Geely, the Chinese automotive giant, is preparing to launch a formidable new off-road SUV, the Galaxy Battleship, set to challenge established icons like the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser by 2028. The vehicle, previewed as the Galaxy Cruiser concept in 2025, is now undergoing rigorous winter testing in Sweden, confirming its production readiness.
Design Echoes Industry Leaders
The Battleship’s design deliberately draws inspiration from successful 4×4 models. Its blocky silhouette, tall profile, and pronounced wheel arches closely resemble the latest Land Cruiser, with subtle influences from the Ford Bronco and, of course, the Defender. Geely’s design chief, Flavien Dachet, openly admits this approach: “There was, of course, some inspiration [from iconic 4x4s]. But if you look at classic off-roaders, they always follow the same recipe.”
This strategy is not accidental. With no established off-road heritage of its own, Geely is leveraging proven designs to quickly enter the market. The vehicle’s aggressive styling features distinctive 3D daytime running lights, inspired by Chinese dragon imagery, though these will be toned down for the final production model.
Interior and Technology: Premium and Advanced
Geely aims to offer a more refined interior experience than the Defender, focusing on comfort and premium materials. The concept showcased a high-tech cabin, including physical switches and a Lamborghini Urus-inspired central control island with a prominent gear selector.
Under the hood, the Battleship will utilize Geely’s GEA Evo platform, also found in the luxury Galaxy M9 SUV. This advanced architecture supports features like steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and four-wheel steering enabling “crab walk” maneuvers. The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter engine with three electric motors, delivering a combined output of 858 bhp – exceeding the Defender OCTA by roughly 200 bhp.
Off-Road Performance: Tested in Extreme Conditions
Geely has pushed its technology to deliver genuine off-road capability. Prototypes are undergoing testing in harsh conditions, including the frigid landscapes of northern Sweden and the arid dunes of China. Early tests indicate impressive handling on difficult terrain, with a projected wading depth matching the Defender 110 at 900mm. The vehicle’s AI-powered powertrain automatically adjusts between electric, range-extender, and hybrid modes based on terrain conditions.
Future Expansion: A New Segment for Geely
The Galaxy Battleship represents Geely’s first foray into the hardcore 4×4 segment, but it may not be the last. Dachet hints at further expansion: “It’s opening doors to potentially more products that could be launched in the off-road space, so it’s the first of hopefully many more to come.” The success of this model will dictate Geely’s continued investment in this segment.
The Geely Galaxy Battleship is poised to disrupt the established 4×4 market, offering a blend of proven design elements, cutting-edge technology, and aggressive performance. Its arrival in the UK in 2028 will mark a significant challenge to brands like Land Rover and Toyota, forcing them to adapt to a new competitor with deep pockets and a clear strategy.
