Geely Says Its 1,113-HP Off-Roader Drew 43,900 Pre-Orders in One HourAutoblogLeroy MarionThu, September 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Chinese automaker Geely has officially opened pre-sales for its first off-road-focused SUV, the Galaxy 700. Consumer response was immediate: the brand recorded 10,000 orders within nine minutes and reached 43,900 refundable pre-orders inside the first hour. The limited-production "Land Ark" launch edition, capped at 700 units, sold out almost instantly. Pre-sale pricing ranges from $29,400 for the base configuration up to $57,300 for top-tier specifications.While the Galaxy 700 is currently tailored for the domestic market, its initial sales performance highlights the rapid pace of development among Chinese automakers. For North American observers, the brand's parent firm is already a significant industry player. The conglomerate already maintains a solid foothold in the U.S. market through its ownership of established premium brands such as Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus.GeelySpecs Show it as a No-BrainerUnderneath its rugged exterior styling, the Galaxy 700 utilizes Geely's Thor EM-T electric hybrid system paired with a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup and a choice of a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Total system output reaches 1,113 hp. This setup accelerates the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 3.95 seconds, delivering power metrics that easily surpass traditional rivals in the hardcore utility segment.AdvertisementAdvertisementA 47.14 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate battery supplies energy and supports 800V fast charging. Electric-only range is rated at around 190 miles under CLTC testing, with total combined range exceeding 745 miles. Off-road hardware includes a rear mechanical differential lock, 9 inches of ground clearance, 30° approach and 31° departure angles, and a 31-inch maximum wading depth. An active emergency floating mode allows the vehicle to navigate water for up to 40 minutes if wading depth is exceeded, while a "Waltz Turn" feature reduces the turning radius to 11 feet.Inside, the cabin incorporates a five-screen display setup, an 18.5-liter dual-opening refrigerator, and 14-point massaging front seats. The vehicle's AI digital chassis manages 17 specialized driving modes, including a "Crab Walk" function for maneuverability in tight terrain, and achieved a 50 mph moose test entry speed during development testing.GeelyCould Have Been Perfect on Our RoadsThe Geely Galaxy 700 provides a clear look at how quickly electrified off-road technology is evolving. Its high horsepower output, extensive trail capability, and modern cabin technology make a compelling package at this price point. Automotive reporters who recently tested Geely vehicles noted that the manufacturer's assembly quality and overall chassis dynamics have steadily met global standards.For established North American truck and utility builders, these volume metrics reflect broader changes in consumer demand. As hybrid and electric architectures continue to mature, expectations around vehicle capability, onboard power, and chassis electronics are rising rapidly. This raises an inevitable question for domestic buyers: will we ever see these affordable, powerful SUVs stateside? While current tariffs and trade regulations effectively block Chinese vehicles from the U.S. market, the benchmark it sets will likely influence competitive strategy across the global segment.GeelyThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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