Giant Chinese automaker group Geely is launching its first Galaxy-branded EV in its home market. The E8 is a large electric sedan that claims to have the lowest drag coefficient of any production vehicle but also one of the lowest prices seen so far in the Chinese EV market at 180 000 yuan or under 25 000 euros.

Furthermore, the E8 sits on Geely’s SEA platform and is the second model to adopt Zeekr’s Golden Brick battery, giving it a maximum range of 665 km (CLTC).

Geely Galaxy isn’t an old brand but one with grand ambitions. The giant Chinese automaker group’s premium sub-brand was born not ten months ago, but it aims to launch seven electric and long-range plug-in hybrid cars. After the first L7 comes the new E8, the brand’s first EV, inspired by the Light Concept shown in February.

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The new E8 sedan is being launched with pre-sales starting in China. Although the sub-brand is still in its infancy, Geely Galaxy can rely on the group’s EV technologies. The E8, therefore, sits on the SEA modular electric platform, like all the products from sister brand Zeekr and the Volvo EX30 and Polestar 4.

Under that sleek body shape sits a battery and electric motors on the rear or both axles. The entry-level E8 is powered by a 200 kW (272 hp) electric motor at the rear, which takes power from a 62-kWh LFP battery and has a range of 550 km (CLTC).

Up to 646 hp and 665 km

Up in the range is a Long-Range version powered by the same electric motor but uses a new 76 kWh LFP Golden Brick battery, giving it a range of up to 665 km (CLTC). This makes the E8 the second model to adopt Zeekr’s specific battery after the Zeekr 007. This battery can withstand up to 1 000 °C and charge 500 km of range in only 15 minutes.

The top-spec Geely Galaxy E8 is powered by two electric motors, bringing the power up to 475 kW (646 hp). While the range from the Golden Brick battery is down to 620 km, performance is up with an impressive 0-100 kph of only 3,46 seconds.

‘Most aerodynamic car ever’

All this technology is packaged into a 5-meter-long sedan with a sleek yet common design. However, that generic style benefits aerodynamics. Geely states that the E8 has the lowest drag coefficient of any production vehicle, at 0,199 Cd. The current record-holder is the Mercedes EQE, at 0,20 Cd.

Screen-fest at rock-bottom price

Inside, the E8 packs an enormous 45-inch continuous screen that occupies most of the center console’s space.

There is space for five people and even a 420-liter boot. However, its price is more impressive than that of any screen. In China, the Geely Galaxy E8 starts at 188 000 yuan (€24 200 at the time of writing), cheaper than the Zeekr 007, BYD Seal, and other competitors in its home market.