Chinese technology giant Geely is about to rewrite the laws of physics when maneuvering, demonstrating a prototype that makes previous ideas about steering seem like from the last century. The experimental electric crossover Geely EX5 literally “dances“ on the road thanks to a revolutionary system in which each of the four wheels is steered completely independently and can turn an incredible 90 degrees.
Unlike the luxury limousines we know with a steering rear axle, where the deviation is only a few degrees, here the architecture is radically different. Engineers have implemented the electric motors directly into the wheels themselves, eliminating the need for heavy transmissions and steering rods. This “freedom” allows the car to perform zero-radius pirouettes, move sideways in “crab mode“ or fit into parking spaces that were previously considered impossible.
One of the most attractive features shown by Geely is the control of the car “from the outside“. During the demonstration, the software was controlled via a special glove, but in the future, it will be controlled via a smartwatch or phone. Imagine pulling up in front of a narrow garage and simply “ordering“ on your Geely EX5 to park itself while you stand on the sidewalk.
In addition to convenience in the urban jungle, the system also promises unexpected levels of safety. The ability to precisely adjust the angle and traction of each wheel in real time allows the electronics to counteract aquaplaning, strong crosswinds, or loss of stability during sharp maneuvers at high speed. This is practically an evolution of the ESP system, taken to a completely new mechanical level.
Of course, the road to mass production is not without obstacles. The company itself admits that the technology is in its early stages, and skeptics point to a serious design compromise: in order to rotate the wheels 90 degrees, huge arches are needed that "eat up" the space in the interior and trunk. It is possible that the rear seats in the prototype were sacrificed in the name of maneuverability - a detail that Geely skillfully concealed with tinted windows in the video.
While we wait for this fantasy to become reality, the standard Geely EX5 is already making a splash on the market. Built on the modular GEA platform, the crossover offers a solid power of 215 hp and a range of about 430 km on the WLTP cycle. The model, known in China as the Galaxy E5, is a key player in the brand's global strategy and is already being produced in Malaysia under the name Proton eMas 7, proving that Geely has serious intentions to dictate the rules in the electric era.