The Geely Galaxy Xingyuan has claimed the top spot in China’s 2025 battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales with 465,775 units sold, surpassing the Tesla Model Y’s 425,337 units and marking a shift toward affordable compact EVs. This hatchback, launched in October 2024, achieved this in its first full year on the market, driven by its starting price of RMB 69,800 (about €8,300 or $9,360) and city-friendly design. For EV buyers and investors tracking China’s massive market—where BEV retail sales reached 7.877 million units, up 24.4%—this signals the rising dominance of value-focused models over premium SUVs.
Background: Geely’s Rise in China’s EV Landscape
Geely Auto, a major Chinese automaker, has aggressively expanded its new energy vehicle (NEV) lineup through sub-brands like Geely Galaxy. The Xingyuan, part of the Galaxy series, launched on October 9, 2024, with a starting price of RMB 69,800, positioning it against BYD’s Seagull and Dolphin. By December 2025, cumulative deliveries exceeded 500,000 units, with retail sales from January to November 2025 at 429,628 units—the highest among all models per China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data. Geely’s overall sales surged 66.4% to nearly 2.1 million units in 2025, overtaking Volkswagen and Toyota to rank second in China, while the Galaxy series sold 1.24 million vehicles globally, up 150%.
This success reflects China’s maturing EV market, where domestic brands captured 65% share, and NEVs hit around 16 million units amid total vehicle sales of over 34 million. Geely’s strategy emphasizes affordable tech, including an 11-in-1 intelligent drive system and Cell-to-Pack battery, appealing to urban buyers amid a price war that pressured even leader BYD, whose sales dipped 11.7%.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,135 mm |
| Width | 1,805 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm |
| Powertrain | Rear-mounted single motor: 58 kW (78 hp) or 85 kW |
| Starting Price (2024 launch) | RMB 69,800 (~€8,300 / $9,360) |
| 2026 Model Price (limited-time) | RMB 65,800 (~$9,360) |
| Drive System | 11-in-1 intelligent drive |
| Battery | Cell-to-Pack |
| 2025 Retail Sales (China) | 465,775 units |
| Cumulative Deliveries (by Dec 2025) | Over 500,000 units |
Sources: Geely official dimensions and power for the 2026 model; sales from CPCA.
Performance and Sales Breakdown
The Xingyuan’s sales trajectory was explosive: monthly retail figures climbed from 28,146 in January 2025 to peaks like 48,060 in September and 44,239 in November, surpassing 40,000 units for six straight months. It topped China’s overall model sales for the year, ranking #1 in February, April, May, July, and August, and globally placed among top BEVs in Q3 2025 alongside Tesla Model Y and Model 3. By November 2025, it ranked 4th globally with nearly 43,000 units.
This performance displaced the Tesla Model Y, which fell 11.45% to 425,337 units despite a strong December of 65,874. Smaller EVs dominated: SAIC-GM-Wuling Hongguang MINIEV took 2nd with 435,599 units (+66.8%), BYD Seagull 4th at 310,956 (-31.4%), highlighting a trend where compact models filled half the top 10 and sold over 1.5 million combined.
Market Impact and Technology Edge
The Xingyuan’s 4,135 mm length suits urban parking, yet it packs high-tech features like advanced driver assistance implied by its intelligent drive system. Priced competitively against BYD’s Seagull (dimensions and range akin to pricier Dolphin), it benefited from a 2026 refresh, dropping to RMB 65,800 temporarily. Geely Galaxy’s growth to 526,000 units (+102.2%) underscores sub-brand success, with exports contributing to Geely’s global 3.02 million sales (14% exported).
However, questions linger: exact range figures, charging speeds, and long-term reliability data are not fully detailed in available sources—details not yet confirmed. Global expansion, including as Proton eMas 5, could test its appeal outside China.
Competitor Comparison
| Model | 2025 China Sales | Starting Price (RMB) | Length (mm) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geely Xingyuan | 465,775 | 69,800 | 4,135 | +784.5% (first full year) |
| SAIC-GM-Wuling Hongguang MINIEV | 435,599 | Not specified | Compact (A0 segment) | +66.8% |
| Tesla Model Y | 425,337 | Higher (premium) | ~4,750 | -11.45% |
| BYD Seagull | 310,956 | Similar range | ~3,780 | -31.4% |
The Xingyuan outperforms in volume and growth, undercutting premium rivals like Model Y while matching compact competitors on price and size.
Verdict
The Geely Xingyuan’s ascent to 465,775 sales proves that affordable, tech-equipped compacts are reshaping China’s EV leaderboard, challenging Tesla’s dominance and pressuring BYD amid price competition. It’s ideal for urban Chinese commuters prioritizing cost (under RMB 70,000), ease of parking, and modern features, but global buyers await export variants’ pricing and range confirmation. Geely’s momentum positions it as a brand to watch, though sustaining growth requires innovation beyond sales peaks.
