Several automotive brands fall under the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group; some already have operations locally. However, the Chinese brand wants to expand its footprint locally with additional models hitting local shores, but this time under the Geely moniker.
Related: Riddara brings all-electric RD6 bakkie to SA!
We explored the Shanghai show, where a brand-new SUV was unveiled. We also met the crash test dummies that help make the Geely models so safe. But before we tell you more, remember that you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website before you search for new or used Geely models on AutoTrader here.
Who is Geely?
Geely Auto International Corporation falls under the Geely Holding Group, which owns several brands such as Volvo, Polestar, Smart and Lotus. However, the Geely group also has divisions working on everything from aerospace, semiconductors, battery technology, and AI.
The group was founded in July 2002, and since 2003, it has been exporting vehicles to over 80 markets, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, to name a few.
The cumulative sales in 2024 for the Geely Auto Group, which includes all of its brands, reached 2.17 million units globally, an all-time high for the group and a 32% increase year-on-year. Overseas sales reached 414 522 units, a 57% year-on-year increase that indicates the global appetite for Geely products.
Models under consideration for South Africa
AutoTrader travelled to Shanghai, China, for the Auto Shanghai 2025 show, where numerous global automotive brands showcased their latest products and unveiled various products planned to hit showroom floors soon. At the Geely stand, there was a large variety of products and, of course, one brand new model that was unveiled for the first time at the show.
Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i
One of the attractive units on the floor was the Geely Galaxy Starship 7, a mid-size crossover SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Yes, under the bonnet, a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine produces 82kW and 136Nm of torque on its own, but it is paired with an electric motor that develops 160kW and 262Nm of torque.
While it is yet to be confirmed whether two battery options will be available locally, in China, you can have an 8.5 kWh short blade battery or the larger 19.09 kWh unit. While the smaller battery claims an electric range of 55 km, the larger unit claims it can propel the model for up to 120 km.
But, combining the engine and 19.09 kWh battery, Geely claims that with the 51-litre fuel tank, the total driving range reaches up to 1,420 km, with an average fuel consumption rated at 3.75 L/100 km. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries also allow for DC fast charging with a maximum input rate of around 36 kW. That means you could charge from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
While the exact trims will be confirmed upon the model's launch locally, we saw a well-appointed interior that incorporates a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 13.8-inch head-up display. The occupants can also expect a 16-speaker Flyme Sound audio system, while the front occupants get a single 50-watt wireless phone charger and heated and ventilated front seats.
From a brief stint on the inside, the build quality and materials give a premium impression, and the sound system is relatively good with clear treble and deep bass. There is more than ample leg-, shoulder- and headroom, and the boot offers 528 litres, including the 100 litres under the floor, and can be expanded up to 2 065 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Geely Galaxy E5
While some styling cues have been revised, and the interior has some key changes, the Galaxy E5 and Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i share a platform; however, the E5 is a fully electric model, possibly destined for South African shores. The underpinnings consist of Geely's Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform, a derivative of the company's self-developed Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).
The Galaxy E5 or Geely EX5, as it is named in some international markets, comes with a single-motor, front-wheel drive setup. Like the plug-in hybrid Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i model, the batteries take shape as Geely's self-developed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery called the Aegis Short Blade.
However, with the Galaxy E5, customers will have two battery size options: the 49.52 kWh unit and the 60.22 kWh unit. According to a WLTP test cycle, the former should allow for up to 430 km on a single charge. The batteries available in the Galaxy E5 can also charge up to 100 kW with a DC charger.
The electric motor produces 160 kW and 320 Nm of torque, which is sent through an 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive system. The system ensures that all 11 major components and systems, such as the motor, electronic controls and reducers, seamlessly work together for efficiency and performance.
As a result, the Galaxy E5, which is constructed with a cell-to-body configuration where the battery is integrated into the body, should accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds while remaining capable of returning a power efficiency of around 11.9 kWh / 100 km.
Like the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, the interior trim and quality give a premium feel, especially with the large 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured centrally. Combine that with the 10.2-inch instrument cluster and 13.4-inch head-up display, and you will find the interior packed with tech to make your life easy.
The Galaxy E5 also offers ample space for both the front and rear occupants. With the 108 litres of space under the boot floor, the total luggage space comes to 410 litres with the rear seats upright.
Geely Coolray
The Geely Coolray is based on what we are familiar with as the Proton X50. However, there is a new Coolray on the block, and it looks exciting. Although the Coolray is motivated by a modest 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 133kW and 290Nm of torque, the model is claimed to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.
It sends this power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Geely claims that the Coolray should return an average fuel consumption figure of around 5.8 L / 100 km if you drive more efficiently.
But it is not only the exterior that has the sporty styling with the Sport Spoiler and dual exhaust tips in each corner at the rear, the 18-inch alloy wheels, but also on the interior, where you will find red inserts on the seats and doorcards, but also contrasting red trim across the dashboard and around the air conditioning vents.
Like other Geely products, the interior is packed with tech, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Coolray also offers adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, and autonomous emergency brake assist, to name a few safety features.
Geely Starray
Another new SUV that could be headed to South Africa rather soon is the Geely Starray. While similar in name, the Coolray and Starray are rather different. The Starray is the first product from the Chinese automaker to embody the themes set out by the Vision Starburst concept model. It stands out from the crowd with its dramatic LED daytime running lights, headlights, and angular design.
Not only is it impressive outside, but inside, like its siblings, it offers a lot of space and comfort. The interior is well-crafted, and with its soft-touch surfaces and modern interior design, it is set to impress local buyers once it makes its local appearance.
Once again, the driver gains access to a digital instrument cluster; however, unlike its aforementioned siblings, the touchscreen infotainment system is now oriented vertically and measures 13.2 inches. It can be paired with an Infinity sound system, which will also incorporate speakers into the driver's headrest.
Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This sends 160kW and 325Nm of torque to the front wheels and is claimed to return an average fuel consumption figure of around 6.7 L / 100 km.
Geely Monjaro
We think the Geely Monjaro could be one of the first new Geely models to reach South Africa. The model measures 4 770mm long, 1 895mm wide, and 1 689mm tall. Under the bonnet, it features a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine that sends 175 kW and 350 Nm to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and BorgWarner's sixth-generation four-wheel drive system.
But not all the impressive tech resides under the bodywork; it also exists on the interior. Top-spec models should offer a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, central infotainment screen, and passenger display with a very large 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display. There is also a four-zone voice control system and a large sound system that even has headrest speakers for the driver.
In terms of safety, the Monjaro should offer blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency brake, rear cross-traffic and collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous parking assist, and even a 540-degree camera view around and below the vehicle. Needless to say, it is packed with safety and tech features for all occupants.
The fit, finish and materials used inside the cabin also feels good and presents a modern and luxurious cabin. Like with all the abovementioned models, we didn't get much time behind the wheel but as soon as the models arrive locally we will have a better idea of the noise, vibrations and harshness levels, although we predict it to be good.
Auto Shanghai 2025
One of the highlights at the event was the unveiling of the Geely Galaxy Cruiser Concept. You can quickly see in which segment Geely want to compete with this new concept model; however, with little known about its capabilities, we would only be speculating if we expanded.
But what really stood out was how Geely are employing safety to build trust in the brand. In fact, Geely announced a unique battery testing program to ensure that NEV vehicles utilising underfloor batteries are extremely safe even in the worst circumstances.
Conclusion
Geely is focusing its efforts on premium-quality, frugal engines, but mostly safety, not just inside the cabin but also in the batteries. We are excited to see what this brand brings to South Africa, and after short stints in some key models, we are keen to experience the Geely products over an extended time and share our thoughts with you.
