Geely has revealed a rugged new SUV at the Paris Motor Show, with its Project K011 expected to reach European markets towards the end of 2027. Featuring bold, boxy styling, an anticipated plug-in hybrid powertrain and unusual off-road technology, the new model is set to enter an increasingly competitive large SUV market.
Known as the Galaxy Battleship 700 in China, the vehicle is expected to receive a different name when it arrives in the UK. Geely has yet to confirm the final branding, pricing or full technical specifications, but the unveiling provides an early indication of the company’s ambitions in the premium off-road segment.
Geely is already expanding its electrified SUV offering, with models such as the Geely Monjaro EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV demonstrating the manufacturer’s wider ambitions in this segment.
Geely already offers plug-in hybrid technology in the UK through models such as the Geely Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV. However, the powertrain and specifications anticipated for Project K011 remain unconfirmed, so it is too early to draw direct comparisons between the two vehicles.
Project K011 Takes Aim At The Land Rover Defender
The most immediately noticeable feature of Project K011 is its design. Its upright proportions, squared-off bodywork and muscular appearance draw comparisons with the Land Rover Defender, a model that has helped establish a strong market for premium SUVs combining traditional off-road styling with modern technology.
Geely is not alone in pursuing this approach. Other Chinese manufacturers, including BYD with its Ti7 and Denza with the Bao 5, have also introduced vehicles featuring similarly rugged designs. BYD is pursuing a similar rugged-SUV design direction with the BYD Ti7, providing another example of the increasingly diverse vehicles emerging from Chinese manufacturers.
The growing number of models in this category reflects the expanding ambitions of Chinese car manufacturers, which are increasingly targeting buyers beyond the more affordable end of the market. Geely’s wider international expansion is part of a trend covered in our guide to Chinese car manufacturers’ growth in the UK market.
However, styling alone will not determine whether Project K011 can compete with established off-roaders. Its eventual appeal will depend on its engineering, driving performance, equipment levels and price when full details become available.
The drivetrain will also be an important part of the final specification, with the balance between front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive affecting traction and vehicle capability. CVC’s guide to FWD, RWD, AWD and 4WD drivetrains explains the key differences.
Expected Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
Geely has released limited technical information about Project K011, although the manufacturer has described the SUV as exceptionally powerful and fast.
Current expectations point towards a three-motor plug-in hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a battery pack reported to have a capacity of approximately 70kWh. The final configuration, combined power output, electric-only range and charging performance have yet to be confirmed.
If this specification proves accurate, the combination of petrol power and a substantial battery could give the SUV the flexibility to undertake longer journeys while also supporting electric driving over shorter distances.
Plug-in hybrids occupy an important position between conventional petrol and diesel vehicles and fully electric models. They can provide electric-only driving for suitable journeys without relying exclusively on charging infrastructure for longer trips. However, their real-world efficiency depends heavily on how regularly the battery is charged and how the vehicle is used.
Our guide to battery electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid and combustion-engine vehicles explains the key differences between these powertrain technologies.
For now, Geely has not confirmed whether the proposed three-motor arrangement will be the final European specification, so performance and efficiency comparisons with rival models would be premature.
Unusual Off-Road Capabilities Include Water Propulsion
Project K011 is being developed with serious off-road use in mind, and Geely has highlighted capabilities that extend beyond those of a conventional SUV.
One of the most unusual claims is that the vehicle can float on water. Integrated propellers are also said to provide propulsion in emergency situations, potentially allowing the SUV to move through water under specific circumstances.
Although these features could help distinguish the model from more conventional premium SUVs, important details remain unknown. Geely has not yet provided a complete explanation of the operating conditions, limitations or safety requirements associated with its water-related capabilities.
Its overall off-road performance will also depend on factors such as ground clearance, approach and departure angles, traction systems, suspension design and water-sealing measures. These specifications have not yet been confirmed.
Until more technical information and independent testing become available, it remains too early to determine how Project K011 will compare with established off-road vehicles in demanding conditions.
Geely Promises A Premium Interior
The cabin is expected to place considerable emphasis on comfort and perceived quality, with Geely suggesting that Project K011 will offer a more luxurious interior than the Land Rover Defender.
The manufacturer has also indicated that the cabin will retain a useful selection of physical controls, rather than relying entirely on touchscreen operation. This could appeal to drivers who prefer direct access to frequently used functions, particularly when travelling over uneven terrain.
However, the interior’s final layout, infotainment system, safety equipment and available trim levels have yet to be detailed.
The challenge for Geely will be to combine the technology and comfort expected of a premium SUV with the durability and usability required of a vehicle marketed around its off-road credentials.
When Will The Geely Project K011 Arrive In The UK?
Geely Auto is targeting a European introduction towards the end of 2027. The manufacturer has not yet confirmed the precise UK launch date, final model name, prices or the specification that British buyers can expect.
These details will be important in establishing where Project K011 sits within the market. Its positioning will depend on whether Geely prioritises luxury, outright off-road capability, electrified performance or a combination of all three.
The SUV also enters a market in which Chinese manufacturers are broadening their offerings across several vehicle categories. As well as new passenger cars and electrified SUVs, brands are developing increasingly diverse model ranges to appeal to different customer groups.
For UK buyers, Project K011 could provide another option in the large SUV segment if Geely confirms a British launch. However, its competitiveness will ultimately depend on the finished product, its pricing and how well its advertised capabilities translate into everyday driving.
Further details are expected as the European launch approaches.
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