The Geely Borui, marketed as the Geely Borui GE until 2020, is a mid-sized sedan that was produced by the Chinese automaker Geely from 2018 to 2021. Mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms were also provided. The model was unveiled in March 2018,[1] and went on sale on May 28 the same year.[2]
Naming
The "GE" in Borui GE possibly stands for grand evolution, genius efficient or Geely elite.[3]
Overview
In late 2017 Geely unveiled a flagship hybrid fastback car 'K Model' (later renamed Geely Borui GT) based on the Geely Borui. It was later renamed as the "Geely Borui GE". On 10 March 2018, the Chinese automaker Geely organized an activity of design interpretation and static shot of the new Borui GE in Suzhou, Jiangsu. it was the first shown of Geely Borui GE.[4] In 2018 Beijing Auto Show, a month and a half after the event in Suzhou, the Borui GE featured in the important areas of the booths.[1]
The Geely Borui GE multimedia system provides touchscreen and has the ability to activate and control all systems in the car. The main screen takes some ideas from a cellphone. In plug-in models, there's also a key which infers users the electric vehicle settings.[5]
The Borui GE featured a full LED light system and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox co-developed by Geely and Volvo with an electronic gearknob. The liquid crystal dashboard, electronic handbrake, automatic parking, ACC system, seat heating and ventilation, electric boost, knee airbag and remote start are available in most models.
Technical specifications
Plug-in hybrid version
The PHEV version featured an 11.5 kWh ternary lithium battery provided by Ningde Century which supports power from charging piles outputs 6.6 kW or 3.3 kW and 220V household. When using 6.6 kW charging piles, the model needs only 1.5 hours to finish charging and would able to cruise 60 km or more without petrol. The battery uses "T segment" and a Geely "P2.5 system". The transmission carries a 1.5TD petrol engine and a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The peak torque of plug in version reaches 425 Nm.
Geely P2.5 Hybrid Drive System
Most European automakers use a hybrid system called P2, which means the electric power lies between the engine and the gearbox. However, Geely Borui GE puts its electric power on its dual-clutch gearbox. The e-machine is connected with one of the two clutches by an input shaft. The defect is that the clutch of even numbers would carry more mechanical abrasion.[6]
Geely P2.5 Hybrid Drive System
Most European automakers use a hybrid system called P2, which means the electric power lies between the engine and the gearbox. However, Geely Borui GE puts its electric power on its dual-clutch gearbox. The e-machine is connected with one of the two clutches by an input shaft. The defect is that the clutch of even numbers would carry more mechanical abrasion.[6]
Mild hybrid version
Borui GE MHEV uses a 1.5T L3 petrol engine and carries a Geely P0 electric motor. The Borui GE P0 electric motor only provides a small battery and does not support pure electric drive. In fact the battery is only helping the three cylinder engine and the dual clutch transmission for fuel saving. Fuel economy numbers are rated at 5.8 L/100km and power outputs for the MHEV are 190 hp and 300 Nm of torque.
Promotion event
Geely Auto had organised a driving activity on 10 May 2018, about three weeks before going on sale. The activity's main focus was the low of fuel consumption of Borui GE. The Beijing-Shanghai journey began on the morning and ended at midnight. This showed that each car used only a tank of petrol. The route was about 1200 km, passing 44 cities. According to the trip computer, the average fuel consumption was 4.3 L/100km, and the lowest consumption was 3.7 L/100km, breaking the record low of hybrid B-segment car fuel consumption.[7]
Facelift (2020)
The Borui received a facelift in August 2020 with the GE name dropped. The facelift features a 1.8-litre turbo engine mated to a 7-speed DCT. The front end sports a redesigned front bumper and the new vertical grilles and black trims, and all chrome trims are now blacked out on the facelift model.[8]
Sales
As the Geely Borui GE went on sale, about 2,000 units of car was sold in the first hour.[9] In 2018, 44,299 units were sold.[10]