The Geely Binyue (widely marketed overseas as the Geely Coolray) is a front-wheel-drive B-segment SUV crafted by Geely Auto for trend-conscious young buyers, first-time urban car owners, and pocket-rocket enthusiasts. As an undisputed sales champion among Chinese-brand subcompact crossovers and a spearhead for export markets, the Binyue's core formula centres on its aggressive mecha-inspired styling, an explosive 7.6-second century sprint, and a class-transcending smart digital cockpit.
Within Geely's extensive model portfolio, the Binyue (comprising the latest Binyue L and the Super Edition series) serves as the vanguard for youthful energy and trendsetting design. It has not only disrupted the dominance of joint-venture subcompact SUVs in China, but has also achieved stellar success as the Coolray across Southeast Asia (notably in Malaysia, where it has long dominated the SUV sales charts as the Proton X50, and the Philippines), the Middle East, and Latin America—firmly cementing its status as the go-to first performance crossover for young drivers worldwide.
The Geely Binyue's core philosophy is unapologetic: refuse to be boring, refuse to be mediocre. It directly takes on rivals such as the GAC Trumpchi Emzoom, Changan CS35 PLUS, Honda HR-V (Vezel/XR-V), and various entry-level joint-venture and indigenous hatchbacks and compact crossovers.
Boasting a nimble 4.3-metre footprint, gloss-black twin-five-spoke alloy wheels, striking red brake calipers, signature quad exhaust tips, and a fighter-jet-inspired rear spoiler, the Binyue delivers an undeniable track-ready presence both visually and aurally. The latest-generation Binyue L is further elevated with the ECARX E02 chipset and the Flyme Auto smart infotainment system, uncompromisingly democratising cutting-edge tech, bold styling, and punchy performance against stripped-down base-spec joint-venture rivals.
From its high-profile debut as the first SUV on Geely's BMA platform to its widespread overseas commercial success and latest smart 'L' generation, the Binyue's evolution has been swift and relentless:
The BMA Platform Pioneer (2018–2021): In late 2018, as the first SUV built on Geely's B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA), the first-generation Binyue burst onto the scene with uncompromising sporting DNA. Driven by a punchy 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine and an aggressive quad-tailpipe setup, it quickly took the youth market by storm. Shortly after, its right-hand-drive sibling was introduced in Malaysia as the locally assembled (CKD) Proton X50, swiftly clinching the overall SUV sales crown and establishing its credentials as a true global model.
"Binyue COOL" Four-Cylinder Heart & Performance Leap (2022–2024): To address customer reservations regarding three-cylinder powerplants, Geely responded to market feedback with the Binyue COOL. The facelifted model received Geely's new Jinqing 1.5TD high-efficiency four-cylinder engine, propelling it into the 7.6-second 0-100 km/h club. In addition to delivering smoother power delivery, it dramatically improved fuel efficiency, firmly defending its benchmark status in the sporty compact SUV segment.
"Binyue L" Tech Evolution & The Flyme Auto Era (2025–Present): Ushering in the latest generation, Geely officially rolled out the all-new Binyue L (Star Glory Edition, Star Diamond Edition, Battle Edition, etc.), forming a dual-tier lineup alongside the value-oriented Binyue Super Edition (1.5L NA). The Binyue L adopts the brand's fresh "Star Glory Streamer" design language with an elongated silhouette. The highlight, however, is the segment-first integration of the Flyme Auto smart cockpit, effectively putting an end to sluggish infotainment systems in entry-level crossovers.
The Geely Binyue is a rare standout among Chinese-brand B-segment SUVs, achieving runaway success both domestically and on the global stage. In China, it remains the default "first sporty ride" for fresh graduates and young families; overseas, badged as the Geely Coolray or Proton X50, it has become a household name on roads across multiple continents. Thanks to its segment-best acceleration punch, robust chassis tuning, and accessible aftermarket tuning potential, it has fostered an immensely passionate following within enthusiast and car-modding communities worldwide.
In terms of dimensions, the latest Geely Binyue L measures 4,380 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,609 mm tall, with a 2,600 mm wheelbase. This compact footprint ensures effortless manoeuvrability through congested city streets and easy parking, while the short-overhang, long-wheelbase layout maximises practical cabin space for all occupants.
Key highlights of its hot-hatch-rivalling powertrain, cutting-edge smart cockpit, and safety suite include:
High-Performance Powertrain (1.5TD + 7DCT Benchmark Combo):
Jinqing Four-Cylinder Heart: The Binyue L and upper-tier variants are powered by an efficient 1.5TD inline-four turbocharged direct-injection engine (derived from Geely's hybrid powertrain family), pushing out 133 kW (approx. 181 PS) and a peak torque of 290 Nm across a broad 2,000–3,500 rpm band.
Award-Winning Gearbox: Paired with a next-generation 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), delivering lightning-quick 0.2-second shifts with top-tier mechanical efficiency.
Punchy Performance: Official 0-100 km/h sprint is clocked in just 7.6 seconds, with a crisp throttle response of 0.23 seconds. It features four selectable drive modes: ECO, Normal, Sport, and Intelligent. Combined fuel consumption is rated at an efficient 6.35 L/100 km (WLTC cycle), whereas the entry-spec Super Edition employs a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine mated to a 5MT or CVT for straightforward everyday economy.
Class-Leading Flyme Auto Smart Cockpit:
Dual-Display Setup: The dashboard is anchored by an 8.8-inch full-digital instrument cluster alongside a massive 14.6-inch floating HD touchscreen (boasting ultra-slim 7 mm bezels and 1080p resolution).
Next-Gen In-Car OS: Driven by the high-performance ECARX E02 automotive chip, the central screen runs the Flyme Auto OS. Delivering smartphone-grade responsiveness, the system supports highly customizable homepages, seamless full-scenario voice commands ("what you see is what you can speak"), HUAWEI HiCar, and multi-device cross-ecosystem connectivity.
Sporty Interior Ambience: The cabin is trimmed with carbon-fibre-style accents and dedicated sports leather seats (with signature orange seatbelts on selected variants). Mid-to-high variants also gain innovative semi-transparent anti-glare sun visors, an expansive panoramic sunroof, a wireless smartphone charging tray, and a smart dual-strut powered tailgate.
High-Rigidity Safety Cell & Level 2 ADAS:
High-Strength Safety Cage: The body-in-white structure features a high-rigidity safety cell, comprising 66% high-strength steel and 15.2% hot-formed steel with tensile strength up to 1,500 MPa. Paired with multi-stage crumple zones, it ensures maximum passenger cell integrity during collisions.
540° Surround View & ADAS: Bosch's latest ESC and TPMS come standard across the range. Mid-to-high trims receive a comprehensive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, including Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection (AEB-P), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and more. Complementing the suite is a 540° HD camera system (360° panoramic view + 180° transparent chassis), giving drivers total visibility to effortlessly tackle tight city spaces and blind spots.
With the rollout of the dual-model strategy comprising the Binyue L and Binyue Super Edition, the Geely Binyue lineup is poised for its next phase of global expansion. Moving forward, beyond leveraging continuous over-the-air (OTA) updates via Flyme Auto to enrich its in-car digital ecosystem and refining the 7DCT's low-speed urban creeping algorithms, the platform is set to deepen its presence in key international markets across Europe, the Middle East, and ASEAN, catering to both ICE and electrified powertrain demands. Geely aims to continue capitalising on this global pocket rocket's unbeatable value-for-money mechanical package and youth appeal to stay ahead in the worldwide B-segment sporty SUV arena.
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
Help us improve our website
