Geely Xing Yue coupe SUV unveiled, Australian debut unlikely
Readers note that the appearance of the Geely Xing Yue is similar to the average BMW X4 SUV.
Chinese automotive giant Geely Auto has unveiled its new Xing Yue, which claims to be the world's first coupe SUV with an optional hybrid powertrain (PHEV).
The Xing Yue is the first vehicle of its kind built on Geely's Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) and will be available in China with a conventional combustion engine (ICE), mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Given Australia's penchant for midsize SUVs, the new Geely could be a good fit locally, but that's unlikely.
When sketches of Xing Yue codenamed "FY11" were shown in January, a Geely spokesperson said. Cars Guide that it "had no plans to enter the Australian market".
As the owner of the Swedish automaker, Geely used Volvo powertrains for its Xing Yue midsize SUV.
Although nothing has been fixed yet, Geely is set to achieve international success as part of its "Global Enhanced Vehicle Development Strategy", which means it may one day export right-hand drive models to Australia.
Speaking at the launch of Xing Yue, Geely Auto President and CEO An Congui explained that the company's modular architecture will help it become a "world-class brand."
“The goal of Geely, the leading Chinese automotive brand, is to fully enter the global market and become one of the leading automotive groups in the world,” he said.
“Geely has entered the era of modular manufacturing and has developed four industry-leading modular vehicle architectures: BMA, CMA, SPA and the all-electric PMA to ensure that we remain at the forefront of generations over the next decade.
"These advanced core technologies will be the driving force behind Geely becoming a world-class brand."
Geely Xing Yue is capitalizing on the booming 'coupe' SUV segment, joining vehicles such as the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota CH-R.
As the owner of Volvo Cars, Geely Auto used its Swedish resources for Xing Yue by borrowing a Volvo-designed 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission.
In the ICE version, Xing Yue develops 175 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque, and it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
Instead, the electrified variants use a 130-litre Volvo turbodiesel engine with 255kW/1.5Nm and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Mild hybrid versions use a 48V motor for an extra 10kW of power and improved fuel economy.
Positioned as a luxury model, Xing Yue boasts a first-class interior with a wide range of technical features.
PHEVs are available with either a 11.3kWh or 15.2kWh Li-Ion battery, providing a pure electric range of 56km or 80km respectively.
When connected to a fast charger, a large battery can be filled in 105 minutes, and the output power of Xing Yue is increased to 190kW and 415Nm.
As Geely's new flagship SUV, it features a powerful suite of driver assistance and comfort technologies, including Face-ID, which automatically adjusts vehicle settings such as seat mirrors and entertainment features using facial recognition.
Xing Yue will be the fifth representative of the Geely SUV lineup in China, joining the Emgrand GS, X7, X7 Sport and Bin Yue.
Is Geely Xing Yue suitable for local soil? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
