by Western consumers.
To start in Italy, it chose the fully electric EX5 SUV (E5 in other markets) and the Super Hybrid Starray EM-i. These two vehicles were the stars of a day dedicated to safety, where we tested their performance on a safe driving course and witnessed a live crash test.
Electric Doesn’t Mean Hard to Drive
The tests took place at the Paris headquarters of UTAC, one of the world's leading independent groups in automotive testing, validation, and certification. UTAC is also one of only eight Euro NCAP accredited laboratories in Europe.
Our day began with a test course to assess the dynamic capabilities of the Geely EX5, starting with a gymkhana test at 70 km/h. Yes, it’s an electric SUV, but its low center of gravity from the battery on the floor provides remarkable agility even during sudden direction changes.
The emergency braking simulation at the end of the slalom was also excellent. The second part continued with a test of agility and control, simulating a “cheerful” entry into a roundabout but on a wet surface. The EX5 demonstrated agility with a steering wheel that isn't overly direct; it feels calibrated for everyone, allowing for easy entry at the front and a rear that can almost oversteer, with electronics intervening to prevent skidding.
Next, we tested the ADAS that reconstructs the road immediately around the vehicle using 360-degree cameras, allowing us to make very tight turns with close obstacles. The turning radius was surprising for a vehicle of considerable size. The test concluded with an emergency stop from 80 km/h on wet cobblestones in real-time, with sprinklers active. Stopping distance was obviously extended, but the ABS and stability control worked in unison to keep the vehicle as stable and steerable as possible.
Crash Test: When Build Quality Matters
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the Starray EM-i, which underwent a voluntary study crash test. As explained by Geely's technical directors, cars involved in road accidents often don’t endure a single impact but experience multiple collisions within tenths of a second.
That’s why UTAC's test included a simulation of a side impact at 60 km/h, followed by a rebound towards a stable object on the opposite side, such as a pole, tree, or anything that might be beside the road. Inside, the usual dummies with various sensors were present, including children in the back seat, with a seat for the youngest child. You can see the slow-motion impact video on our Instagram profile:
Right from the start, the Starray EM-i appeared to have deformed very little in relation to the severity of the impact, and even though it is a thermal and electric vehicle, there was no sign of fumes or fire hazards.
However, these were just initial visual impressions; we had to wait for data analysis, which arrived after about an hour. The UTAC director then illustrated the crash test results. First and foremost, the vehicle maintained visibility and accessibility within the cabin, with unlocked doors. These might seem like obvious things, but they are critical for first responders. The car's main structure remained intact and undeformed, despite the impact occurring in a very localized area.
The airbags deployed as expected, albeit with slightly varied timing, as per this type of impact. The seats held up, despite minor damage. The battery always raises legitimate concerns, but everything went as planned by Geely engineers. The system activated the high-voltage battery cut-off in a timely manner, even though the battery pack suffered no damage, well protected by a high-strength metal cage. There were no coolant leaks either.
The most important aspect—the safety of the passengers—was on the same line. All occupants were properly restrained, and no one sustained significant injuries. Ultimately, the test was considered a full success.
Mutual Exchange Between West and East
After the data analysis, it was time for Geely's Chief Safety Technology Officer, Dayong Zhou, to explain how his company achieved certain standards that are not just on paper, as we saw live. An important role was played by the acquisition of Volvo years ago, one of the most advanced European manufacturers in road safety, both active and passive.
But to think that the benefit was one-sided is mistaken. Because Geely has also provided Volvo with know-how, especially technological, accumulated over decades, and the final result, visible in Geely cars, is not a simple sum but a much higher value.
This is the best answer Geely can give to detractors of Chinese cars. When a company has serious intentions, just like Geely, to think that Chinese cars are not as safe as Western ones is merely a simplistic cliché, while the reality is exactly the opposite. These are cars ready to exceed the most stringent tests, to the point that the manufacturer is not afraid to demonstrate live a crash test that goes even beyond what Euro NCAP requires.