China is no longer content with just exporting its cars: Geely wants to design them for Europe, manufacture them in Spain, and challenge Land Rover.

27/10/2026 10:00

Updated to

27/10/2026 10:00

Geely aims to move beyond being a Chinese manufacturer that simply exports its cars to Europe. After launching its commercial expansion on our continent with models such as the E5 and E2 (among others), the company is preparing for a new phase in which European drivers will play a much more significant role in the development of its vehicles. The goal is to better tailor its products to the preferences of this market and even design cars specifically for it, rather than merely selling those that already work in China.

This is confirmed by new information published by Autocar, which indicates the development of Geely’s first model designed specifically for Europe. This project is part of a broader strategy that also includes the introduction of new SUVs, and particularly a plug-in hybrid SUV with which the company aims to compete against the Land Rover Defender.

Geely wants to develop cars for European drivers

Until now, the usual approach has been to introduce vehicles developed primarily for the domestic market, then adjusting certain aspects of their equipment, technology, and certification to meet European requirements. However, Geely wants to go further.

The company is working on a car designed specifically for the tastes and needs of European buyers, after realizing that its business experience in the region has helped it identify areas that need improvement. This strategy also includes updates to some of its current models, with the aim of better meeting the expectations of drivers on the continent.

This project is linked to the industrial plans Geely is developing alongside Ford in Spain. Both companies announced during the summer an agreement to manufacture two electric SUVs under the Chinese brand at Almussafes plant in Valencia, with production set to begin in 2028. Additionally, they will collaborate on developing a new crossover for Ford, which could utilize various electrified propulsion technologies.

The Land Rover Defender’s rival will arrive in Europe in 2027

One of the vehicles that best represents Geely’s ambitions is the Battleship 700, also known as the Galaxy Cruiser 700 and developed under the internal code KO11. Its approach is very different from that of conventional electric SUVs. It measures 5,085 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and approximately 1,900 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. Additionally, it uses a specialized architecture for electric off-road vehicles, featuring a ground clearance of 233 mm and approach and departure angles of 30 and 31 degrees, respectively.

In China, its lineup consists of various plug-in hybrid configurations. The most powerful model combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with three electric motors to deliver up to 1,113 horsepower and 1,330 Nm of peak torque. This version claims a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 3.95 seconds, which are particularly impressive figures for a vehicle of its size. It also features a 47 kWh LFP battery, enabling an electric range of up to 305 km and a combined range exceeding 1,770 kilometers. So far, Geely has not confirmed which versions will be sold in Europe.