by Chinese automaker Geely has released images of a camouflaged prototype of a new off-roader, whose design resembles the Land Rover Defender. This model is expected to go on sale in China and Europe. Among the possible technical features mentioned are a hybrid powertrain with three electric motors and the ability to travel on water.
A Competitor for the Defender
Land Rover sales in China were so low that the British company ceased local production of its own vehicles and entered into a partnership with Geely to create off-roaders the size of the Freelander. Simultaneously, Geely is preparing to unveil its own boxy off-roader, which is aimed directly at the Land Rover Defender’s audience and is not shy about borrowing key design themes.
The large off-roader was first presented last year as the Galaxy Cruiser concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. Now Geely has shown several images of a disguised prototype of the production car, with sales in China set to begin by the end of this year, and it is reportedly due to arrive in Europe shortly thereafter.
Testing in Harsh Conditions
The photos were taken near Arjeplog in Sweden, a location where automakers go to test their vehicles in extreme cold. Geely reports that it tested climate systems, powertrain efficiency, and traction in severe frost. If you’re making a Defender-like off-roader, you need to ensure it can do more than just look pretty outside a designer bag store in Shanghai.
Design and Platform
Externally, the production version is very close to last year’s concept. The silhouette shows clear Defender influences, including short overhangs, flared wheel arches, and side-hinged tailgate with an externally mounted spare wheel. The camouflage cannot hide the similarly flared rear fenders or the rounded front end.
Geely has not confirmed technical specifications, but it is most likely the vehicle will receive a plug-in hybrid setup. It was previously reported that it will be built on the Geely SEA-R platform, used on the Zeekr 9X and intended for the hybrid Lotus Eletre. The model may get a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with three electric motors. A large, by hybrid standards, 70 kWh battery pack could provide up to 220 miles (354 km) of electric-only range.
We will definitely launch this car in the UK.
According to Chinese sources, the model may also receive the 1.5 hybrid system from the Galaxy M9 SUV. Whatever the truth, it will be supported by an AI-managed all-wheel-drive system and, hopefully, the concept’s ability to stay afloat for two hours and travel on water at a speed of 5 mph (8.5 km/h).
The emergence of such a car from Geely clearly demonstrates the ambitions of Chinese manufacturers not just to copy, but to create competitive products for key segments of the global market dominated by historic brands. Cooperating with Land Rover on one project while directly competing with it on another is an interesting example of modern automotive strategy. The ability to move on water, if implemented in the production model, could become a unique feature that sets the vehicle apart from its peers, turning a technical curiosity from a concept into a real advantage for a few, but loyal, buyers.
