The Galaxy Cruiser first appeared in concept form at the Shanghai Motor Show last year, and according to Geely design studio director Flavien Dachet, the SUV is now very close to production. Sales in China are expected to begin before the end of 2026. While no exact timeline for exports has been announced, Yan Tianxiao, Geely Auto UK’s marketing director, confirmed to Autocar that “we will definitely launch that car in the UK.”
Shared Platform, Rugged Potential
The SUV is built on Geely’s SEA-R platform, the same underpinning used by the Zeekr 9X, and an adapted version will also be used by the forthcoming Lotus Eletre plug-in hybrid. Although the platform underlies luxury vehicles, it has demonstrated notable off-road capabilities, Dachet said, with the Galaxy Cruiser concept pushing the chassis to its limits during desert testing in China.
“When they went testing in Chinese deserts, it was way beyond what they expected to do in terms of capacity,” he said.
The concept features a suite of advanced off-road technologies, including independent active suspension that controls each wheel separately, steer- and brake-by-wire systems, and an 800mm wading depth. AI-assisted driver aids are also included, enhancing safety by highlighting obstacles and suggesting safe paths without overriding the driver’s commands.
Powertrain and Performance
Production models are expected to share a hybrid powertrain with the Zeekr 9X and Lotus Eletre PHEV. This combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors, delivering four-wheel drive and an electric-only range of up to 220 miles, based on China’s more generous CLTC cycle. While exact output figures for the Galaxy Cruiser are not yet revealed, the Zeekr 9X delivers 1,381bhp, and the Eletre PHEV is expected to produce around 912bhp, suggesting the Galaxy Cruiser will offer formidable performance.
Design Philosophy
Dachet acknowledged that the Galaxy Cruiser draws inspiration from established 4x4s, including the Defender, G-Wagen, and Ford Bronco. “There’s always the same recipes… it’s [about] how we interpret it in a way that’s recognisable,” he said.
Unlike some of its more hardcore competitors, the Galaxy Cruiser will target luxury and family buyers rather than purely off-road enthusiasts. The design blends rugged capability with a premium, versatile interior suitable for daily driving as well as weekend adventures.
A New Direction for Geely
The Galaxy Cruiser marks a notable strategic shift for Geely, entering a segment the Chinese firm has largely avoided: rugged, off-road luxury SUVs. With its advanced technology, hybrid powertrain, and bold styling, the model could redefine the brand’s ambitions beyond its existing line-up of city-focused and luxury EVs.