The Geely Galaxy M9 has been put through a full road and track test on American soil. The Chinese-made three-row plug-in hybrid SUV produces 858 horsepower and beat several luxury SUVs in acceleration, braking, and cabin noise. The results show Chinese cars are much closer to American showrooms than many people expected.
Why This Matters
Chinese automakers have been locked out of the US market by 100% tariffs on imported vehicles. But Geely, which already owns Volvo and Polestar, has hinted it could announce a US market entry within two to three years. These test results prove the company already builds a product that could compete with the best SUVs sold in America today.
Galaxy M9 Hits 60 MPH in 4.2 Seconds
The Geely Galaxy M9 weighs 5,771 pounds with a full tank. It uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors and a large 41-kWh battery pack. Together, the system makes 858 horsepower and 859 pound-feet of torque.
On the test track, the M9 reached 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. It completed the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 98.6 mph. That puts it ahead of the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid, which needs 4.6 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The Lexus TX 550h plug-in hybrid was far behind. It needed 5.6 seconds to hit 60 mph and 14 seconds to finish the quarter mile.
Braking Distance Matches the BMW X5 M
One of the biggest surprises came in the braking test. The Galaxy M9 stopped from 60 mph in just 110 feet. That matches the BMW X5 M, a performance SUV that costs well over $100,000.
The SUV also scored well in cabin noise. At idle, the M9 measured just 32.5 decibels. That is quieter than even the Rolls-Royce Spectre electric car. At highway speed, it recorded 65.2 decibels.
The only weak spot was cornering grip. On a 200-foot skidpad test, the M9 managed 0.86 g of lateral grip. That is not bad, but the Kia EV9 pulled 0.91 g and the BMW X5 plug-in hit 0.89 g. In hard corners, the Galaxy M9 fell a step behind its rivals.
Over 100 Miles of Electric Range
Geely claims the Galaxy M9 can drive 130 miles on electric power alone. During real-world range testing on US roads, with a mix of highway and city driving at a 40 mph average speed, the M9 covered 101 miles on a single charge. That is less than the company’s estimate but still more than any other plug-in hybrid available today.
When the battery runs out, the gas engine kicks in. It can charge the battery or power the wheels directly. Geely says the total driving range tops 800 miles when gas and electric power are combined.
The ride quality is soft and smooth. The suspension handles potholes and rough pavement very well. But the soft setup means the SUV moves around too much at higher speeds. It feels unsettled during quick direction changes.
30-Inch Screen Rivals Tesla and Rivian
Inside, the Galaxy M9 features a massive 30-inch screen with 6K resolution. The screen responds as fast as an iPhone. It matches the infotainment speed of Tesla and Rivian, which are considered the best in the industry.
The second row gets a flip-down entertainment screen with the same sharp resolution. It can stream content and run games. Every seat in the car has its own USB-C charging port.
The front and second-row seats are heated, ventilated, and offer massage. Even the third row gets heated seats. Every seat except the driver’s folds flat at the touch of a button. There is also a built-in refrigerator in the back that can switch between cold and warm.
Starts at $25,000 in China
In China, the Galaxy M9 starts at around $25,000 in US currency. Geely launched it there in September 2025 and hit 10,000 deliveries in just one month. The company also reached 40,000 pre-orders within a single day of opening reservations.
If the M9 ever came to America, it would likely cost between $50,000 and $60,000 after accounting for shipping, regulations, and other costs. Even at that price, it would compete directly with a fully loaded Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, or Toyota Grand Highlander.
Geely Already Has a Path Into the US
Geely is one of the largest car makers in the world. The Chinese company owns Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co. It builds millions of cars each year and sells them across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Geely’s global communications chief Ash Sutcliffe confirmed the company views the US as a key market. He said Geely expects to make an announcement about entering the US within the next two to three years. The company could use Volvo’s factory in South Carolina to build cars locally and avoid the 100% tariff on Chinese imports.
However, there are other hurdles. The US Department of Commerce has banned connected car software from China starting with the 2027 model year. That rule covers hardware by 2030. Geely would need to replace or modify the software in its vehicles before selling them in America.
What Happens Next
Geely has not confirmed any specific US launch date or model. But the company continues to bring its cars to American events and let journalists drive them.
Canada recently cut its tariff on Chinese EVs from 100% to just 6.1%. The deal allows up to 49,000 Chinese-built electric vehicles into the country each year. That move could serve as a stepping stone for Chinese automakers to build a presence in North America.
If Geely finds a way into the US market, the Galaxy M9 could be one of the most competitive SUVs in its class. It offers more power, more electric range, and more features than most of its American, Korean, and Japanese rivals — at a fraction of the price
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