Words: Autocar
Published 6 February 2026
Geely EX5 owners in New Zealand are receiving a major over-the-air (OTA) software update this week that adds Android Auto connectivity and enhanced driver assistance features.
First announced in Australia, the update is being progressively rolled out between February 4-9 and delivers three key enhancements designed to improve everyday usability and the overall driving experience.
Geely NZ brand manager Jordan Haines confirmed the update is landing locally now.
“We are pleased to launch this update to bring Android Auto and make Drive Setup more accessible,” says Haines. “This has been driven from customer feedback and shows the commitment to continuously update our great product.”
Android Auto and driver profiles headline update
The headline addition is Android Auto in-car connectivity, offering both wired and wireless support for broader in-vehicle integration. This addresses a key connectivity gap for smartphone users wanting seamless device integration.
The update also introduces Drive Setup one-touch activation, allowing drivers to create and quickly access their preferred driving setting profiles. The system can be activated via a steering wheel shortcut button or through the swipe-down menu on the central screen.
The customisable profile includes drive mode selection (Eco, Comfort, Sport), energy regeneration levels (Low, Medium, High, Auto), and various driver assistance settings including lane keeping assist, emergency lane keeping assistance, driver fatigue detection, and speed limit alerts.
A third enhancement adds customisable acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) low-speed alert sounds, offering three selectable audio profiles called Classic, Galactic, and Constellation.
The update includes additional convenience features such as tailgate control added to the swipe-down shortcut menu and notification sounds to confirm drive mode switching.
Owners can perform the installation at home without visiting a service centre. Geely Auto recommends customers download the update using home or smartphone Wi-Fi for a stable connection, with comprehensive instructions available on the Geely Connected Services website.
The company says every update to the Geely EX5 is inspired by real user feedback from around the world. The first OTA update for the Starray EM-i hybrid model is expected in the latter half of the first quarter.
