Geely Galaxy Cruiser is the brand’s retro Land Rover Defender rival
Despite the vast array of modern cars with space-age designs, it seems car makers are still keen to instil a hint of nostalgia with some new models.
That’s certainly the case with Geely’s new plug-in hybrid SUV. Named the Geely Galaxy Cruiser, it’s aimed directly at the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Currently in concept form, the Galaxy Cruiser is very close to production, with sales due to start in China by the end of the year. The SUV will also go on sale in several other markets, including the UK.
The Galaxy Cruiser features a design seemingly inspired by SUVs of the 80s and 90s, with a boxy silhouette, round front headlights and other chunky design cues. Geely itself admitted it was strongly inspired by other iconic, off-roading SUVs, including the Defender, G-Class, and Toyota Land Cruiser.
It first appeared at the Shanghai motor show last year. It uses Geely’s SEA-R platform, which is also used by the Zeekr 9X, which itself is a large plug-in hybrid SUV with an eye-catching design.
An adapted version of the platform will also be used by the incoming Lotus Eletre plug-in hybrid, the PHEV version of Lotus’s electric SUV, which is due to be fully revealed later this month.
The Galaxy Cruiser is expected to use the same hybrid powertrain as its Lotus and Zeekr siblings. We’re expecting the car to use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine along with a 70kWh battery.
On electric-only power, the car is capable of 220 miles, although that figure comes courtesy of China’s CLTC test cycle, which is more generous than the WLTP standard used in Europe.
The technically similar Zeekr 9X uses three electric motors with all-wheel drive capability. That car produces an incredible 1381bhp, with the Eletre plug-in hybrid standing at 912bhp. We’re expecting a similar motor layout and comparable performance from the Galaxy Cruiser.
While many of its rivals are focused on on-road capability, the Galaxy Cruiser is set to offer impressive off-road ability. It has been extensively tested in Chinese desert conditions.
The Galaxy Cruiser features an independent active suspension that controls each wheel individually, which is useful in low-grip environments, including on sand and snow. It also benefits from an 800mm wading depth, plus steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technology.
According to Geely, the SUV also uses AI to support its ADAS functions. It will be capable of highlighting oncoming obstacles and other ways to keep safe.
Geely is venturing into new territory with the Galaxy Cruiser, as the vehicle marks the manufacturer’s first foray into the rugged, off-road market.
