Geely Auto's Galaxy E8 officially unveiled in China

05 January 2024

Geely Auto Group has taken yet another step towards accelerating the transition from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric cars with the launch of the Galaxy E8. This all-electric sedan is not only powerful but also comes with an affordable price tag, setting the stage for intense competition in China's electric vehicle market.

Officially unveiled in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, the Galaxy E8 is the first Geely-branded vehicle to use Geely Holding Group's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). It marks the third addition to the Galaxy product lineup and aims to change the EV landscape by offering consumers oriental aesthetics, safety, powerful performance, and intelligence. It positions itself as a high-value all-electric flagship model in the market.

One of the most striking aspects of the Galaxy E8 is its attractive starting price of RMB 175,800 ($24,600), making it RMB 12,200 cheaper than its initial price when pre-sales began on December 16. Geely Auto aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of potential users with this competitive pricing strategy.

Galaxy brand, introduced in 2023, is Geely Auto's response to the growing demand for plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles. By 2025, the company plans to launch a total of seven models in the Galaxy lineup, including four plug-in hybrid models in the L-series and three pure electric models in the E-series.

Geely Auto is determined to conquer the mainstream EV market, which, until the arrival of the Galaxy E8, lacked high-value pure electric vehicles with a broad user base. CEO Jerry Gan emphasized this point during the launch event, highlighting that China's B-segment sedan market was still dominated by foreign brands' combustion-engine models, leaving consumers without a pure electric alternative.

In terms of specifications, the Galaxy E8 is a mid-to-large-size electric sedan measuring 197.2 inches in length, 75.6 inches in width, and 57.7 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 115.2 inches. The model is available in five trims, with prices ranging from RMB 175,800 to RMB 228,800 ($24,600 to $32,200). These competitive price points stand out in a segment where most electric sedans of this size typically hover near the RMB 300,000 mark ($42,200).

The top-of-the-line version of the Galaxy E8 boasts an 800 V high-voltage platform, offering a remarkable range of 112 miles on just a five-minute charge. It is powered by a high-performance silicon carbide electric drive system with dual motors totaling 475 kW, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.49 seconds. Other versions of the Galaxy E8 use the mainstream 400 V platform, ensuring even more budget-friendly prices.

Inside, the Galaxy E8's cockpit is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip and features an impressive 45-inch screen with 8K resolution - the most powerful on-board screen in China's EV sector, developed by Geely Auto in collaboration with BOE.

Battery options for the Galaxy E8 include 62 kWh, 75.6 kWh, and 76-kWh packs, with three range options of 342 miles, 385 miles, and 413 miles. Geely Auto's extensive testing has resulted in a remarkable drag coefficient as low as Cd 0.199, enhancing the vehicle's overall efficiency.

To incentivize early adoption, Geely Auto is offering customers who order the Galaxy E8 before January 31 a discount of RMB 6,000 ($850), an additional RMB 6,000 worth of free upgrades, and a RMB 8,000 trade-in bump. Deliveries of the Galaxy E8 have already commenced, with Yu Minhong, founder of private educational service provider New Oriental Education, becoming one of the first proud owners.

The Galaxy E8 is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating Geely Auto's electrification transition and boosting its sales. In December, the Geely brand achieved impressive sales figures, with 107,382 vehicles sold, marking a 6 percent year-on-year increase. The Galaxy lineup also contributed significantly, selling 12,088 vehicles in December and a total of 83,497 throughout 2023.

As China's EV market continues to rapidly evolve, the Galaxy E8 stands out as a formidable contender, offering impressive specs and competitive pricing - a high-value pure electric vehicle that’s ready to appeal to a broad audience. Now, that seems like a recipe for success.

Via