Ahead of the next-gen 2023 Geely Boyue’s debut later this year, the new C-segment SUV has been fully unmasked, giving us a good look at Geely’s latest design language.
First things first, let’s address that new front fascia. First previewed on the Geely Vision Starburst, the next-gen Boyue, codenamed FX11, will likely be the first model to adopt the new design language.
As such, it gets a very recognizable front-end, with lighting elements pushed to the very edges of the SUV, while an oversized front grille fills up the rest. Recognizable, the Boyue certainly is.
Towards the rear-end of the FX11, Geely went to town with its design, giving the new SUV sharp lines and creases. Squint your eyes and you could even see hints of the Hyundai Stargazer in the tail light design.
Interestingly, the Chinese characters on the lower right corner of the tailgate does not spell out 博越 (Boyue), instead starts with a 星 (Xing). Could Geely drop the long-serving Boyue nameplate with a newer name, likely inspired by models like the Xingyue (星越)?
In terms of powertrain, Chinese media outlets mentioned that the FX11 could be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine found in the Xingyue L. Additionally, Geely’s range of Hi.X petrol-electric hybrid powertrains are also expected to be fitted to the next-gen Boyue.
What about Malaysia?
Recall that the Proton X70 is based on the Geely Boyue. As such, it is only a matter of time before the second-generation, CMA-based Proton X70 debuts in Malaysia.
Local assembly (CKD) work of the Proton X70 started at the Tanjung Malim plant in late-2019, before going on sale in February 2020, less than a month before Covid-19 wreaked havoc on Proton’s plans.
Thus, the current-generation Proton X70, which is based on the first facelifted Boyue, will likely soldier on until 2025. As such, Proton could be skipping the FX11 Boyue and go straight for the facelifted model instead.
Keyword: Next-gen Proton X70? CMA-based Geely FX11 unmasked and it may not be called Boyue