Fast and floatable: Meet Geely’s amphibious hybrid
Geely’s new Galaxy Battleship 700 body-on-frame SUV can not only drive fast but also travel through water. During testing, the hybrid, powered by a combined 1,100-horsepower powertrain, accelerated to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds before driving into water. Auto blogger Sergey Gilevich reviewed the model.
1,100 horsepower and three electric motors
The Galaxy 700 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 220 horsepower alongside three electric motors, for a combined output of 1,100 horsepower. It accelerates to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The SUV has dual-chamber air suspension with adjustable ride height. The wheelbase is 2,900 millimeters, the approach angle is 30 degrees, and the departure angle is 31 degrees. Torsional rigidity is claimed at 40,000 newton-meters per degree.
According to Gilevich, the interior uses few expensive materials. The upper section is trimmed with soft material, while the lower section is hard plastic. There’s no genuine leather — the interior uses leatherette instead. Options include a heated steering wheel, a massage function and ventilation and heating for the front seats, while the second row also features ventilation and heating.
Geely really does float
The most unusual part of the testing began when the Galaxy Battleship 700 was submerged in water. Two propellers sit under the rear bumper — one on the left and one on the right — and propel the vehicle through water.
According to the blogger, the SUV can stay afloat for up to 40 minutes. He cited the BYD Yangwang U8 for comparison, claiming it lasts 10 minutes less.
Floatability wasn’t the only thing tested at the site. The Galaxy 700 also climbed a 45-degree incline and demonstrated its driver assistance systems on specially prepared surfaces.
Price has yet to be announced
The official price of the Geely Galaxy Battleship 700 has not yet been announced. Gilevich estimated the car could cost between $30,000 and $40,000 in China. However, it’s too early to assess the car’s performance, as full-scale test vehicles are expected by the end of September.
