858-hp monster SUV debuts
U.S. tests call it 'premium'
Can a Chinese automaker shake up the global market?
Galaxy M9 - Source: Geely Auto
Geely’s Galaxy M9 is drawing attention in the U.S. after formal testing by Edmunds, one of the country’s leading automotive outlets.
Reviewers slot the M9 into the large-crossover category—similar in size to the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander—and say it stands up well against mainstream U.S. brands.
Test drivers said the M9 would pose a genuine threat to established rivals if launched, praising its package and overall execution.
858-hp HYBE리드…
Performance that rewrites expectations
Galaxy M9 - Source: Geely Auto
The M9’s headline feature is an aggressive powertrain.
A 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and three electric motors delivers a combined output of 858 horsepower.
It accelerates from 0–60 mph in 4.2 seconds, a figure that puts it on par with the Palisade, the EV9 and even the BMW X5 PHEV.
Notably, the M9’s pure electric range is about 101 miles (roughly 162 km), among the best for plug-in hybrid vehicles now available in the U.S.
Quieter than a Rolls-Royce…
Class-leading quietness
Galaxy M9 - Source: Geely Auto
Testers praised the M9 not only for its performance but also for its quiet cabin and advanced technology.
In cabin noise tests the M9 recorded levels lower than those measured in the Rolls-Royce Spectre, a result that surprised industry observers.
Reviewers also found the infotainment system fast and intuitive, comparing its responsiveness to that of Tesla and Rivian.
With a price around $35,000 (about 50 million KRW), analysts say the M9 doesn’t just offer strong value — it challenges existing benchmarks for quality and performance in its segment.
Tariffs and political barriers…
The final hurdles to clear
Galaxy M9 - Source: Geely Auto
Still, significant hurdles remain for any Chinese automaker trying to enter the U.S. market.
The U.S. currently applies tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese-made cars, and regulators are tightening rules around connected-vehicle systems and software.
Even so, this test illustrates that China’s auto industry has reached the global top tier in both technology and product competitiveness.
If the M9 is introduced in South Korea, analysts say it could significantly disrupt the large three-row SUV segment currently dominated by the Palisade.
