Geely Galaxy Cruiser Moves Closer To Production

In China, Geely is stepping forward with its own take on a rugged off-road SUV. We first saw this vehicle last year as the Galaxy Cruiser concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. Now Geely has released images of a lightly camouflaged prototype testing in Sweden, close to the Arctic Circle near Arjeplog.

That is the place where carmakers send prototypes to deal with extreme cold, icy roads, and brutal weather. According to Geely, the tests focused on things like traction, powertrain performance, and climate systems.

Even through the camouflage, the design is pretty easy to read. The shape is boxy and upright, clearly aimed at the same audience as the Land Rover Defender. You can see short overhangs, wide fenders, and a side-hinged tailgate with a spare wheel mounted on the back. The production model appears to stay very close to the original concept’s design.

Technical details are still under wraps, but the expectation is some form of plug-in hybrid powertrain. Reports suggest it could use Geely’s SEA-R platform, the same architecture linked to vehicles like the Zeekr 9X and future hybrid versions of the Lotus Eletre. One possible setup includes a 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine paired with three electric motors and a large 70 kWh battery, potentially allowing around 220 miles of electric driving.

Geely has already hinted that the SUV will head to Europe after launching in China, with the UK likely among the first markets outside Asia. Some reports suggest a different hybrid system could also appear, possibly using a smaller 1.5-liter engine.

Either way, Geely is clearly targeting the same space as the Defender. And if even half of the concept’s wild claims make it to production, including its ability to float and move slowly through water, this could turn into a very interesting new player in the off-road SUV world.