Compared to the rather limited three-model lineup that Geely Philippines is offering in our market, its Chinese principal has a dizzying array of vehicles for customers in the mainland. And there seems to be no sign of it slowing down, as the company recently launched its biggest model yet.
The name translates to 'star cross' and L presumaby stands for 'Large'
Meet the 2021 Xingyue L, Geely’s newest SUV that dwarfs all else the carmaker has come up with so far, and we’re not just talking about the size. It’s the third model in Geely’s ‘Star’ series of flagship models, following the smaller Xingyue S coupe SUV and the Preface sedan.
Exterior
It’s easy to tell that the Xingyue L sports massive proportions just by looking at the pictures, enough to make the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform which it uses something of a misnomer. The wide stance is courtesy of its 1,610mm wheel track, while the 2,845mm wheelbase guarantees a roomy interior.
Its proportions are already evident just by looking at it
A pair of LED headlamps surrounds the gaping grille that features vertical slats, apparently a feature of the Star series in contrast to the Expanding Cosmos visage of standard Geely units. The Xingyue L sports an overall stately appearance accompanied by chrome bits, while the multi-spoke alloy wheels give off a dynamic vibe.
Interior
The interior is decked out in custom suede upholstery, incorporating Chinese elements such as classical knots. Customizable ambient lighting can change depending on the selected driving mode, with a palette of 72 colors.
Complementing the expansive interior are comfy-looking seats
Harmonic noise-reduction technology and dual-layer soundproofing make it easier for occupants to appreciate the 10-speaker Bose sound system.
Tech & safety
The Xingyue L is the first Geely model to utilize the newest Milky Way OS, connecting an array of screens throughout the cabin with a 25.6-inch augmented-reality heads-up display (AR-HUD). Full over-the-air firmware updates allow incremental improvements in various aspects of the vehicle including infotainment, safety, and even chassis adjustments.
Up to 10 Bose speakers deliver crisp sounds
It’s also the first in Geely’s lineup to offer Highway Assisted Driving (HWA), enabling it to autonomously change lanes through an advanced sensor array comprising 12 ultrasonic radars, 5 millimeter-wave radars, 4 high-definition surround view cameras, 1 monocular camera, 1 dashcam, and 1 interior camera. The vehicle can even park by itself within a 200-meter space through an automated valet system powered by 5G mobile connection.
Engine & drivetrain
Under the hood, the Xingyue L packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine jointly developed by Geely and Volvo. The standard version comes in 214 hp and 325 Nm of torque, while the more potent guise kicks up 234 hp and 380 Nm. A future upgrade will see the Geely Hybrid System (GHS) 2.0 hybrid powertrain, which Geely claims features a thermal efficiency of 43.32 percent and more than 40 percent in fuel savings.
The Xingyue L can tackle both the tarmac and the trails
Gearbox choices include an Aisin 7-speed torque converter automatic or Geely’s own 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. A sixth-generation BorgWarner four-wheel drivetrain distributes torque up to 50:50 between axles, enabling the Xingyue L to hit the trails.
Geely has yet to announce pricing information for the 2021 Xingyue L, or even if it will be available for overseas markets. Will this be a worthy addition to our local Geely lineup in the future?
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