- The Geely E2 reportedly sold 244,000 units in the first half of 2026, beating the Tesla Model Y and Xiaomi SU7.
- Starting at around $9,000 in China, this compact hatchback combines a spacious interior with modern technology.
- Despite the global SUV boom, this simple electric hatchback proves that practicality can still win over buyers.
In China, there’s a small car that’s getting a lot of buzz – and more importantly, it’s selling in huge numbers. Meet the country’s best-selling vehicle in 2025, Geely E2. As of now, it is still holding on to that title in 2026.
Although the figures are not yet official, estimates suggest that the compact electric hatchback – also sold as the Geely EX2, Geely Galaxy Xingyuan and Geome Xingyuan – found around 244,000 buyers in China during the first half of 2026 alone. This is enough to beat the Tesla Model Y (215,000), Xiaomi SU7 (182,000) and Leapmotor A10 (171,000).
So what is behind the success of Geely E2? And can it repeat that performance in Europe?
This story originally appeared on Motor1 Italy
Small hatchbacks are beating big SUVs
Geely’s relatively simple five-door hatchback (albeit electric) is outselling some of the largest SUVs and sedans in China’s highly competitive market. This is especially impressive considering new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include EVs, plug-in hybrids and range-extended models, now account for about 63 percent of all new car sales in the country.
Geely E2 is in a good position in both size and price. At 162.0 inches long, it sits at the larger end of the B-segment hatchback class, making it larger than cars like the Renault 5, Peugeot 208 and BYD Dolphin Surf. Its 104.3-inch wheelbase also gives it interior space and cargo capacity that is better than its class.
Price is another big advantage. In China, pricing for the E2 starts at just ¥64,800 (about $9,000), which puts it just above the smaller Wuling Hongguang mini EV, which starts at ¥44,800 ($6,600), while below the BYD Seagull (known as the Dolphin Surf in Europe), which starts at ¥69,900 ($10,300). By comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts at ¥263,500 ($38,900) in China.
Modern look, lots of features
The E2 also avoids overly futuristic styling that may alienate some buyers. Instead, it has clean, modern lines that appeal to a wide audience, as well as offering an impressive amount of equipment for the money.
Standard features include an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment display, full-LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (46.6 cubic feet when you fold them), and a convenient 2.5-cubic-foot front trunk.
Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor paired with affordable, durable LFP batteries. Depending on the version, the E2 offers a range of 157 to 214 miles – more than enough for everyday driving. In Europe, where it is sold in markets such as Italy, prices start at around €20,900.
The formula is not complicated: affordable price, practical size, solid range and modern technology. In China’s highly competitive EV market, this is proving to be just what buyers want.
Motor1’s Opinion: The Geely E2 proves that, in some cases, simpler is better. With tons of features and a very affordable price, it’s really no surprise that this little five-door is making such a big impact in China.
