Edmunds tests the Geely Galaxy M9, revealing high-tech features that challenge US automakers. Is the US ready for Chinese EVs? Find out more.
In a bold move, the renowned automotive review site Edmunds recently conducted a series of rigorous tests on a vehicle that is technically banned from the US market: the Geely Galaxy M9. After putting the car through its paces, Editor-in-Chief Alistair Weaver delivered a stark warning: US automakers have every reason to be concerned.
A Forbidden Fruit with Massive Appeal
While Chinese-made vehicles face strict bans and towering tariffs in the United States, consumer curiosity is peaking. American drivers are increasingly searching for affordable, feature-packed alternatives to the current domestic offerings. This is exactly why Edmunds sought out the Geely Galaxy M9, a long-range hybrid SUV that starts at approximately $25,000 in China.
The testing process was comprehensive. The Edmunds team in Los Angeles didn’t just take a quick spin; they performed a detailed 227-point evaluation covering acceleration, braking, performance characteristics, and real-world usability over three weeks of daily commuting.
Outperforming the Competition
The results were surprising. According to Weaver, many of the M9’s features simply “outperform the vehicles we are currently driving in the US.”
Despite its low entry price in China, the Galaxy M9 is a three-row SUV that competes head-to-head with premium models like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. Edmunds noted that even if the price were doubled to account for US import costs, the M9 would still remain highly competitive against these established giants.
High-Tech Luxury as Standard
The Galaxy M9 isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about the technology. Key highlights include:
- Next-Gen Infotainment: A massive 30-inch screen with responsiveness comparable to a Tesla.
- Passenger Comfort: Integrated onboard refrigerators, external speakers, and fold-down entertainment screens for second-row passengers.
- Industry-Leading Range: An estimated total range of 1,300 km (approx. 800 miles).
The EREV Advantage
The M9 utilizes an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) system. Unlike a traditional hybrid, it uses a large battery to provide an EV-like driving experience, while a small gasoline engine acts primarily as a generator to recharge the battery on the go. In tests, the M9 could travel roughly 161 km (100 miles) on pure electricity before the generator kicked in.
This technology is a wake-up call for US giants like Ford and Stellantis, who are only now planning to introduce similar long-range hybrids as an alternative to slower-selling fully electric vehicles.
A Global Shift in the Auto Market
The disparity in technology and pricing is a result of the hyper-competitive nature of the Chinese domestic market. Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights, explains that this environment forces manufacturers to innovate rapidly and keep costs low.
“We are seeing some of the most innovative products at the lowest prices, and consumers worldwide are benefiting,” Le stated. He warned that completely blocking these vehicles from the US market might eventually lead to consumer frustration as the gap in value and innovation widens.
With some US consumers already considering importing Chinese models from Mexico or Canada, the pressure is on American brands to accelerate their innovation or risk losing the battle for the future of the road.