Geely officially launched its latest ICON SUV, earlier today in a completely online launch event that was watched by millions across China. The highly anticipated model received over 30,000 orders since it was unveiled in November 2019 through online pre-booking, showcasing the soaring demand for the striking SUV.
The stunning Geely Icon stays true to the avant-garde minimalistic analog-inspired design first shown in the Concept ICON that was displayed at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show. Breaking from the traditional SUV design trend, Geely ICON designers used a “less is better” design ethos to move towards a purer more 8-bit analog form. From the onset, the ICON has been a globally designed model with input from Geely’s five global design centers, including an exterior that was developed in Geely’s California design studio and an interior that was developed in Geely’s Barcelona studio with both being revised and brought to completion in Geely’s Shanghai studio.
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On the exterior, the arrangement of the headlamps has been patterned after an infinity loop, a symbol of time, creating a unique split design. The arrangement is not only visually appealing it has also improved lighting efficiency by 30% and extends road visibility to 165m.
While being visually minimalistic, the ICON has put a focus on technology; intelligent flushed door handles pop out when users approach and retract when they leave, helping the ICON maintain a clean visual image while in motion or parked.
Inside the ICON, the minimalistic analog-inspired design helps give the cabin a futuristic sci-fi feel. The symbol of time is once again visually present in the design form of the air vents and central console. Dual interactive 10.25-inch screens, an information panel, and a central infotainment console dominate the dashboard. From the two interiors screens and mobile devices, users can interact with ICON and connect to the world through the GKUI Geely Smart Ecosystem.
The Geely Icon is the first in its segment to make use of 48V mild hybrid technologies that bring fuel consumption down to new lows of 5.7 liters per 100km (17.54 km/l). The 48V system is paired with Geely’s leading 1.5T engine that offers 174.5hp of power and 255Nm of torque in base form, the addition of the 48V system provides a further 13.5 of power and 45Nm of torque giving a total of 188hp and 300Nm of torque. The ICON also uses Geely’s 7-Speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) to help achieve a 0-100km.h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
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Along with a trend-setting design, the ICON comes also comes with cutting edge smart technologies. It comes equipped with industry leading L2+ intelligent driving technologies enabled by its 12 ultrasonic radars, millimeter wave radar, and 5 high-def cameras. It features ICC intelligent cruise control, LKA lane keep assistance, AEB-P automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition, APA one-button automatic parking, etc.
In terms of safety, ICON improves on Geely’s 360 ° safety identification circle by an additional 180°. On top of being able to see a 360° panoramic image of the vehicle on the interior screens, the driver is also presented with a 180° view from the side, front, or rear of the car, effectively eliminating all blind spots from the driver’s view.
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In response to the new Coronavirus epidemic, Geely developed in record time, a new Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) that is N95 certified. This highly efficient air purification system works in tandem with the ICON’s air conditioner to isolate and eliminate harmful elements in the cabin air including bacteria and viruses.
Speaking online at the ICON launch event, Geely Auto Group President and CEO, An Conghui said:
“Geely ICON’s launch not only showcases the core strength of Geely’s global development network, it also shows our forward thinking and demonstrates the high-tech digital future we are all moving toward. It represents Geely’s leap from merely meeting user demands to creating leading trends. Just as the Geely ICON will become a new icon for global SUVs, Geely Auto will also become an icon in terms of automotive technologies and global auto brands.”
The Geely ICON is available in 4 trims and is priced from CNY 115,800 (PKR 25.31 lac) for the base i7 version and goes as high as CNY 128,800 (PKR 28.15 lac) for the top-spec i9 BSG variant.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
