Geely Galaxy Cruiser debuts AI-powered off-road tech

Geely has revealed a new AI-controlled off-road platform capable of supporting an 830kW plug-in hybrid powertrain, with the technology set to make its production debut in the Toyota Prado-rivalling Galaxy Cruiser that is headed for Australia.

The Chinese auto giant has unveiled what it calls its new AI-powered off-road technology suite, combining the dedicated GTA – Geely Terrain Architecture – with its Thor EM-T plug-in hybrid powertrain and an AI all-terrain digital chassis.

All three technologies will make their production debut in the imposing Geely Zhanjian 700, the Chinese-market version of the Galaxy Cruiser.

Geely Australia has already confirmed a high-performance plug-in hybrid large 4x4 as part of six new models due here over the next 12 months, with the vehicle all but certain to be the Galaxy Cruiser.

Geely says the new GTA platform draws on its experience developing the CMA, SEA and GEA architectures, but has been created specifically to reconcile serious off-road ability with the refinement and packaging demanded of electrified SUVs.

Instead of using a conventional separate ladder-frame chassis, GTA combines monocoque construction with an integrated frame.

The resulting structure uses what Geely describes as a six-horizontal, seven-vertical and eight-ring cage structure.

Geely claims the design is about 100kg lighter than a traditional separate-frame construction while delivering torsional rigidity exceeding 40,000Nm/degree.

The more compact structure also frees up cabin space, with Geely claiming an 80.3 per cent effective floor-area utilisation rate, plus a completely flat floor and door sill.

But the headline act is the AI all-terrain digital chassis.

The system brings together steering, braking, suspension and powertrain control, allowing the vehicle to analyse its surroundings and adjust individual systems rather than relying on conventional fixed off-road calibrations.

Geely says its active hydraulic suspension can scan the road surface ahead and prepare the chassis for approaching bumps and other disturbances.

It can also individually control the suspension at each wheel, while the 4x4 system continuously varies torque distribution according to grip and terrain.

Rear-wheel steering adds further manoeuvrability.

Geely claims the Galaxy Cruiser can achieve an exceptionally tight 3.36-metre turning radius using its specialised steering functions, while previously demonstrated capabilities of its AI digital chassis include crab walking and on-the-spot turning.

Power comes from Geely’s new Thor EM-T electrified off-road system.

It combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a three-speed DHT hybrid transmission, a front P3 electric motor and two independently controlled P4 electric motors on the rear axle.

Geely claims a maximum combined system output of 830kW.

The company says the dedicated petrol engine achieves thermal efficiency of 48.41 per cent, while the independent rear motors allow precise left-to-right torque distribution.

A mechanical rear differential lock is also employed for more demanding off-road situations.

The Galaxy Cruiser itself measures 5085mm long, 1999mm wide and 1912mm high, riding on a 2900mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is a claimed 233mm.

Geely is also developing some more unusual capabilities for the big SUV.

When the Galaxy Cruiser concept was originally revealed, the company demonstrated technology allowing it to crab walk, perform extremely tight turns and maintain control following a tyre failure.

It also claimed the vehicle could remain afloat for up to two hours and propel itself through water at more than 8.5km/h, using vehicle-mounted sonar and water radar.

Whether every one of those functions survives into Australian production specification remains to be seen.

The Zhanjian 700/Galaxy Cruiser has already progressed well beyond its original 2025 concept form, with a production-ready version subsequently revealed and global extreme-condition testing underway.

Most importantly for Australia, right-hand-drive production is already assured.

Geely has confirmed the Galaxy Cruiser for the UK, where it is expected to arrive from 2028.

Locally, Geely Australia has stopped just short of identifying its forthcoming large PHEV 4x4 by name.

However, the company recently confirmed it will introduce a performance-focused plug-in hybrid large off-roader as part of six new models scheduled for Australia over the coming 12 months.

Geely Australia director of product planning and marketing Andrew Tuitahi told carsales the new model would represent a significant step up in performance for the brand.

“I think it will be a really good stepping stone into new expectations for the Geely brand in terms of performance,” he said.

The Galaxy Cruiser will give the rapidly expanding Geely brand an entrant in one of Australia’s hottest emerging segments – large electrified off-road SUVs.

Its obvious targets include the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, although its plug-in hybrid powertrain and enormous claimed output put it more directly against electrified Chinese rivals including the Denza B8 and GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T.

The B8 produces 425kW/760Nm, while the Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV develops 300kW/750Nm.

If the full 830kW specification is offered in Australia, the Galaxy Cruiser will therefore arrive with more than twice the claimed power of either rival.

But for now, Australian specifications, pricing and the final local name have yet to be announced.

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