The pure-bred SUV market is getting a new big player. Geely has taken the production version of the Galaxy Cruiser concept to the road, a model that promises not only rugged design but also sci-fi technologies like a "crab walk" and the ability to float on water.
While the major European auto shows seem to have lost their luster, Chinese giant Geely (owner of Volvo, Lotus and Polestar) is accelerating into a niche historically dominated by legends such as the Land Rover Defender or the Mercedes G-Class. The first official images of the Geely Galaxy Cruiser production model (also known in some markets as the Galaxy Battleship) capture the vehicle during endurance tests in Sweden, close to the Arctic Circle, a sign that the official launch is imminent.
One of the biggest complaints about concept cars is that they get watered down by the time they hit showrooms. That doesn't seem to be the case here. Flavien Dachet, the brand's head of design, confirmed that the production model retains over 90% of the aggressive lines of the concept presented in Shanghai in 2025.
The silhouette is boxy, with short overhangs for optimal approach and departure angles, elements that directly refer to the aesthetics of the British Defender. However, Geely brings a futuristic touch: minimalist optical blocks, a discreet LiDAR system on the roof for autonomous driving and adventure accessories, such as side ladders and modular roof platforms, integrated from the factory.
Underneath the massive bodywork is the GEA Evo (Global Energy Architecture) platform, the same architecture used by the flagship Galaxy M9. While full technical details are still under embargo, industry sources point to a highly advanced Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain:
Configuration: Three electric motors assisted by a 1.5 or 2.0 liter turbo engine as a generator (Range Extender).
Estimated power: Over 800 hp, a figure that would leave behind almost any production version of its European rivals.
Autonomy: Geely is targeting an electric range of approximately 200 km (CLTC) and a total range exceeding 1,300 km.
What really sets the Galaxy Cruiser apart are its dynamic control functions (GVMC – Geely Vehicle Motion Control). Thanks to the steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, the car can perform:
Crab Walk: Diagonal movement, ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces or rough terrain.
Tank Turn: Turn in place (360 degrees) by independently controlling torque on each wheel.
Wading Mode: A wading depth of 800 mm. Furthermore, rumors during testing suggest that the vehicle could "float" and navigate at low speeds in emergency situations, a technology that the Chinese have begun to experiment with on other top models (such as the Yangwang U8).
Unlike the utilitarian cabin of classic off-roaders, Geely is betting on a “Digital Cockpit.” Inside, the Flyme Auto 2.0 operating system is found, powered by Nvidia Drive Thor chips. Although the dashboard is dominated by high-resolution screens, Geely has chosen to keep massive physical controls on the center console – a decision welcomed by off-road enthusiasts who need tactility in difficult conditions.
The official debut of the final version is expected at Auto China 2026, with sales set to begin towards the end of the year. Although initially available in China, Geely officials have already suggested that the Galaxy Cruiser is a global model, with plans to launch in the UK market and, later, in continental Europe.
If the price remains competitive, as Geely has accustomed us to, the Land Rover Defender could, for the first time, have a rival capable of beating it at its own game: that of uncompromising adventure.