China’s Geely has released official images of its inbound triple-motor plug-in hybrid Galaxy Battleship undergoing winter testing ahead of its global launch later this year.
Sporting a boxy, upright look clearly inspired by close rivals such as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and the Denza B5 and B8, a concept version of the Galaxy Battleship was unveiled at last year’s Shanghai motor show, where it was confirmed the model would be sold in both China and Europe.
Opening the door for Australian sales is the news that the fellow right-hand-drive UK market will be getting the Battleship, with the rugged 4×4 locked in for a 2028 launch.
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However, it is widely tipped to receive a less bombastic nameplate to suit British tastes.
Geely’s first serious off-road 4×4 will also reportedly spawn a new family of rugged electrified off-road vehicles.
Pictured near Geely’s cold-weather testing facility in Arjeplog in Sweden, engineers say the Battleship’s advanced powertrain, climate control and chassis systems were all being tested in sub-zero temperatures.
Looking largely identical to the original Galaxy Cruiser concept, the Defender rival retains its short overhangs, wide flared arches and side-hinged tailgate designed to carry a full-size spare wheel.
Up front, it appears the new Geely 4×4 will also retain the show car’s curvy Ford Bronco-inspired styling.
Early intel suggests the Battleship will be based on the same Geely SEA-R platform as sister brand Zeekr’s upcoming 9X and come powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with three electric motors and a 70kWh battery.
Combined output is expected to exceed 629kW, while the large battery is tipped to deliver an all-electric driving range of around 354km. With a full tank of fuel, the Battleship is expected to be capable of travelling more than 1000km.
Other conflicting reports suggest a smaller 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain from the Galaxy M9 SUV is also under consideration.
According to reports from China, the Battleship will feature an AI-powered all-wheel-drive system designed to maximise traction in all conditions, giving the Geely 4×4 formidable off-road capability.
What has not been confirmed is whether the production model will match the Shanghai show car’s claimed ability to float for up to two hours and swim at speeds of up to 8.5km/h. The concept was also said to wade through water as deep as 800mm, although that still falls short of the 900mm figure claimed for the Land Rover Defender.