The production-ready Geely Galaxy Cruiser concept is an off-road-focused, amphibious plug-in hybrid SUV with an ‘AI-driven’ four-wheel drive system.
A plug-in hybrid model from Geely could become the latest car from a Chinese brand aimed at the likes of the popular Toyota Prado and Ford Everest off-road SUVs.
Revealed as a prototype at the 2025 Shanghai motor show, the Geely Galaxy Cruiser concept is a production-ready preview of an off-road-focused large SUV with range-extender plug-in hybrid technology.
An Australian launch is likely, where Geely's off-road SUV would also face off against plug-in hybrid family SUVs due in local showrooms by the end of the year, including the GWM Tank 500 and BYD's Denza B5.
Geely – which arrived in Australia earlier this year with its EX5 electric mid-size SUV – said the Galaxy Cruiser features new "full-domain" artificial intelligence (AI) technology to automatically switch between full-electric, hybrid and range-extender engine modes, based on the driving conditions and terrains.
It claims AI integration enables the concept car to crab walk by turning its wheels to drive sideways like a GMC Hummer EV, turn on-the-spot similar to an electric Mercedes-Benz G580 and Yangwang U8, drive with a flat tyre, and drift autonomously.
The Galaxy Cruiser is the first application of Geely's 'Golden Short Blade' lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology announced in 2024, which is said to offer "best-in-class" battery life, charging speeds and safety features, including bullet and needle puncture tests during its development.
Off-road-ready features include a built-in satellite connection for use in remote locations, along with a "vehicle-mounted sonar and water radar" to float on water for up to two hours at a "cruising speed exceeding 8.5km/h".
Geely said the Galaxy Cruiser concept has a maximum wading depth of over 800 millimetres, surpassing that of the Prado, Everest, Tank 500, and B5 which all top out between 700 and 800 millimetres.
In March, the brand said it will launch at least six 'new energy vehicles' – a term for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles used by the Chinese automotive industry – in Australia by 2028, all based on a "Geely Global Architecture", in an aim to become a Top 10 brand.
Its next model for Australia after the electric EX5 is likely to be its plug-in hybrid twin, the Galaxy Starship 7, while Geely has also confirmed an electrified ute is on its wish list, potentially sourced from its Geely Riddara electric ute brand.
Models currently sold under its 'Geely Galaxy' brand in China include the E8 electric sedan, Star 8 plug-in hybrid sedan, L7 plug-in hybrid large SUV, L380 electric people mover, and Xingyuan electric hatchback.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
