The RD6 is based on the M.A.P Platform, China’s first native new-energy bakkie architecture, developed from Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). The platform has been engineered specifically to combine passenger-vehicle refinement with bakkie capability.

At the top of the South African range, the Apex RD6 4WD delivers a combined 315 kW and 595 Nm, enabling a 0–100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds with Highway Terrain (HT) tyres ideal operating conditions.

According to Geely, the system can switch between 2WD and 4WD in as little as 20 milliseconds. The bakkie has an overall length of 5,260 mm, width of 1,900 mm, height of 1,880 mm and a 3,120 mm wheelbase.

Te RD6 offers dedicated drive modes including Economy, Comfort, Sport, Sand, Mud and Off-road, while its 225 mm ground clearance and 815 mm wading depth provide the capability needed for more demanding terrain.

It also features a payload of up to 1,030 kg and towing capacity of up to 3,000 kg in the flagship model.

The RD6 features a 73 kWh battery, while the flagship Apex 4WD offers a claimed 424 km NEDC range, 390 km for the Aspire Econ 4WD and a 63 kWh battery allows 369 km for the Aspire Econ 2WD.

The Aspire comes in 3 external colors – black, white and silver and 1 interior color, in black. The Apex comes in green, blue, silver, grey and white. The interior of the Apex comes in Green or Tan and Refined Black

Positioned as a premium entry-level electric vehicle (EV), the E2 is a compact five-door hatchback designed to solve the affordability gap that has historically kept South African motorists tied to internal combustion engines. Entering the market with a starting price under R340 000.

Performance and the 11-in-1 Drive System

Mechanically, the E2 is built on a dedicated electric architecture that utilises an integrated 11-in-1 electric drive system. This setup combines the motor, gearbox, and control systems into a single, high-efficiency unit to maximise responsiveness. The rear-wheel-drive configuration produces 85 kW of power and 150 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0–50 km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h.

Range, Charging, and Battery Tech

The E2 uses a 39.4 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, a chemistry favoured for its longevity and safety. On the WLTP cycle, the hatchback offers a driving range of up to 325 km, which is more than sufficient for the average South African daily commute.

Efficiency is rated at 15.2 kWh/100 km, and the vehicle supports DC fast charging up to 70 kW, enabling a 30% to 80% charge in approximately 25 minutes.

A standout technical inclusion is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing the car to act as a mobile power bank to run external appliances.

Interior Tech and Practicality

Despite its compact 4135 mm length, the dedicated EV platform allows for a flat cabin floor and a generous 2650 mm wheelbase, optimising legroom for both front and rear passengers.

The digital-first cabin is centered around a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen running Geely’s Flyme Auto Smart System, complemented by an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and full smartphone integration.

Practicality is a major focus, with 375 litres of boot space that expands to 1,320 liters with the seats down, further supplemented by a 70-litrd front trunk (frunk) for charging cables and smaller items.

Model Range and Safety

Geely is offering the E2 in two distinct grades. The entry-level Aspire focuses on essential mobility with 15-inch wheels and fabric seats, while the range-topping Apex adds a 360-degree panoramic camera with a “transparent chassis” view, vegan leather upholstery, and wireless charging.

The Apex also upgrades the safety suite with a full Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

Pricing and Local Impact

The Geely E2 is priced at R339,900 for the Aspire and R389,900 for the Apex. These figures include a 4-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and a substantial 8-year/200,000 km battery warranty. To further lower the barrier to entry, all models include a wall box home charger.