Geely says buyers placed 43,900 preorders for its Galaxy Cruiser 700 in the model’s first hour. The figure is official, and demand is clear. Chinese automakers are setting the pace in the SUV market, rather than following its leaders.
Revealed for pre-sale on September 15, the Galaxy Cruiser 700 is Geely’s first boxy SUV under the Galaxy brand. It targets a segment long dominated by models such as the Land Rover Defender, alongside newer rivals including the GWM H10 and BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Ti7. Those vehicles have found buyers seeking a tough SUV that also works for families. In China, the Cruiser 700 is also called the Zhanjian 700, and its launch brings Geely into the off-road SUV category.
The limited Land Ark edition of the Cruiser 700, capped at 700 units, sold out almost immediately after pre-sales began.
The Cruiser 700 stands out for more than its size: it measures 5,085 mm in length, with a width of 1,999 mm and a height of 1,912 mm. Built on Geely’s GTA platform, it is designed for family trips and off-road use. The squared body, reinforced hood and working air intakes serve a purpose. The SUV has a 2,900 mm wheelbase and comes in six versions, giving buyers one of the more flexible new options in its class.
Plug-in hybrid setups pair either a 2.0T or 1.5T four-cylinder petrol engine with three electric motors. The top version delivers up to 1,129 horsepower (830 kW) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.95 seconds, figures comparable to many sports cars. All-wheel lead and differential locks come standard, along with a digital chassis featuring AI-based off-road assistance. The “Magic Carpet” terrain prediction system works with active hydraulic suspension to boost capability. CATL supplies the 47.14 kWh battery, which supports performance and long-distance driving.
Pricing is aggressive. The six pre-sale versions start at 199,800 yuan (about €25,974) and reach 389,800 yuan (around €50,674); the flagship is limited to 700 units, a nod to the model’s name. Every version uses a 47.14 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, with up to 305 km of electric-only range (CLTC). The 2.0T plug-in hybrid version has a 160 kW petrol engine and electric motors, and offers a total range of 1,770 km (CLTC).
Geely first showcased the Cruiser 700 in pre-production form in 2025. The current launch marks the official commercial start of sales and preorders. Chinese industry analysts say its size, power and price make the Cruiser 700 one of the most prominent new SUVs in the domestic market this year.
The Cruiser 700’s off-road specifications include a 30-degree approach angle and a 31-degree departure angle, with 233 mm of ground clearance. Its interior and technology features are designed to balance comfort with capability.
Geely’s timing is deliberate. China’s market for boxy, new-energy SUVs is growing fast. BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Ti7 sold 23,471 units in August, while the GWM H10 reached 10,178 in its first month. Geely Galaxy sold 119,115 units in August, up 8% from last year. The group’s new energy vehicle sales from January to August totalled 175,877 units, a 19% increase. CnEVPost reports that Geely’s move into this segment responds directly to rising demand for electrified SUVs in China.
For European buyers, the Galaxy Cruiser 700 is more than a headline from abroad. Reports say the model will arrive in Spain next year, following other Chinese electric vehicles into the market. Its price and technical features could prompt established brands to rethink their approach as competition intensifies. The recent update to the Mercedes EQS, as reported earlier, shows that premium brands are adjusting to new expectations.
The Galaxy Cruiser 700 is a impressive SUV launch for Geely. It has already made an impact in China, with sharp pricing and a combination of hybrid technology and off-road capability. If European demand matches what has happened at home, established SUV makers could face serious new competition. For buyers, it means more options and better value, while raising expectations for what a family SUV can offer.
