Geely Jiyue 07, the most beautiful electric car in the world?

Chinese manufacturer Geely has made a strong move by unveiling its next electric sedan competing with the Tesla Model 3, the Jiyue 07.

We are witnessing a concentration of power and expertise in China. After the launch of the sedan from electronics specialist Xiaomi, here is Geely (the second-largest Chinese manufacturer after BYD) approaching Baidu.

Baidu is China’s Google, the country’s most powerful search engine since Google is banned there. In terms of traffic, it is even the third most visited website worldwide. Geely holds the industrial expertise and vehicle design, while Baidu contributes cutting-edge embedded technologies. This is where China is most threatening, as it is at the forefront. Even Tesla is now surpassed. As for European manufacturers, they are not even mentioned… A new brand has been born from this joint venture, Jiyue, in which Geely owns 65% and the Chinese Google the remaining share.

But ultimately, the fastest gain in credibility for the Chinese car has come elsewhere: in design. Once labeled as plagiarists, Chinese industry has developed its design talents, and some of its products are now models of boldness and elegance.

This Jiyue 07 is shining proof. Proportions, line balance, dynamism, aerodynamic purity, or body fit — everything is there. Goodbye door handles, as sensors are hidden to operate electric openings.

A day in Europe?

Its commercial launch is scheduled by mid-2024 in China. And due to industrial pragmatism, its mechanical architecture is already proven. It is based on the SEA platform, used by a large part of the Geely group’s lineup, such as Volvo, Lynk&Co, Smart, Polestar, Lotus, or ZEEKR. Two specifications will be offered initially: a front-wheel-drive version with 200 kW (272 horsepower) and a 71.4 kWh battery, and a four-wheel-drive version with 400 kW (544 hp) and a 100 kWh battery.

Inside, a flat steering wheel inspired by the Tesla Yoke model is revealed. It eventually disappeared because it was inconvenient to use… A digital screen nearly spans the entire dashboard. The technological arsenal is impressive.

Finally, two body styles will be available for customers to choose from: a sedan like this one, or a four-door shooting brake, similar to the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. Prices are known: starting at 219,900 yuan, or approximately 28,160 euros! That’s about 5,000 euros cheaper than a Tesla Model 3 in China. Is that the end of the story?