Geely Concept Icon unveiled at Beijing Motor Show

Angular Geely Concept Icon SUV designed to show how far Chinese brand can push its designs

This is the Geely Concept Icon, a new SUV created to show how far the fast-emerging Chinese brand can push its design language - and to make headlines at the Beijing Motor Show, where it has been unveiled.

The Concept Icon is a crossover that represents a major step from Geely’s more conservative offerings in its local market. It appears to mix styling cues from a number of sources; the clamshell bonnet’s leading edge has traces of Range Rover Evoque, while the ‘floating’ roof has elements from that car but also the likes of the Kia Soul.

There are some original elements, however. There’s an unusual ‘step’ in the window line near the rear and the doors - which open in opposite directions to give pillarless access to the cabin - sit proud of most of the bodywork along the flanks. The front has ultra-slim headlights and a distinctive squared-off section in the front bumper, including intricate lights and neatly integrated air intakes.

Best crossovers on sale right now

Guy Burgoyne, the vice-president of Geely Design China, says the vehicle has a “flatter, 8-bit-inspired design” - hence the simple surfacing and sharp angles. Inside, there’s a paired-back cabin treatment that’s meant to maximise the amount of storage space - and focus on technology.

The neatest trick is probably the instrument panel, which is displayed through a soft-woven fabric that runs across the whole dashboard. The display ‘fades away’ when not in use, leaving the infotainment system in the centre of the fascia as the sole display on view. Rear passengers, meanwhile, get a couple of screens through which they’re able to share information.

Geely has not announced any plans to bring the Concept Icon to production - nor revealed any details on its powertrain (although it’s almost certain to be electric). But the Chinese brand - which also owns Volvo, Link & Co and Lotus, plus a stake in Mercedes’ parent firm Daimler - has bold global ambitions. It says the latest show car is designed to show “how far it could stretch its DNA to provide a unique offering for future customers”.

What do you think of Geely's Concept Icon? Let us know in the comments section below...

Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Recommended

Aston Martin gains £95m from Geely sale
Aston Martin DBX707 - rear lights
News

Aston Martin gains £95m from Geely sale

Geely has increased its shareholding of Aston Martin to 17 per cent
18 May 2023

Most Popular

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023
Are we at the end of the road for the spare wheel?
Spare wheel
News

Are we at the end of the road for the spare wheel?

Just three per cent of new cars have a standard-fit spare in the boot, latest RAC data reveals
21 Nov 2023