From Local to Global: How Geely is Changing the Auto Industry

Since its founding in 1986, Geely Auto has transformed from a domestic Chinese brand into a global automotive player—thanks to its strategic acquisition of Volvo, stakes in Lotus and Polestar, and the development of sub‑brands like Lynk & Co, Zeekr, and Galaxy. Today, it juggles internal combustion, hybrid, plug‑in hybrid, and pure electric vehicles built on dedicated platforms and advanced energy architectures.


The New Flagship: Geely Galaxy M9 SUV

Launched globally in May 2025 in Milan, the Geely Galaxy M9 marks the flagship of the Galaxy series—a full‑size plug‑in hybrid SUV powered by the high‑tech NordThor AI Hybrid 2.0 EM‑P system. It features:

  • A 1.5 L turbocharged engine coupled with electric motors (dual‑motor AWD)
  • Up to 185 km electric-only range via LFP battery packs
  • Luxurious tech with a 30″ integrated display, onboard refrigerator, ambient lighting — the first in‑vehicle intelligent AI assistant
  • Roof‑mounted lidar, radar & camera ADAS suite (G‑Pilot H5)
  • Dimensions: 5.2 m long and a 3.03 m wheelbase for spacious cabin

The Galaxy Lineup: Starshine 8 & Starship 7

Galaxy Starshine 8 (E‑Series PHEV)

Launched May 2025, this mid‑size plug‑in hybrid fastback sedan carries:

  • Thor EM‑i and EM‑P hybrid system with 1.5 L engine + front motor (up to 161 hp)
  • Two LFP battery options (8.5 kWh or 18.4 kWh), offering up to 1,500–1,600 km combined range
  • G‑Pilot ADAS with lidar, millimeter wave, cameras & ultrasonic radar
  • Smart cockpit: 10.2″ instrument cluster, 15.4″ screen, AR‑HUD on higher trims

Galaxy Starship 7 (aka Starray EM‑i)

Introduced late 2024 and built on GEA architecture—a plug‑in mid‑size crossover SUV featuring:

  • 1.5 L naturally aspirated engine + front electric motor
  • Electric range up to 120 km (CLTC), total range ~1,420 km
  • V2L functionality and fast DC charging (30–80% in ~20 min)
  • Flyme Auto OS, OTA support, high electric drive efficiency

The All‑Electric E8 Sedan: A Premium EV

The Galaxy E8, Geely’s third model under the Galaxy brand (first pure EV), debuted in late 2024 and went into production early 2025:

  • Built on high-voltage PMA2+ architecture
  • Dual configurations: rear‑motor RWD or dual‑motor AWD delivering up to 475 kW
  • Range over 550 km (CLTC) via 62 kWh or 76 kWh LFP batteries
  • Acceleration strong enough to rival premium EVs
  • Bold styling and high‑tech cockpit experience

Now Launching: The 2025 Geely Emgrand Facelift

A more conventional but highly successful model, the 2025 Fourth‑Gen Geely Emgrand sedan (internal code SS11) rolled out officially June 2024 in China. Key features include:

  • A refreshed exterior with new grille, silver badging, chrome elements
  • Powered by a 1.5 L naturally aspirated engine producing 127 hp
  • Continued package offerings: rims (15″–17″), sunroof, cameras, radars
  • Cabin layout akin to current Gen‑4 with 12.3″ instrument and display screens, Galaxy OS, leather trim and chrome highlights

Geely’s Electric EX5: Going Global in 2025

As part of its expansion in Europe and beyond, Geely introduced the EX5 electric SUV, set to roll out in the UK, Poland, Australia, Brazil, and Poland in late 2025:

  • EV range ~430 km (WLTP), fast 100 kW charging (30–80% in 20 min)
  • 0–100 km/h in roughly 6.9 s, seating for five, 15.4″ infotainment screen
  • Award‑winning design (Red Dot, MUSE, IDA, A’ Design), 5‑star Euro NCAP safety
  • Flagship launch as standalone Geely brand in UK market

Geely’s Evolution: Key Milestones

  • 2009: Emgrand brand launched – cumulative global sales exceed 3.86 million by mid‑2024
  • 2023–2025: Launch of Galaxy sub‑brand with plan for 7 models by 2025: 4 PHEVs and 3 EVs under Galaxy (L‑series and E‑series)
  • Global expansion: entering UK, Poland, Australia, Brazil—leveraging subsidiaries (Volvo, Lotus, Polestar) and new EV platforms

Technological Drive & Sustainability Vision

Under its Intelligent Geely 2025 strategy, Geely is pushing:

  • Battery swapping infrastructure (5,000 stations, automated swaps <60 sec)
  • Methanol hybrid technologies and sustainability manufacturing targets (zero waste, carbon‑neutral plants by 2045)
  • Proprietary technology brands including NordThor powertrains, G‑Pilot ADAS, Flyme Auto OS, Aegis battery safety, and satellite‑connected autonomous infrastructure by 2025

Looking Ahead: What’s Next

  • Expansion in Europe/UK: EX5 and Galaxy vehicles spearheading Geely’s direct brand presence beyond marques like Volvo and Polestar
  • Advanced EVs: Galaxy M9, Starshine 8, and E8 may eventually reach global markets as flagship offerings
  • Autonomous & AI integration: Volvo/Lotus cross‑development, voice‑AI agents, lidar‑based ADAS, and robust computing hardware
  • Ongoing synchronization of design, electrification, and sustainability goals toward a broad portfolio across price‑segments

Conclusion: Geely’s Bold New Chapter

Geely is reshaping its identity—from a domestic automaker to a tech‑driven global mobility brand. The Galaxy series showcases its push into electrified luxury, with PHEVs and BEVs blending premium features, advanced safety, and strong range. At the same time, the Emgrand and EX5 models help maintain broad market competitiveness. With global expansion underway and ambitious technology targets ahead, Geely is positioning itself as a significant force in electrified mobility worldwide.

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