- The M7 is expected to target the highly competitive 100,000 to 150,000 yuan segment in China.
- The M7's debut comes as sales data proves PHEVs are currently Geely's core growth engine in its home market.
Geely Auto sub-brand Geely Galaxy on Friday debuted the M7 mid-size hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) to regain sales momentum in China's fiercely competitive mass market.
As the first mid-size SUV in the Geely Galaxy M series, the new vehicle is equipped with a hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-liter engine and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
The model was designed by the engineering team to have a maximum pure electric range of up to 225 kilometers, meeting the zero-fuel consumption needs of most Chinese families during urban commutes.
Under full fuel and full charge conditions, the SUV's combined range can reach up to 1,730 kilometers, alleviating range anxiety for long-distance driving.
The M7 is expected to officially enter the Chinese domestic market and begin sales to consumers in the first half of this year.
There is currently no pricing information available, but the M7's final price is expected to be significantly lower than the previously launched M9 SUV, which sells for about 173,800 yuan ($25,200) after discounts.
The M7 is poised to tap into the highly price-sensitive family segment of 100,000 yuan to 150,000 yuan. Geely is attempting to grab a slice of this market, which has long been dominated by BYD's Song series.
The timing of the model's debut comes as sales data proves plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models are currently Geely's core growth engine in its home market.
Boosted by robust market demand, the automaker's PHEV category saw its sales surge by about 89% year-on-year to 49,656 units during the traditional sales off-season in February.
Earlier on March 5, the first mass-produced M7 officially rolled off the assembly line at Geely battery subsidiary's base in Quzhou.
This marks the achievement of 2 million cumulative vehicles rolling off the production line for the Geely Galaxy brand in just 37 months since its inception.
($1 = 6.8966 yuan)
