TL;DR Chinese car maker Geely has confirmed its all-new Galaxy Cruiser will launch in the UK in 2028. The rugged plug-in hybrid SUV combines 1,128hp, three electric motors and AI-assisted off-road technology with styling inspired by the Land Rover Defender. Designed to take on premium off-road SUVs, the Galaxy Cruiser promises impressive performance, cutting-edge technology and competitive pricing.
Chinese manufacturer Geely has confirmed its striking new Galaxy Cruiser will be sold in the UK, bringing one of the most powerful plug-in hybrid SUVs ever built to British roads.
The rugged SUV combines unmistakable Defender-inspired styling with an advanced three-motor hybrid powertrain producing a remarkable 1,128hp. Add AI-assisted off-road driving, four-wheel steering and the ability to float on water, and it's clear Geely isn't doing things by halves.
The Galaxy Cruiser is expected to lead Geely's UK model range when it arrives in 2028.
Defender-inspired styling with its own identity
At first glance, it's impossible to ignore the similarities between the Galaxy Cruiser and the Land Rover Defender.
The upright stance, clamshell bonnet, floating roof and boxy proportions all take inspiration from the British off-road icon. Even the circular LED daytime running lights, side-mounted ladder and exterior storage boxes look familiar.
However, Geely has added its own touches. The front grille features illuminated lighting, the headlights have a more aggressive design and the rear gains distinctive vertical LED lights linked by a black trim panel across the tailgate and spare wheel cover.
Inside, the design is more original. A large floating touchscreen dominates the dashboard, while an aircraft-inspired control lever is used to select gears and drive modes. The final production interior has yet to be revealed, so some details could change before launch.
Geely's design director, Flavien Dachet, says the styling is intentional, explaining that Chinese manufacturers naturally look to established off-road icons such as the Defender, Mercedes G-Class and Ford Bronco for inspiration while developing their own identity.
A 1,128hp plug-in hybrid powertrain
Performance figures are just as eye-catching as the styling. The Galaxy Cruiser will use a three-motor plug-in hybrid system producing a combined 1,128hp.
It shares its platform with the Geely Galaxy M9 SUV, meaning a 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as a generator while the electric motors drive the wheels. This setup should deliver rapid acceleration alongside a useful electric-only driving range.
Although official figures haven't been confirmed, the Galaxy Cruiser is expected to offer slightly less electric range than the Galaxy M9 because of its larger, heavier body and less aerodynamic shape.
AI designed to make off-roading easier
One of the Galaxy Cruiser's biggest innovations is its AI-powered off-road driving system.
Rather than simply reacting to driver inputs, the system can detect obstacles and changing terrain, automatically adjusting steering, braking and acceleration to maintain traction and control.
The technology can also decide whether to use front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, switching between different drive modes while on the move using an electronically controlled driveline.
Packed with serious off-road capability
The Galaxy Cruiser is designed to be far more than a lifestyle SUV.
Its advanced by-wire steering and braking system allows features including:
- Four-wheel steering
- Crab-walk capability
- On-the-spot tank turns
- Up to 800mm of water wading depth
- The ability to float for up to two hours
- Water propulsion at speeds of up to 4.6 knots
The by-wire chassis also enables variable steering ratios, making the SUV easier to manoeuvre at low speeds while improving stability on the motorway.
Built with safety in mind
Despite its extreme off-road focus, Geely says the Galaxy Cruiser is also designed as a practical family SUV.
It features the company's latest Golden Short Blade battery pack, which has been engineered to resist damage and significantly reduce the risk of thermal runaway, even if the battery is heavily punctured.
Chinese-market models will also feature LiDAR for advanced driver assistance, although this technology is unlikely to be included on UK-specification cars.
When will the Geely Galaxy Cruiser arrive in the UK?
Geely has confirmed the Galaxy Cruiser is definitely coming to the UK, with a planned launch in 2028.
Final pricing has yet to be announced, but Geely is expected to position the SUV below established rivals such as the plug-in hybrid Land Rover Defender. If it follows the pricing strategy adopted by many other Chinese brands, the Galaxy Cruiser could offer significantly more performance and technology for less money.
With more Chinese off-roaders also heading to Britain in the coming years, including models from BYD and Denza, competition in the rugged SUV market is about to become much more interesting.