Chinese EV Impresses US Testers, Raising Concerns for Detroit

Edmunds review suggests Geely's Galaxy M9 hybrid SUV could succeed in the US market, if tariffs allowed.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:36pm

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An abstract, blurred color photograph capturing the dynamic motion of a Geely SUV, conveying a sense of speed and advanced automotive engineering.The Geely Galaxy M9's impressive performance in US testing suggests Chinese automakers could soon challenge Detroit's dominance.Los Angeles Today

A Chinese plug-in hybrid SUV called the Geely Galaxy M9, which is not available for sale in the US, recently underwent extensive testing by the car shopping site Edmunds in Los Angeles. The testers were impressed by the vehicle's advanced features and capabilities, including an estimated 808-mile total range and 100 miles of electric-only driving - outperforming many current US rivals. While Chinese cars face high tariffs that make them nearly impossible to sell in America, the positive Edmunds review suggests the Galaxy M9 could find success in the US market if trade conditions change.

Why it matters

The strong performance of the Geely Galaxy M9 in US testing highlights the rapid advancements in Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle technology, which could pose a threat to established automakers in Detroit if these vehicles were able to be sold in America. This raises questions about the long-term competitiveness of the US auto industry if trade barriers prevent American consumers from accessing the latest innovations from China.

The details

Edmunds, a prominent car shopping and review site, put the Geely Galaxy M9 through its full 227-point evaluation in Los Angeles. The three-row plug-in hybrid SUV, which sells in China for around $25,000, impressed the testers with its advanced features and capabilities. Edmunds editor-in-chief Alistair Weaver noted that many of the Galaxy M9's technologies are 'ahead of the vehicles that we're driving in the US,' including an estimated 808-mile total range and roughly 100 miles of electric-only driving. The review concluded that if trade conditions allowed the Galaxy M9 to be sold in the US, even at twice its Chinese starting price, it could successfully compete with American rivals.

  • The Geely Galaxy M9 testing took place in Los Angeles, California in April 2026.

The players

Geely

A major Chinese automaker that manufactures the Galaxy M9 plug-in hybrid SUV, which is sold in China but not available in the US market due to high tariffs.

Edmunds

A prominent American car shopping and review website that conducted extensive testing of the Geely Galaxy M9 in Los Angeles.

Alistair Weaver

The editor-in-chief of Edmunds, who praised the advanced features and capabilities of the Geely Galaxy M9 after the testing.

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What they’re saying

“The technology is terrific.”

— Alistair Weaver, Editor-in-Chief, Edmunds

“The generous electric range is a great feature to have, and the ability to travel hundreds of miles with a gas extender is a feature that would put many EV skeptics at ease.”

— Edmunds Review

What’s next

If trade conditions change to allow Geely vehicles to be sold in the US market, the positive Edmunds review suggests the Galaxy M9 hybrid SUV could find significant success and pose a competitive threat to established American automakers.

The takeaway

The strong performance of the Chinese-made Geely Galaxy M9 in US testing highlights the rapid advancements in electric and hybrid vehicle technology coming out of China. This raises concerns for the long-term competitiveness of the Detroit automakers if trade barriers prevent American consumers from accessing the latest innovations from Chinese carmakers.