The Geely ICON is a B-segment SUV from Geely Auto, positioned as a "future-tech SUV" aimed squarely at individualistic, youthful urban drivers. First introduced in February 2020, the model made waves by retaining up to 90% of its concept car design, quickly becoming one of the most distinctive nameplates in Geely's line-up. On 12 July 2025, the 2026 Geely ICON (Chocolate Edition) officially hit the market with 2 variants, carrying an official retail price tag ranging from RM89,800 to RM95,800, alongside a limited-time promotional launch price lowered to RM79,800 - RM85,800.
Competing in the compact B-SUV segment, the Geely ICON measures 4,350 mm long, 1,815 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, with a 2,640 mm wheelbase, a 5-door, 5-seater layout, and a kerb weight of 1,415 kg. Key highlights include its instantly recognisable "boxy" futuristic silhouette, the Flyme Auto smart infotainment system, a 1.5T+7DCT powertrain, and an accessible RM80,000-class price point. Primary rivals include petrol-powered B-segment SUVs such as the GAC Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom, Lynk & Co 06, and Changan CS35 PLUS. Public registration figures show that the Geely ICON delivered 9,942 units in the first half of 2025, with monthly sales reaching 2,003 units in June.
The exterior styling of the Geely ICON is based on a "Space-Time Variation" theme, weaving three core visual motifs—an hourglass, rounded rectangles, and constellation graphics—across the entire car. Up front, a looping meander-pattern smoked radiator grille is flanked by split LED headlamps with adaptive high-beam assist, delivering exceptional nighttime presence. For the 2026 model year, subtle visual refinements have been introduced: the lower body claddings swap the previous silver garnishes for a sleek, all-black finish, yielding a cleaner and sportier aesthetic.
In profile, the crossover maintains its signature boxy silhouette, complemented by a floating roof and blacked-out A-pillars for a tech-forward look. The most significant exterior update on the 2026 model is the departure from flush pop-out door handles in favour of conventional pull-type handles, improving durability in sub-zero winters and enhancing everyday convenience. Round the back, square smoked tail lamp clusters sit on either side, paired with an extensive black lower bumper trim and a rear wiper delete, giving the rear end a much cleaner profile. Four exterior paint options are available: Cream Silver, Sea Salt Blue, Berry Pink, and Vanilla White.
The cabin forms the centrepiece of the 2026 model's revision. Doing away with the predecessor's dual-screen panel, the dashboard now houses an 8.8-inch full digital instrument cluster and a standalone 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen. Finished in a Morandi Purple interior scheme and accented with a crystal-styled electronic gear selector, overall cabin perceived quality has taken a noticeable step up. The engine push-start button has been relocated from the left of the AC vents to behind the gear lever, while the physical drive mode dial has been deleted, with controls now fully integrated into the touchscreen.
Under the bonnet, the 2026 Geely ICON is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (codename BHE15-EFZ), churning out 133 kW (around 181 PS) and 290 Nm of torque, with maximum pulling power accessible between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm. The powerplant incorporates DVVT technology, balancing performance efficiency with lower emissions.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). Geely claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h, while rated at a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 L/100 km under the WLTC cycle. The engine runs on RON 92 petrol and meets China VI emission standards. As a tried-and-tested powertrain shared across several Geely models, the setup offers reliable and linear power delivery, striking a good balance between lively city driving and fuel economy.
Underpinning the 2026 Geely ICON is a suspension setup featuring front MacPherson struts and an independent multi-link rear suspension—a notably generous specification within the entry-level B-SUV segment. Steering is handled via an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system over a monocoque chassis. Braking duties are managed by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, linked to an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 215/55 R18 tyres wrapped around 18-inch dual-tone five-spoke petal-design alloy wheels.
Off-road geometry figures include a 19° approach angle and a 27° departure angle, backed by a 51-litre fuel tank. Drive modes include Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport, supported by Auto Brake Hold, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Hill Descent Control (HDC). The overall chassis setup is tuned for everyday ride comfort; the multi-link rear axle provides far better bump absorption over rough patches compared to the torsion beam setups commonly found in this class, making it ideal for daily commutes and light weekend getaways.
