2022 Geely Coolray PHEV unleashed with 258 PS

Geely combines power with hybrid efficiency in Binyue 1.5T ePro

Earlier this year, Geely revealed the refreshed 2022 Coolray. Called the Binyue over in China, the B-segment crossover received a sporty makeover both inside and out. At the time of its launch, there was only one engine available for the refreshed Coolray – a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Fast forward to the present, and Geely has revealed the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its popular crossover. Officially called the Binyue 1.5T ePro, it's powered by the same three-cylinder turbo available in the non-PHEV version, and then some.

The engine alone already makes an impressive 177 PS with 255 Nm of torque. But with the plug-in hybrid system in play, the crossover generates an additional 81 PS and 160 Nm of torque. The result is a total system output of 258 PS and 415 Nm of pulling power. Even more impressive is the vehicle's pure electric range, which has increased from 62 km in the pre-facelift model to 85 km.

Despite being more powerful than the regular turbo version, Geely claims the 1.5T ePro can average 83.33 km/L when driven efficiently.

When it comes to design, the PHEV version looks similar to what Geely revealed last July. It gets the same Energy Storm front bumper design, two-tone exterior paint, diamond-cut alloy wheels, floating roof design, and black body cladding. The only telltale sign that this is indeed a plug-in hybrid is the PHEV badge placed at the tailgate.

The updated plug-in hybrid also comes with a host of new and features. The crossover now comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (the current one has a 10.25-inch screen), a new T-shaped gear selector, a white-blue leather interior, brushed aluminum panels on the dashboard/door cards, a 72-color LED ambient lighting system, and a full panoramic sunroof.

To keep the driver and passengers safe, the Coolray PHEV is available with a plethora of intelligent safety systems. These include a pre-collision system with pedestrian recognition, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, intelligent high beam, blind-spot monitoring, and remote parking assist.

With the PHEV version now available in China, could Geely distributor Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) offer it locally? So far, the only hybrids available in the country are the mild-hybrid Okavango and the Azkarra. The Coolray has yet to be electrified, however, they could bring in this turbo-hybrid once the facelift model arrives.