Image Credit: Geely.Geely is preparing to launch one of China's most extreme new luxury off-road SUVs. Called the Galaxy Cruiser 700, the plug-in hybrid combines boxy, Land Rover Defender-inspired styling with a powertrain that produces an astonishing 1,113 horsepower.The SUV, also known in China as the Zhanjian 700 or Battleship 700, was previewed at Auto Shanghai 2025 and is expected to launch in China in late 2026. Right-hand-drive versions for markets such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia are reportedly planned for late 2028 or early 2029.Although the exterior clearly invites comparisons to the Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser, the Geely takes a very different approach beneath the skin. Its combination of electric motors, a turbocharged gasoline engine, and advanced off-road technology places it closer to China's new wave of high-output luxury SUVs.AdvertisementAdvertisementOfficial pricing has not been confirmed, but early reports suggest the Galaxy Cruiser 700 could start around $70,000. That would position it far below the Land Rover Defender OCTA, despite offering substantially more power.Plug-In Hybrid Power With Huge OutputImage Credit: Geely.The Galaxy Cruiser 700 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors. One motor powers the front axle, while two motors are mounted at the rear, giving the SUV a combined output of 1,113 horsepower.That figure is nearly double the output of the Land Rover Defender OCTA, which produces 626 horsepower from its mild-hybrid twin-turbocharged V8. Geely claims the Galaxy Cruiser 700 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, although top speed is limited to 112 mph.Despite its serious performance, this is still a heavy machine. The SUV reportedly weighs approximately 6,349 pounds, placing it among the larger and heavier luxury plug-in hybrid off-roaders.Long Electric Range for a PHEVA 70-kWh Golden Short Blade battery gives the Galaxy Cruiser 700 a claimed electric-only range of up to 217 miles. That is unusually high for a plug-in hybrid and could allow many owners to complete daily driving without using the gasoline engine.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe SUV also uses a 900-volt electrical architecture, although charging speeds have not yet been disclosed. If Geely pairs the system with rapid charging capability, the Cruiser 700 could offer much greater electric usability than many traditional plug-in hybrids.That combination of long electric range and extreme performance puts the Geely in the same conversation as models like the BYD Yangwang U8. China's luxury off-road market is quickly becoming a showcase for high-output electrified powertrains.Off-Road Tricks and Luxury TechImage Credit: Geely.Geely has equipped the Galaxy Cruiser 700 with an AI-assisted four-wheel-drive system that can switch between front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive operation. Active torque vectoring is also included to help manage traction across different surfaces.The SUV can perform crab walking and tank turns, two features increasingly common among advanced electric and plug-in hybrid off-roaders. These functions allow the vehicle to maneuver in tight spaces or challenging terrain in ways conventional SUVs cannot easily match.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe cabin follows the modern luxury SUV formula with a large tablet-style infotainment screen, chunky switchgear, knurled metal dials, and a substantial center console. Exterior details include a roof-mounted LiDAR unit, bright red tow hooks, black wheel arch trim, and a rear-mounted spare wheel.A Serious Challenger With Familiar StylingThe Galaxy Cruiser 700's design will inevitably draw attention because of its resemblance to the Land Rover Defender. Its upright proportions, boxy cabin, short overhangs, and rugged trim all follow a familiar formula.Even so, Geely's SUV brings a level of performance and electric driving range that goes well beyond the traditional Defender playbook. If the expected pricing proves accurate, the Cruiser 700 could offer a striking mix of power, technology, and value when it reaches production.Whether it can match established off-road brands for durability, refinement, and real-world capability remains to be seen. On paper, however, the Galaxy Cruiser 700 shows how aggressively Chinese automakers are pushing into the luxury adventure-SUV segment.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.
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