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One single model in China sold over a third of Australia’s whole new car volume. Could it turn the market on its head here?
Electric Cars
The best-selling new car in China in 2025 was a model you probably haven’t heard of. Yet.
The Geely Xingyuan was confirmed as China’s best-selling model, and it’s bound for Australia.
For local consumption, the compact EV will be renamed the Geely EX2 and will slot into Australia’s light car class.
In 2025, the EX2 sold 465,775 units in China.
The Geely EX2 has been confirmed for sale in Australia, but isn't set to arrive until the second half of 2026.
When it arrives, it will likely slot into Australia’s light car class, alongside rivals like the MG 3 and Mazda 2.
Those two cars topped their Light Cars Under $30K sales class, with 8350 MG 3 sales and 4346 Mazda 2s sold in 2025.
While Geely may make an impact, it’s unlikely to repeat the chart-topping popularity it enjoys in its home market.
Australia’s top-selling passenger vehicle segment, Medium SUVs Under $60K, recorded 241,525 sales last year, while the Light Cars Under $30K segment recorded 19,031 sales.
Australia’s appetite for larger vehicles is reflected in strong sales for medium SUVs, large SUVs and 4x4 utes, while traditional non-SUV passenger car sales fell by 22.8 per cent across all categories.
The Geely EX2 is yet to have its Australian specifications confirmed, but in China, the EX2 undercuts the price of the BYD Atto 1 – Australia’s cheapest EV from $23,990 plus on-road costs.
The EX2 is equipped with an 85kW/150Nm single electric motor powering the rear wheels and comes with a choice of 30kWh or 40kWh batteries in China, resulting in 310km and 410km range ratings, based on favourable Chinese test conditions.
At 4135mm long, the EX2 is 22mm longer than an MG 3, but 145mm longer than the compact Atto 1. The 2650mm wheelbase of the EX2 also exceeds that of hte MG 3 by 80mm.
China’s best-seller title has switched significantly, with EX2 city hatch taking over from medium SUVs, including the BYD Song in 2024 and 2022, while the Tesla Model Y claimed top spot in 2023.
Electric Cars Guide
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
