Electric Cars

Geely has unveiled its highly anticipated Galaxy Battleship 700, an SUV that redefines expectations for luxury and performance. Initially perceived as a rival to off-road stalwarts like the Range Rover, this new vehicle, with its staggering 1,113 horsepower, positions itself as a formidable competitor to high-end Italian sports cars, offering a unique blend of robust utility and exhilarating speed in a distinctively boxy, yet refined, package.

Known by several names globally, including Geely Galaxy Zhanjian 700 and Galaxy Cruiser 700, the production version made its debut in Milan. Under the hood, it features a sophisticated plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system. The top-tier models are equipped with three powerful electric motors, which, when combined with a range-extending internal combustion engine, deliver a monumental 830 kW (approximately 1,113 hp) and an astounding 1,692 Nm (around 1,250 lb-ft) of torque. While official acceleration figures remain undisclosed, the vehicle's power-to-weight ratio of 392 hp per tonne suggests a straight-line performance on par with elite supercars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and McLaren 570S.

Beyond its raw power, Geely emphasizes the Galaxy Battleship's exceptional driving dynamics and handling. Despite its substantial size and powerful output, the SUV reportedly excels in agility, demonstrated by its ability to clear Europe's demanding moose test at 50 mph (80 km/h). This remarkable stability is largely attributed to Geely's proprietary GVMC (Geely Vehicle Motion Control) semi-active suspension system. This advanced system works in conjunction with a fluid-coupled dual-motor rear axle and an intelligent, AI-driven traction control system. The vehicle seamlessly transitions between front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive modes, adapting effortlessly to diverse and challenging driving conditions. Furthermore, Geely highlights innovative features like automatic obstacle avoidance, 360-degree tank turns, and a crab walk mode, indicating a vehicle designed for both extreme capability and sophisticated control. An intriguing claim is its ability to maintain stability and continue driving even after a tire blowout, by effectively balancing on three wheels.

The interior of the Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 is a sanctuary of comfort and customization. It offers a luxurious cabin with versatile seating arrangements and a comprehensive array of screens and physical controls for managing driving functions, climate control, and infotainment. A standout feature is the vehicle's extensive customization potential, with fifty distinct installation points for various accessories and add-ons, allowing owners to truly personalize their vehicles. All variants of the new Galaxy Battleship 700 are powered by a 41.7 kWh LFP battery pack, developed by CATL, providing an electric range of approximately 165 to 185 kilometers (100-115 miles).

Recent reports indicate a positive trend for the Geely Galaxy brand, with sales increasing by approximately 20% year-on-year and 32% from the previous month. This marks a significant turnaround, breaking a five-month streak of year-on-year declines for the brand. In the first half of 2026 alone, Geely Galaxy sold 519,793 vehicles, a slight decrease of about 5% compared to the same period last year.

The Geely Galaxy Battleship 700 emerges as a groundbreaking SUV, blending immense power, sophisticated handling, and customizable luxury into a distinctive package. Its innovative powertrain and advanced control systems promise a driving experience that rivals high-performance sports cars, while its opulent interior ensures comfort and personalization for every journey. This new offering signals Geely's ambition to push boundaries in the automotive industry, positioning itself at the forefront of the luxury performance SUV segment with an emphasis on both brute strength and intelligent design.

The Return of Tactile: Mercedes-Benz Realigns with Driver Needs

The Digital Overload: When Touchscreens Took Over

For several years, the automotive industry has been captivated by the allure of large, tablet-style displays dominating car dashboards, often at the cost of eliminating physical buttons. Mercedes-Benz, a leader in luxury automotive innovation, fully embraced this trend, even showcasing massive "hyperscreens" in its vehicles.

A Shift in Philosophy: Acknowledging User Experience

However, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius has recently expressed that this pursuit of digital interfaces may have gone "a little too far." He candidly admitted that the industry, in its quest for technological advancement, occasionally overlooked the practical needs and preferences of drivers. The company now plans to reintegrate "sensible" physical controls into its upcoming models.

Steering Towards Functionality: The New CLA's Example

An early indicator of this revised approach can be seen in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, which notably features a physical volume knob on its steering wheel. This design choice departs from the touch-sensitive sliders found in some previous models, demonstrating a renewed focus on intuitive and user-friendly controls, even if some digital functions, like track skipping, are still exclusively screen-based.

Industry-Wide Reassessment: Beyond Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is not alone in this re-evaluation. Several other prominent automakers, including Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Porsche, are also reportedly scaling back on purely digital interfaces and incorporating more traditional controls. This shift is further fueled by safety advocates and organizations like Europe's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which has begun penalizing manufacturers for removing essential physical controls due to potential safety implications.

Balancing Innovation with Intuition: The Future of Car Interiors

While the move marks a step back from an all-digital philosophy, it does not signal the complete abandonment of advanced screen technology. Features like Mercedes-Benz's 55-inch hyperscreen are expected to remain, with manufacturers aiming to improve voice control systems as an alternative interface. The challenge lies in striking a balance between the futuristic appeal of sophisticated displays and the inherent convenience and safety offered by tactile buttons. The industry is now grappling with how to best combine these elements to create car interiors that are both technologically advanced and truly user-centric.