Geely locks in Galaxy Cruiser 4x4

Geely has locked in its 12-month product roadmap and confirmed it’s readying a rugged large 4x4 with plug-in hybrid power for Aus – all but certain to be the Galaxy Cruiser previously touted for our market – along with a pair of sedans and three more SUVs.

The Galaxy Cruiser – sold as Geely Zhanjian 700 in China – name hasn’t yet been locked in for Australia just yet but expect the off-roader to bring serious firepower from its plug-in hybrid powertrain and trio of electric motors.

Given the flagship version produces a whopping 830kW from its 2.0-litre turbocharged PHEV system overseas, the 4x4 is all but certain to outmuscle the likes of the Denza B8 (425kW/760Nm) and GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV (300kW/750Nm) as well as traditional 4x4s.

It’s also expected to nab low-range gearing, a locking rear differential and a circa-70kWh battery pack.

Speaking to carsales at the local launch of the new EX2, Geely Australia’s director of product planning and marketing, Andrew Tuitahi, confirmed the inbound 4x4 would boast high levels of performance.

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

But Tuitahi stopped short of comparing it to hero 4x4s like the Land Rover Defender or LandCruiser.

“There's a lot of really big names to be calling out there as a new arrival… let's wait and see.”

Geely’s high-performance ambitions aren’t exactly clear – it doesn’t plan on bringing an MG4 XPOWER-rivalling hot hatch at this stage – however, Tuitahi admitted the rugged off-roader will arrive with “surprising levels of performance”.

The roadmap aligns with previous intel suggesting Geely would introduce the plug-in hybrid-powered Emgrand sedan, along with Monjaro five-seat SUV and a seven-seat SUV.

A battery-electric medium electric sedan is also expected to arrive as a rival to the BYD Seal.

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