Geely Galaxy Cruiser: Toyota Prado-chasing PHEV off-roader here next year

Geely Australia has big plans for 2027, headlined by the introduction of its new "box-style" off-road SUVs, starting with the production version of the 2025 Galaxy Cruiser prototype.

Speaking with media in Hangzhou, China, Geely Auto Australia managing director (and Geely Auto vice president), Alex Gu, confirmed we'll see the electrified four-wheel drive SUV in local showrooms during the second half of next year.

"Next year we'll bring big five-seat and seven-seat SUVs, and a box-style SUV – it's all under process," said Mr Gu, adding: "In H2 [2027] I think we will bring those box-style models".

"Box is K011, [Galaxy] Cruiser. This is box style, and will be different [to the seven-seat SUV],"

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Geely's local boss confirmed next year's new models will all be 'new energy' or "plug-in [hybrid] and BEV" vehicles, meaning the Chinese brand's first off-roader in Australia will almost certainly utilise a plug-in 'Super Hybrid' drivetrain, much like the concept.

At Auto China 2026 in Beijing this week, Geely Auto presented its 'New Energy Off-Road Vehicle Architecture', all but confirming what's to come for the production Galaxy Cruiser – the platform even wore the same wheels as last year's bright orange 4WD prototype.

Highlights include a tri-motor powertrain which delivers a claimed system power output "exceeding" 1000hp (745kW), delivering 0-100km/h acceleration capability "in the four-second range", plus a rear differential lock which can "rapidly and intelligently engage the dual rear motors", front and rear double-wishbone suspension, and a dedicated off-road thermal management system.

The new body-on-frame platform is powered by Geely's AI ecosystem and has features like AI-driven intelligent torque distribution, intelligent all-terrain drive modes, "one-touch intelligent vehicle recovery", and AI-assisted "active body posture adjustment".

Geely says the new platform has been designed to balance "extreme off-road capability and refined urban comfort", with a space-efficient design requiring minimal cabin intrusion from the battery, motor and ECU.

At the reveal of the Geely Galaxy Cruiser at Auto China 2025 in Shanghai, the brand confirmed the 4WD prototype's PHEV system featured the Golden Short Blade Battery, which is "fortified with exclusive patented bulletproof materials and coatings to prevent deformation, fire, or explosion".

Its “full-power” AI-developed digital chassis is claimed to be capable of “crab walking, on-the-spot turning, driving with a flat tyre, and even autonomous drifting”.

And, the Chinese brand says its industry-first “vehicle-mounted sonar and water radar” enables the Galaxy Cruiser to “safety float on water for up to two hours at a cruising speed exceeding 8.5km/h (4.6 knots), with a maximum wading depth of over 800mm”.

Satellite connectivity will allow the vehicle (in prototype form, at least) to remain reliably connected even in remote areas, and the vehicle's advanced safety features were developed by the world’s largest standalone safety laboratory – the Geely Global Safety Center.

Whether all those features make it into the production model for export markets outside of China remains to be seen.

Should it retain the size and form factor of last year's prototype, the Geely Galaxy Cruiser will be a more premium offering from the Chinese brand, likely pitched as a rival to higher-spec versions of the popular Ford Everest and Toyota Prado, as well as the likes of the Denza B5 and Land Rover Defender.

It's unclear whether the Galaxy Cruiser will be strictly a five-seater or offer up to three rows of seating to better challenge the segment favourites. That said, the new platform will likely underpin a range of new models – which could include Geely's new Ranger-fighting dual-cab ute.

The incoming model onslaught is a core part of Mr Gu's ambitions to make Geely the number one Chinese auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade.

Based on last year's VFACTS sales figures, Geely would need to eclipse GWM's 52,800 units to take out the top gong among Chinese brands, though GWM and BYD are both forecasting much higher volumes in 2026 as their ranges continue to expand.

GWM says it's on track to hit 60,000 sales in 2026, with plans to reach 75,000 units annually in the coming years. BYD, meanwhile, is on track to hit 70,000 units this year and potentially edge out the likes of Ford, Hyundai and Kia for a podium position behind Toyota and Mazda – so Geely has plenty of work to do based on current trajectories.

Are you excited for the Geely Galaxy Cruiser? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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