Seven models in two years, starting with RAV4 Hybrid rival
A new electrified sub-brand from Chinese auto giant Geely is planning to launch seven new models within two years.
Geely Galaxy – not Milky Way, as was speculated prior to last night’s reveal – will start the new product rollout with the Toyota RAV4-sized L7 plug-in hybrid SUV in the second quarter of 2023.
The L7 was shown on-stage at the Hangzhou launch along with a sleek (0.19Cd) concept car called the Galaxy Light that is thought to preview the first battery electric-model from the brand, the E8.
Galaxy L7 (left) and Galaxy Light
How much of the Light’s design and tech flows through to the production E8 will be interesting to see. Butterfly front doors, rear-hinged rear doors, a full-width dash display and translucent materials were all shown off. No performance data was revealed.
The E8 is expected to go on sale by the end of 2023. All-up, by 2025, the brand says it will have four PHEVs and three EVs on sale in China.
And beyond China? There were no definitive statements about export markets, only a claim that Galaxy models would be provided “full global coverage” for mapping and driver assistance by a network of 72 Geely low-orbit satellites that will all be launched by 2025.
An Australian launch could make sense considering parent Geely Auto has previously said it’s interested in coming here and another Geely Group brand, Lynk & Co, is expected here by 2025.
Of course, Geely Group brands Volvo, Polestar and Lotus are already established in Australia.
As well as Galaxy vehicles, Geely Auto used the event to roll out a slew of new technologies including the NordThor Hybrid 8848 powertrain (the number denotes the height of Mount Everest in metres), Aegis battery safety system and a smart vehicle operating system dubbed Galaxy N-OS.
EV models will be underpinned by the latest version of Geely’s SEA architecture while the PHEVs will employ a platform called e-CMA co-developed with Volvo.
The L7 will debut the Nordthor powertrain, which is claimed to be the most thermally-efficient mass-production unit in the industry, at 44.26 per cent. It also improves fuel-efficiency by 15 per cent thanks to an “industry-first” predictive energy management system.
Driving via a three-speed transmission, Geely says the Nordthor powertrain can deliver 287kW or a big 488kW, although the L7’s 7.5sec claimed 0-100km/h time and 200km/h top speed don’t suggest it’s got that sort of power.
Buyers are likely to be more impressed by the 5.23L/100km (WLTC) consumption claim and the 1370km range on a single tank. Pure-electric battery range has yet to be announced.
Inside the L7 there are no less than four large displays: a 10.25-inch instrument panel, a 13.2-inch centre control screen, a 16.2-inch co-pilot screen and a 25.6-inch head-up display.
The L7 measures 4700mm wide, 1905mm wide and 1685mm wide. The wheelbase is 2785mm.
Orders opened for the L7 in China today, with pricing starting at the equivalent of $42,500.
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Keyword: Geely launches Galaxy electric brand