Chinese Galaxy Battleship Floats Two Hours Straight While Pretending It’s A Defender

- Geely is developing a rugged SUV to challenge the Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender.
- The Galaxy Battleship mixes boxy off-road design with AI-powered four-wheel-drive tech.
- The electrified SUV was presented in prototype form, but a production version is coming.
The SUV world is full of familiar faces dressed in new clothes, and few models have inspired as many wardrobe changes as the Land Rover Defender. In recent years, it’s become a template for countless SUVs, especially in China, where automakers continue to draw heavily from its boxy, go-anywhere appeal. The latest lookalike comes from Geely, which showed off its Galaxy Battleship, a tech-focused off-roader with an electrified powertrain, in prototype form at the Shanghai Auto Show.
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Officially, Geely calls it the “Galaxy Cruiser,” but its Chinese name translates to “Galaxy Battleship”, a name that admittedly has a bit more flair. According to the company, the design blends “Eastern aesthetics” with “Chinese elements,” though the visual similarities to the Land Rover Defender are hard to ignore. Highlights include circular LED headlight graphics, side-mounted accessories, and a rugged front bumper with very familiar proportions.
Influences, Inside and Out
From the side, the Galaxy Battleship follows the increasingly common formula of softened-box SUVs that have been flooding the Chinese market. It’s visually in line with competitors like the BYD Fangchengbao Bao 5 and entries from BAIC, Haval, and Chery Jetour. Around back, the upright tail design features vertically-mounted taillights in the style of Volvo, along with a roof spoiler and an external spare wheel.
Geely hasn’t released specific dimensions yet, but the Galaxy Battleship appears to sit in the same size class as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, suggesting a solid mid-to-large footprint aimed at serious off-road utility.
Cabin Tech Meets Camping Utility
Step inside and you’ll find a free-standing infotainment display joined by a separate set of digital gauges on the passenger side, labeled the “exploration kit.” The floating center console hosts what Geely calls the “off-road control island,” a yacht-inspired hub for terrain-focused functions.
The multi-functional tailgate with integrated storage compartments and the large bed that unfolds inside the cabin make the Geely Galaxy Battleship an ideal companion for camping. Furthermore, Geely’s Satellite Network means that the SUV will remain connected even in remote areas.
AI Tech For Off-Roading
Geely hasn’t said much about the specifics of the Galaxy Battleship’s electrified powertrain, but it has revealed that the SUV uses an AI-assisted system to switch between electric, hybrid, and range-extender modes. This system also adapts to different terrains and driving scenarios automatically.
The intelligent four-wheel-drive system continuously adjusts torque to each wheel for optimal traction. As a result, the Galaxy Battleship can perform a range of advanced tricks, including crab-walking, 360-degree spins, drifting, and even driving with a flat tire.
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For off-road adventures that include water, or perhaps just a slow cruise down a river, Geely says the Galaxy Battleship can float for up to two hours, reaching speeds of over 8.5 km/h (4.6 knots) when used as a boat. It also features a wading radar and sonar to help navigate river crossings more safely. And back on land, the company claims the SUV completed the moose test at a record speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), though that number hasn’t been independently confirmed.
We still don’t know the battery capacity or electric range, but the vehicle is fitted with Geely’s Golden Short Blade Battery. The company says it’s protected with a bulletproof coating and materials designed to resist deformation, fire, and explosions.
As for availability, Geely hasn’t announced a production date yet. The Galaxy Battleship will likely launch first in China, with the potential for select international markets to follow.