Geely's Concept Icon Unveiled at Beijing Motor Show

The Beijing Motor Show kicks off today, and whilst the limelight is undoubtedly hogged by Tesla, with attendees swarming around its models (the X, 3 and S) on display, there is nothing new there. So, we turn our attention instead to Geely's futuristic SUV, the Concept Icon.

Here in Automology's home, Malaysia, we are eagerly anticipating the launch of Proton's first SUV, which will be based on Geely's Boyue and the result of the new partnership between the Malaysian and Chinese automakers. So, what we see in the Concept Icon could trickle down to production models that find their way to our shores in the future.

The Concept Icon was developed by Geely's design studio in Shanghai, and is built on a Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) that was co-developed with Volvo (also owned by Geely). The underpinning was designed to be flexible and accommodate combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains, and are already used in Volvo models, such as the XC40. Geely's other brand (yes, another), Lynk & Co, will soon be launching two SUV models in Europe, which will also be using the same CMA platform. (The investment that went into developing that CMA is going to be amortised very quickly, it seems like.)

Geely's concept SUV is certainly nice to look at. In the official press release, design chief Guy Burgoyne described it as “in line with modern-day gadgets, where it’s simple on the outside but hides a more complicated and technology-focused interior”.

The interior is also minimalist, with the binnacle sheathed behind a "woven" material (see pics below) and disappears when not in use. Because we now, and moving forward, are glued to our gadgets, the Energy Hub console allows passengers to wireless charge their devices and exchange information on the in-car screens.

The seats don't look very comfy though...

The simple interior also allows more allocation for storage space. (A bit ironic, though, because when you have more storage space, you simply hoard more rubbish in your car.) 

What this writer would do without is the "double clam shell doors" or, as they should be and also are called, suicide doors, especially on the streets of Malaysia (we are not exactly the most attentive drivers).

Cool to look at, but deadly.

All images via autoexpress.uk