Geely Automobile, China’s largest automotive company, has entered the hybrid SUV market with the launch of the Galaxy L7 EM-i. This plug-in hybrid is set to disrupt the market. With its competitive pricing, impressive range, and modern design, the Galaxy L7 EM-i is poised to challenge domestic hybrid models from brands like Hyundai and Kia.
Pricing and Competition
The Galaxy L7 EM-i is available in four trims, with the base model priced at 115,800 yuan (approximately $17,250) and the top-spec version at 148,800 yuan (about $22,200). This pricing is notably lower than comparable hybrid SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, offering consumers a substantial saving of around 10 million won (roughly $7,500). With high oil prices and growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, the competition in the hybrid SUV market is set to intensify, and the Galaxy L7 EM-i offers an attractive value proposition.
Design: Bold and Electrified
The Galaxy L7 EM-i features a design that emphasizes its larger body and electric future. The vehicle offers a more spacious interior and a 2,785 mm—100 mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. Its overall dimensions are 4,710 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,685 mm in height, making it a substantial presence on the road.
The front end boasts straight daytime running lights (DRL) and triangular headlamps, creating a modern and bold aesthetic. The vehicle’s rear features sleek, straight tail lamps and a streamlined bumper line, further enhancing its futuristic appeal, a hallmark of electric cars.
Interior Technology and Luxury
The Galaxy L7 EM-i is equipped with cutting-edge technology and premium features. The driver’s convenience is prioritized with a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel, a 13.2-inch center display, and a 16.2-inch passenger entertainment screen. The infotainment system is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chipset, which ensures fast computing performance and seamless connectivity, particularly for autonomous driving features. Notably, Geely has shifted to using an external chipset, departing from its previous use of the Dragon Eagle-1 chip, marking a significant upgrade in processing power.
Hybrid System and Impressive Range
The Galaxy L7 EM-i is powered by two available powertrain options based on Geely’s “Nordtor EM-i” hybrid system. The standard model pairs a 110-horsepower 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a 215-horsepower electric motor backed by an 18.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This setup offers an impressive 115 km (71 miles) of pure electric driving. The high-performance version features a 1.5L turbocharged engine producing 161 horsepower, a 143-horsepower electric motor, and an 18.7 kWh battery.
With a combined fuel efficiency of 78 km/L, the vehicle boasts a remarkable range of 1,240 km (769 miles) on a single charge, making it more than capable of long-distance travel. Its charging capabilities are also highly competitive: The battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes with fast charging and around three hours with slow charging.
The Future of Hybrid SUVs
The Geely Galaxy L7 EM-i stands out in the hybrid SUV market, offering excellent value, modern design, and cutting-edge technology. With its substantial range, advanced features, and competitive pricing, it is set to be a strong contender in both the Chinese and global markets, challenging other hybrid models from major players in the industry.
