The Geely Borui PHEV is a D-segment plug-in hybrid saloon that served as an early flagship model spearheading the brand's new energy vehicle (NEV) push. Built on Geely's KC platform, it carries over the acclaimed "Most Beautiful Chinese Car" design language of the Borui family, representing a key milestone in Geely’s transition into electrified mobility. First introduced in 2018, the Borui PHEV saw multiple iterations across the 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years before being gradually phased out after 2022 to make way for Geely's next-generation Galaxy lineup. Geared towards urban families in plate-restricted cities and cost-conscious fleet operators, its core appeal lies in generous cabin space courtesy of a near-5-metre body and 2,870 mm wheelbase, alongside the ultra-low running costs of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Positioned as a D-segment plug-in hybrid saloon, the Borui PHEV serves as the electrified derivative of the Borui model line under Geely Auto. Key highlights include an expansive 4,986 mm overall length, a segment-leading 2,870 mm wheelbase, a 1.5TD+7DCTH plug-in hybrid powertrain, an NEDC-rated combined fuel economy as low as 1.3 L/100 km, and up to 84 km of pure EV range. The model range spanned the 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, with the 2021 Extended Range variant bumping pure electric range to 84 km across Deluxe, Premium, and Executive trims, officially priced between RM149,800 and RM209,800. As an early Chinese brand entrant in the D-segment PHEV space, its key rivals included the BYD Qin Pro DM and Roewe e950, as well as joint-venture offerings like the Passat PHEV and Sonata PHEV.
The Borui PHEV's exterior carries forward the well-received styling cues of the Borui range, once crowned the "Most Beautiful Chinese Car". The front fascia showcases Geely’s signature "expanding cosmos" concentric grille with cascading chrome accents that add depth. Flanking the grille are sharp eagle-eye LED headlamps that blend seamlessly into the front fascia, accentuating its visual width. Aerodynamic bumper air ducts and a full-width chrome garnish further elevate its front-end road presence.
Its side profile remains the Borui PHEV's most distinctive angle. A sleek fastback roofline sweeps smoothly from above the front seats to a subtle rear ducktail spoiler, drawing comparisons to the Porsche Panamera and earning it the playful nickname "Geely's Panamera" among enthusiasts. A sharp character line runs from the front wings all the way to the tail lamps, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels to create an aggressive, road-hugging stance. It also boasts an impressive aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.27 Cd.
In terms of dimensions, the saloon measures 4,986 mm long, 1,861 mm wide, and 1,513 mm tall, with a generous 2,870 mm wheelbase—approaching full-size executive saloon territory to deliver immense legroom and shoulder room. Exterior paint options include Crystal White, Jade Black, and Flame Red, among others.
At the rear, a sleek horizontal chrome bar links the LED tail lamps, which feature a signature "Wings of Time" light graphic. The lower bumper integrates twin chrome exhaust trims (with hidden exhaust tips underneath) alongside a diffuser-styled black rear valence for a sportier look.
Inside, the Borui PHEV features a driver-centric wraparound cockpit. The dashboard is trimmed in soft-touch materials and leatherette with piano black inserts and chrome accents, punching well above its price bracket in perceived quality. Higher trims gain a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, and an electronic gear selector. Seats are finished in leatherette or genuine leather, with top-spec variants adding front seat heating, ventilation, and memory functions for the driver.
Under the bonnet, the Borui PHEV uses a front-wheel-drive setup combining a 1.5TD turbocharged petrol engine—jointly developed by Geely and Volvo—with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCTH).
Engine: The 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged unit (JLH-3G15TD) produces 130 kW (177 PS) and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Equipped with direct injection, it runs on RON 92 petrol and meets China VI b emissions standards.
Electric Motor: The front-mounted motor delivers 60 kW (approx. 82 PS) and 160 Nm of torque.
Combined System Output: Total system output stands at 190 kW (approx. 258 PS) and 415 Nm of torque, propelling the saloon from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds towards a top speed of 210 km/h.
Battery & Range: Fitted with a ternary lithium-ion battery pack, early iterations (2018–2020) featured an 11.3 kWh pack offering an NEDC pure electric range of 60 km. The 2021 Extended Range and 2022 models upgraded to a 15.5 kWh battery, extending the NEDC electric range to 84 km. Rated combined fuel economy is 1.3–1.6 L/100 km (NEDC) and 2.80 L/100 km (WLTC). Charging is strictly AC-only, taking roughly 1.5 hours for a full charge, with no DC fast charging available. Average electricity consumption is rated at around 17.2 kWh/100 km.
