This is the Geely Binyue PHEV, the plug-in hybrid
version of the B-segment SUV that surfaced late last year in China. The Binyue PHEV is set to debut in its home market either
late this month or in early June.
These images show the Binyue hooked up to a charger,
with its charging port located on the front wing. Other than the extra flap and
PHEV emblem on the tailgate, the Binyue PHEV looks similar to the internal
combustion engine-powered car. The black floating roof and fan blade-style
18-inch wheels can also be had on the regular Binyue.
Inside, the smart-looking cockpit has been carried
over unchanged, but there’s an additional rotary knob on the centre console for
drivers to select pure EV or Hybrid modes. There’s also a “Save” battery button
which should offer high regeneration.
Word is that the Binyue PHEV’s powertrain will
combine a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, battery
pack and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With a combined 255 hp
and 415 Nm of torque, the compact SUV is good for 0-100 km/h in a brisk 6.9
seconds. The PHEV is said to have a pure electric mode range of 60 km.
Built on the BMA modular platform co-developed with
Volvo, the Binyue in its regular ICE-form comes with two turbocharged
three-cylinder petrol engine options – a 1.5L with a DCT auto (as per the PHEV,
makes 174 hp/255 Nm on its own) and a 1.0L with a six-speed manual (134 hp/205
Nm). It’s 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,609 mm tall, with a 2,600 mm
wheelbase – that’s around the size of a Honda HR-V.