The headline cabin upgrade for the 2026 Geely ICON is the migration to the Flyme Auto operating system, replacing the previous Geely Galaxy OS. Running through the 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen, the system supports AutoNavi connected navigation, SOS emergency assistance, Flyme Link/Carlink/HUAWEI HiCar smartphone mirroring, built-in 4G connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot, and OTA firmware updates. The voice command system handles multimedia, navigation, hands-free calls, and climate control, offering noticeably quicker response times and smoother transitions than before.
On the comfort and convenience front, standard kit across the 2026 ICON range includes a panoramic glass roof with a power sunblind, keyless entry with push-button start (driver's side entry), automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a 6-speaker audio setup. The base Chunqiao variant gets heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a 540-degree surround-view camera with a transparent chassis function, and cruise control. Moving up to the range-topping Chunzhen variant adds a power tailgate, a 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, an 8.8-inch full digital instrument cluster (the Chunqiao uses a combo digital/analogue meter), 256-colour ambient lighting, and rain-sensing automatic wipers.
Seats are trimmed in leatherette, with an electrically adjustable driver's seat and standard front seat heating. The rear bench features a 60:40 split-folding design, ensuring practical cargo flexibility when needed.
For active safety and driver assistance, the 2026 Geely ICON Chunqiao variant features standard cruise control along with a 540-degree camera system with a see-through chassis view. The flagship Chunzhen variant steps up to a full Level 2 ADAS suite, incorporating full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
Perception hardware on the Chunzhen variant includes 5 cameras and 4 ultrasonic parking sensors to support its Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features.
In terms of passive safety, all 2026 ICON variants come equipped with dual front airbags and front side airbags, though curtain airbags are absent across the line-up. Built around a high-tensile safety cell, the SUV comes standard with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout.
The Geely ICON's market track record can be summed up as a car that won critical praise but saw modest sales figures. While its bold, concept-like design turned heads across the industry and captivated buyers, it struggled to convert that hype into consistent, high-volume deliveries. Official data shows H1 2025 cumulative sales of 9,942 units, dipping to just 944 units in May before recovering to 2,003 units in June. This trails significantly behind its stablemate, the mass-market Geely Binyue (which consistently averaged over 10,000 units monthly in 2025), largely due to the ICON's niche styling appeal and an overall softening in the compact ICE SUV segment.
Owner feedback generally rates the ICON highly for its one-of-a-kind exterior looks, the slick response of the Flyme Auto infotainment, the refined and fuel-efficient 1.5T engine, and the supple ride delivered by its independent rear suspension. On the flip side, common gripes highlight limited rear legroom for passengers over 1.75 metres tall, a boot capacity that merely matches class average, and the omission of side curtain airbags across lower trim levels.
For the 2026 model year, Geely has sharpened the ICON's "style-meets-value" proposition via aggressive price revisions (starting from a limited-time RM79,800), the welcome integration of the Flyme Auto system, and practical tweaks like conventional door handles. In the showroom battlefield, it squares off against segment stalwarts like the GAC Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom (32,206 units in H1 2025) and the Lynk & Co 06 (21,853 units). Against these rivals, the ICON holds a clear edge in avant-garde styling and in-car software fluidity, though it still has ground to make up in terms of rear packaging efficiency and mainstream brand appeal.
All in all, the Geely ICON stands out as one of the few genuinely design-led offerings in the sub-RM100,000 ICE SUV space. Combining unconventional sheet metal with steadily updated cabin tech, it hits the sweet spot for young motorists who want to stand out from the crowd. The 2026 update meaningfully boosts its value-for-money quotient through sharper pricing and targeted tech upgrades. However, with the rapid rise of electrified alternatives and stiff competition in this bracket, the ICON still faces an uphill climb to secure a firmer market foothold. For young buyers who prioritise standout looks and connected tech over rear-seat practicality, the ICON remains a compelling, characterful contender in its class.
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