Underneath, the front-wheel-drive Borui PHEV sports front double wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent setup. Double wishbones are typically reserved for premium luxury cars, providing superior lateral stiffness and wheel geometry control for sharper steering response and cornering stability, while the rear multi-link setup offers noticeably better bump compliance and tracking than a torsion beam.
Steering is managed via an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while stopping power comes from ventilated front discs and solid rear discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. Wheel sizes range from 215/55 R17 on entry grades to 235/45 R18 on top trims. Drivers can select between Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort modes. The chassis is tuned primarily for comfort, soaking up road imperfections with ease while maintaining solid high-speed composure comparable to established joint-venture D-segment rivals. Owners note that the car feels planted on highway runs, with commendable chassis poise and controlled body roll.
Equipment levels are generous for the price point. Lower trims come with a colour multi-info display, while higher grades upgrade to a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster. The 12.3-inch touchscreen runs Geely's GKUI Smart Ecosystem with GPS navigation, Bluetooth, telematics, voice command (audio/nav/phone/climate), and OTA updates. Sound is piped through a 6-to-8-speaker audio setup, with an Infinity premium audio system available on range-topping variants.
Convenience features include standard leatherette/leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, and a PM2.5 air purifier. Upper variants add heated/ventilated front seats, powered driver seat (6-way/8-way), powered front passenger seat, an opening panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate with kick sensor, keyless entry with push-start button, and remote engine start. Multi-device charging is supported by front (1) and rear (2) USB/Type-C ports.
Due to battery placement, boot capacity is reduced to 502 litres compared to the standard petrol Borui, though still practical for daily use. The rear seatbacks are fixed and do not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility. However, cabin storage is well thought out, with decent centre console bins and door pockets.
On the safety front, the Borui PHEV comes standard with front, side, and full-length curtain airbags (6 airbags total), ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a real-time Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) matching Level 2 autonomy are featured on higher grades (or available as options). This suite includes Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitoring / Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). A 360-degree surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, Auto Brake Hold, and Hill-Start Assist (HSA) round out the safety kit.
Built with a high-strength cage body and extensive use of high-tensile steel, the Borui PHEV scored a full five-star crash test rating in C-NCAP.
The Borui PHEV was Geely's pioneer in the plug-in hybrid saloon market. In its early days, its sweeping fastback styling, nearly 5-metre footprint, Volvo-engineered powertrain, and government NEV incentives (tax exemptions and green plates) made it an instant hit. Within 30 days of launch, the Borui family (combining MHEV and PHEV variants) chalked up 10,868 sales—a commendable feat for a local D-segment saloon.
Compared to contemporary rivals like the BYD Qin Pro DM and Roewe ei6, the Borui PHEV offered superior road presence (4,986 mm length / 2,870 mm wheelbase) and higher-tier suspension hardware (front double wishbones). Against joint-venture models such as the Passat PHEV and Sonata PHEV, it undercut them on price while offering richer equipment. However, it had its shortcomings: the 1.5T 3-cylinder engine exhibited noticeable NVH roughness, vibration, and low-speed hesitation when the battery was depleted; the lack of DC fast charging (AC slow charging took ~1.5 hours) hampered quick top-ups; and the fastback roof compromised rear headroom slightly. With production ending after 2022, used car buyers should pay close attention to battery State of Health (SoH).
Owner feedback widely praises the saloon's generous rear legroom (2,870 mm wheelbase), striking looks, and day-to-day fuel efficiency. Many drivers note that the 84 km EV range easily covers daily commutes, yielding combined fuel consumption figures between 1.3 and 5.9 L/100 km. Main gripes centre on transmission jerkiness in low-battery mode, scarce front USB ports, and elevated tyre noise on coarse tarmac. All in all, as Geely’s major foray into the D-segment PHEV market, the Borui PHEV blended space, efficiency, and high equipment levels, laying crucial technical and commercial foundations for subsequent NEV successes like the Galaxy L6 and L7. For used car shoppers looking for a spacious, daily EV commuter around the RM50,000 to RM100,000 price bracket—and who do not mind the 3-cylinder engine's characteristics—the Borui PHEV remains an attractive value-for-money proposition.
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