New Geely supercharged 1.5L hybrid can do 27.8 km/L

Geely's new powertrain is poised to deliver power and efficiency

You read that headline right.

Geely Auto Group recently introduced its new global powertrain brand called Leishen Power as part of its Smart Geely 2025. According to the company, Leishan Power is positioned as a “world-leading intelligent high-efficiency powertrain brand”. The highlight of the Leishen Power brand is a new powertrain called Leishen Hi-X.

The Leishen Hi-X is a hybrid powertrain that features an ultra-high thermal efficiency combustion 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine. The upcoming engine will benefit from a supercharger, direct injection, a Miller-cycle, and a low-pressure EGR. With that, Geely says the engine's indicated thermal efficiency reached 52.5% and offers the highest torque and power within its class.

Aside from the engine, the Leishen Hi-X's other highlight is the lightweight 3-speed DHT Pro hybrid transmission that's integrated with two electric motors and electronic controllers. The automaker claims the dual E-motors in the gearbox ensures drivers have power on demand. Combined with the 1.5-liter mill, Geely promises the powertrain can deliver up to 27.8 km/L – a 40% reduction in fuel consumption versus their current line of 1.5-liter engines.

Interestingly, Geely says the Hi-X will be the first hybrid powertrain available with Firmware Over the Air (FOTA) updates. The updates will improve the entire hybrid powertrain system and offer as many as 20 intelligent driving modes.

The first models to use the new Leishen Hi-X powertrain will be Geely's flagship “Star” series models such as the Xing Yue and the Xing Rui. Over the next three years, however, the company will offer the powertrain to other models and other Geely family brands. Leishen Power will also offer a more diversified selection of electric powertrains including HEVs, long-range PHEVs, and range-extended BEVs.

We won't be surprised if the new Hi-X powertrain makes its way to PH-spec versions of the Coolray, Azkarra, and Okavango. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder mill does qualify for the free trade agreement between ASEAN and China, after all.