Geely's luxury amphibian wants Defender's market share

Chinese giant Geely is preparing an amphibious luxury SUV that will pose a direct threat to the British icon with its technology and design.

Geely has released the first official photos of a camouflaged prototype based on last year's Galaxy Cruiser concept. The rugged SUV, which openly borrows visual cues from the Land Rover Defender with its vertical tail and short overhangs, was spotted during winter testing in Sweden. The production version is expected to arrive on the Chinese market in late 2026, with a European launch planned shortly thereafter.

Under the hood, a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected, which, according to some information, will combine a 2,0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with three electric motors. The total power is expected to exceed 400 kW (544 hp), and a large 70 kWh battery will allow up to 350 kilometers of purely electric range. Extreme terrain will be taken care of by an advanced all-wheel drive with artificial intelligence, which will distribute torque (estimated at more than 800 Nm) between the wheels in milliseconds.

The vehicle's biggest feature is its amphibious capabilities. Geely claims the car will be able to float on water for up to two hours and reach speeds of up to five knots (8,5 km/h) in the water. While official prices are yet to be announced, it is expected to start at around €75.000 in Europe, putting it squarely in the crosshairs of established premium rivals.

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