Geely offered a sneak peek of its upcoming flagship SUV, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), at the Beijing Auto Show under the concept name "Galaxy Starship," providing enthusiasts with a glimpse into the design direction of the model slated for release the following year.
Expected to hit the market as the Geely Galaxy L9, the Galaxy Starship aligns with Geely's strategy announced last year, unveiling the Galaxy brand with plans to introduce four PHEV models over two years: the L5, L6, L7, and now the L9. The Starship embodies Geely's commitment to innovation, featuring the next-generation Thor (NordThor) system, boasting the world's highest thermal efficiency at 46%. This cutting-edge system promises a combined range exceeding 2000 km CLTC, with fuel consumption below 3.0 l/100 km.
Driving the technological advancement is Geely's GEA platform, a pioneering AI digital ecosystem tailored for new energy vehicles. Developed in-house, it integrates state-of-the-art technologies like steer-by-wire, intelligent driving capabilities, and individual wheel drive, enabling vehicles to execute automatic control and risk avoidance maneuvers in extreme conditions with a rapid 4 ms response time. Impressively, the platform even showcases driverless drifting, as demonstrated by the Geely E8 prototype.
A standout feature of the Galaxy Starship is its 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive system, hailed as the lightest, smallest, and most efficient in the industry. This system not only reduces the size and weight of the electric drive but also enhances energy efficiency and power performance, allowing for extended range and higher speeds. With a claimed motor efficiency of 90.04% under CLTC conditions and a weight of 79.8 kg, coupled with a relatively quiet operation at 78 dB, it sets a new benchmark in electric drive technology.
Geely's mastery of silicon carbide hybrid drive integration technology further enhances efficiency, reducing silicon carbide usage by 75% for the 800V architecture platform, a significant leap in sustainable engineering.
While the Galaxy Starship concept boasts some avant-garde design elements, such as HiPhi-inspired doors combining elements of suicide and gull-wing designs, it's unlikely these features will make it to production. However, other design cues may find their way into the final version of the L9. The enclosed front face with a dot matrix design akin to the Galaxy E8, straight body lines reminiscent of Chinese EV startups, and concealed door handles add to the SUV's distinctive appeal.
Inside the cabin, the Galaxy Starship embraces a futuristic ambiance, featuring innovative amenities like a reclining seat capable of driving out of the car for final mile transportation. An AI ecosystem offers holographic projection and customizable imagery, with practical features like picture and video interaction expected to debut in an over-the-air update for the Galaxy E8 later this year. Powering the cockpit is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, running Geely's self-developed operating system, with integration possibilities for AI phones, drones, and smart glasses.
The Galaxy Starship previews several technological advancements slated for integration into production Galaxy vehicles, including the utilization of the new GEA platform derived from the SEA platform. This versatile platform, introduced in 2021, underpins various Geely group products and supports pure electric, range extended, and plug-in powertrains, marking a significant step forward in Geely's electrification journey.