3 Minutes
You don’t need to be a design expert to spot it. One glance at Geely’s upcoming Zhanjian 700, and a certain British icon immediately comes to mind.
The resemblance isn’t subtle. It’s bold, almost unapologetic. From the squared-off stance to the signature lighting layout, this new SUV leans heavily into Land Rover Defender territory—so much so that it feels less like inspiration and more like reenactment.
Geely calls it an “AI all-terrain hardcore SUV,” which sounds futuristic enough. But visually, it’s a different story. The front end carries rectangular headlights wrapped in circular daytime running lights, paired with a single-bar grille that feels lifted straight from the Defender playbook—only here, it glows and carries Geely’s badge at the center.
Move along the sides and the sense of déjà vu only deepens. The upright profile, the pronounced fender details, the rugged cladding—it’s all familiar. Yet Geely adds a few twists: a rising beltline toward the rear doors and the absence of the Defender’s signature side panel. Small differences, but not enough to shift the overall impression.
Where the Familiar Ends and the Future Begins
Look closer, and the Zhanjian 700 starts to reveal its own identity. A contrasting white roof, blacked-out pillars, chunky two-tone wheels, and a rear-mounted spare tire give it a modern, slightly stylized edge. There’s also a roof rack, hinting that this SUV is meant to do more than just look tough.
Inside, details are still scarce, but what’s visible suggests a blend of utility and polish. A lever-style shifter with a leather grab handle sits at the center, flanked by metallic controls. Physical buttons—yes, actual buttons—line the console, including what appears to be ride height adjustment, a low-range mode, and a locking rear differential. It’s a nod to serious off-road intent in a world increasingly dominated by touchscreens.
Underneath, things get more interesting. Geely mentions an integrated frame and a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system designed for “intelligent electric performance.” That phrase hints at a fully electric setup, but the presence of dual rear fender flaps suggests otherwise. One likely hides a charging port, the other a fuel cap.
If that’s the case, the Zhanjian 700 could arrive as a range-extended or plug-in hybrid off-roader, potentially pairing a 1.5- or 2.0-liter engine with a 70 kWh battery. That combination would position it as both trail-ready and long-distance capable—an increasingly popular formula in the evolving SUV landscape.
Geely is keeping key specs under wraps for now, but expectations are already forming. The company has made it clear this won’t be a budget play. The Zhanjian 700 is aimed squarely at the premium off-road segment, promising flagship-level performance and technology to match its imposing look.
More details are expected when it breaks cover at Auto China. Until then, one question lingers: can a vehicle so visually indebted to a legend carve out a legacy of its own?
Comments
Marius
Wait so it's electric but with a fuel cap? Is this even hybrid or just marketing fluff? Curious tho, roof rack + spare looks legit, but dont trust pics.
v8rider
Looks like a Defender knockoff, but maybe Geely will surprise. Buttons for low range and diff lock? ok. Still, those headlights scream copycat, kinda lazy.
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