Ahead of its launch scheduled for later this year, the Geely Geome Xingyuan (which can be translated as ‘wish star’) was spotted during a high temperature test in Turpan. New information has also emerged about the model, which was one of MIIT’s most surprising announcements in July.
The car is aimed at the BYD Dolphin and Seagull, and will likely compete with those models as well as cars like the Wuling Bingo and JAC Yiwei 3.
Despite the camouflage in the spy shots, the car is clearly the same as in the MIIT statement photos, and there appears to be no differences in the overall appearance. Before releasing the car, the manufacturers test it in extreme temperatures. Turpan, a city in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region known as the hottest place in China, is usually chosen for testing in hot climates.
The Xingyuan will reportedly be built on a new platform and will have independent suspension as standard. Some sources claim that the battery pack will be supplied by CATL, while others claim that the car will be equipped with a new short-blade Aegis battery developed by Geely itself. Given that the Aegis is a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, this probably makes more sense for a car in this price category.
We know from the MIIT listing that buyers can choose from two different electric motors, rated at 58 kW and 85 kW respectively. They will reportedly be part of an 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive system. The top speed of the car with the 58 kW TZ160XS001 electric motor is 125 km/h, while the top speed for the more powerful TZ160XS002 motor is 135 km/h. The range is expected to vary between 400 and 500 kilometers, depending on the power of the motor and the size of the battery pack. The weight of the simplest version with a 58 kW engine is 1,215 kg, while the weight for the more powerful engine is 1,285 kg. Buyers of the basic version can choose between 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, while the 85-kilowatt version only comes with 16-inch wheels.
Currently, the only information about the interior is that the Geely Geome Xingyuan will utilize Flyme Auto smart cabin. The dimensions of the car are 4135, 1805 and 1570 mm, while the wheelbase is 2650 mm. Presumably, the new platform is intended for electric cars. Geome seems to be becoming the new or alternative name for the Geely sub-brand formerly known as Geometry. The current models in this range, although electric vehicles, were derived by converting internal combustion engine vehicles. The new Xingyuan appears to be the difference as it has been designed as an electric vehicle from the outset.
Based on previous images from the MIIT statement, it is clear that the Xingyuan has a new design language with rather flowing shapes. The front end is mostly closed, with a few air intakes. The two-tone paint job gives the car a youthful look, which is further accentuated by the wheel covers that somewhat resemble the controls of a gaming joystick. Both the front and rear light units are drop-shaped, although their angle is quite different. One potential problem with the car is the lack of a rear windshield wiper, likely removed to save money.
Given that MIIT has already announced the car, we can expect sales to begin before the end of the year, with prices expected to start at around 80,000 yuan ($11,100).
