The Geely Galaxy M9 is a medium-to-large three-row crossover comparable in size to vehicles such as the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Kia EV9. It sits at the top of Geely’s lineup in China and is offered with six or seven seats. The vehicle combines a turbocharged gasoline engine with multiple electric motors and a large battery pack.
The model was tested by Edmunds in the United States after Geely left an imported vehicle in the country following CES, allowing the outlet to test it using the same procedures applied to vehicles officially sold in the U.S. market. The results drew attention due to the vehicle’s performance and electric driving range.
Record Electric Range and Strong Acceleration in Testing
According to InsideEVs, Edmunds tested the Geely Galaxy M9 and recorded 101 miles of driving on electric power alone, a figure that has not been matched by any plug-in hybrid currently sold in the U.S. market. The SUV also accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, which places it ahead of many large hybrid and electric crossovers.
The test results showed the Galaxy M9 outperforming vehicles such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia EV9, Lexus TX, and matching the performance pace of the BMW X5 PHEV, which is positioned in a higher price segment. Edmunds testers noted that the SUV exceeded expectations during both track and on-road testing.
Edmunds’ Clint Simone stated that the three-row SUV exceeded almost all expectations and concluded that Chinese cars are ready for the American market.
A Powerful Hybrid System with Three Electric Motors
The Geely Galaxy M9 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and three electric motors. The system is powered by a 41 kWh battery pack and produces a combined output of 858 horsepower.
This powertrain is similar to the one used in the Lynk & Co 900, another vehicle from the Geely group. Testers noted that the Galaxy M9 delivered quick acceleration while remaining quiet inside the cabin. Edmunds also reported that the infotainment system responded very quickly, comparing its responsiveness to Tesla and Rivian systems.
The vehicle’s interior noise level was measured as quieter than the Rolls-Royce Spectre during testing, despite the Spectre being an ultra-luxury vehicle with a significantly higher price.
Market Barriers and Political Opposition Remain
Geely has expressed interest in entering the U.S. market with its own vehicles rather than only through brands it owns such as Volvo and Polestar. The Galaxy M9 may not be the first model introduced, but the company has indicated interest in bringing vehicles to the United States.
There are still significant barriers. Chinese-made vehicles face a 100 percent tariff in the United States, which would likely increase the vehicle’s price significantly if it were sold there. There are also regulatory and political challenges, including restrictions on Chinese connected car software.
Some U.S. politicians have also opposed Chinese vehicle imports. Senator Bernie Moreno has called Chinese cars a “cancer” and proposed stronger legislation to prevent Chinese vehicles from entering the U.S. market, including through partnerships with non-Chinese brands.
Despite these obstacles, testing results from Edmunds indicate that Chinese vehicles such as the Geely Galaxy M9 are capable of competing with established brands in performance, technology, and electric driving range.
