Geely Icon Goes On Sale In China With ‘Coronavirus Protection’ For $16,500

Geely has started sales of the Icon subcompact SUV in China on February 24 in a completely online launch watched by millions.

The automaker has already racked up more than 30,000 pre-orders in the hours leading up to the Icon’s launch, a sign that the new model could become Geely’s most popular SUV. Previewed by the Concept Icon in 2018, the Geely Icon is a big deal for the automaker.

The fact that it was designed with input from Geely’s five global design centers speaks volumes about the global ambitions behind the project. The exterior, for example, has been developed at Geely’s California studio, while the interior was designed at the carmaker’s Barcelona’s studio in Spain. Everything was revised and brought to completion at Geely’s Shanghai studio.

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This massive effort is explained by the fact that future Geely models will use the same minimalistic design language as the Icon. Exterior highlights include the blocky silhouette, split headlights, ‘Expanding Cosmos’ grille, infinity loop taillight signature and pop-out door handles.

Inside, the infinity loop is found in the shape of the middle air vents and center console, but the dominant feature is the dual interactive 10.25-inch command center powered by the GKUI Geely Smart Ecosystem.

Perhaps the most important USP right now for Chinese customers amid the coronavirus epidemic is the fact that the Icon is equipped with a new Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS). Working in tandem with the air conditioner, IAPS’ mission is “to isolate and eliminate harmful elements in the cabin air including bacteria and viruses.”

Geely Icon’s Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS)

On the tech front, the Icon packs the L2+ suite of intelligent driving systems enabled by 12 ultrasonic radars, millimeter wave radar, and 5 high-definition cameras. These power driver assistance systems such as intelligent cruise control, lane keep assistance, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition, one-button automatic parking, and more.

The Geely Icon also features an improved 360-degree camera system by adding a 180-degree view from the side, front or rear of the car in order to eliminate blind spots.

In China, the Geely Icon debuts with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine hooked to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The ICE delivers 174 HP (177 PS / 130 kW) and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque on its own, while the 48-volt system provides a further 10 kW (13.4 HP / 13.6 PS) of power and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) of torque.

Geely cites an average fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (41.2 mpg US) and a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds. Prices vary between RMB 115,800 ($16,500) and RMB 128,800 ($18,300).