CAR Intern Julian Rael Gordon reports back from the Geely Auto Group stand at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, which ran from 24 April to 3 May.
We attended the 2026 Beijing Auto Show with Geely Auto Group to get up close with the brand’s latest models (and its sub-brands) and to find out what this carmaker has in store for our market. Here’s a rundown of what stood out and what’s confirmed for South Africa.
Showstopper
The big wow at Geely was the second-generation Galaxy Light concept car. Built on the brand’s intelligent electrified architecture, the luxury sedan draws on Geely’s idea of “Chinese Design, Global Aesthetics.” Eye-catching details include a ‘Galaxy Starfall’ grille that mimics light ripples turning into falling stars and ‘Flying Eaves’ headlamps with a Crystal Blade lighting system. Inside, the cabin design evokes the morning light over Hangzhou’s West Lake and uses crystal and wood materials. The Galaxy Light seats four individually, has multi-zone climate control, air purification tech, and intelligent ambient lighting that mimics the sky’s changing moods.
Geely Coolray
The Coolray compact SUV is set to arrive in South Africa in the middle of 2026. It rides on Geely’s BMA platform. Dimensions are 4,380 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,615 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. Power comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 128 kW and 290 Nm of torque. Geely claims a 0-100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds. Local pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
Riddara
Riddara is Geely’s sub-brand focused on new-energy pickups and will land in South Africa this year, starting with the all-electric RD6. The RD6 measures 5,260 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,880 mm in height, with a 3,120 mm wheelbase. Its load bed is 1,525 mm long, 1,450 mm wide, and 540 mm deep, offering a loading capacity of 1,030 kg. Ground clearance comes in at 225 mm. The RD6 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear independent setup, with disc brakes all around.
Zeekr
Zeekr, Geely’s premium EV brand, is lined up to hit South Africa this year. The exact local model lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but the company says it’s pursuing a selective dealer strategy for sustainable, long-term operation. Beijing also saw the refreshed Zeekr 009, which features an 800 V architecture and silicon carbide e-motors paired with a 108 kWh battery and a claimed range of 740 km. The Ultra+ trim uses a 900 V platform and a larger 115 kWh battery. It remains to be seen whether this model will reach South Africa, but it’s already available in right-hand-drive markets like Australia and Thailand.
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