New Geely A7 EM-i PHEV D-segment Saloon Revealed – Future Proton Perdana?

Revealed in China recently is this - the new Geely A7 EM-i D-segment saloon.

Chinese automaking giant Geely revealed a brand new and electrified D-segment saloon offering in its home market recently. Pictured is what’s been christened as the Geely A7 EM-i and, locally, speculations are rife this could see second life as the next Proton Perdana.

Before we dive into speculations though, here what you need to grasp from Geely’s newest D-segment saloon offering that’s set to rival against the electrified Toyota Camry in its native home market where this genre of cars somewhat still thrives.

The A7 EM-i packs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that boasts serious headlining figures, namely its combined 2,100 KM range and 2.1 litres/100 KM efficiency claims.

Being a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Geely is touting some seriously impressive numbers indeed. Headlining which are claims of up to 2,100 KM of combined travel range plus average fuel economy as low as 2.1 litres/100 KM.

Geely didn’t specify details how these figures were attained, though the fact that the powertrain package reportedly consists of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol mill augmented by an 11-to-1 electrified dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT) all stand very convincing of delivering which.

Additionally, there will be two LFP battery pack sizes on offer too – 8.5 and 18.4 kWh. These, in turn promise to yield up to 60 KM and 130 KM of CLTC-rated electric-only driving range respectively. As for combined outputs, Geely touts 218 PS and 262 NM.

Sitting 4,918 MM long and boasting a 2,845 MM wheelbase figure, the A7 EM-i's footprints sees it sit deep within typical D-segment saloon parameters.

Citing leaked details from documents filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Chinese media widely report that the Geely A7 will sit some 4,918 MM long with a sizeable 2,845 MM wheelbase housed within, 1,905 MM wide, and 1,495 MM tall – typical D-segment numbers.

As for design, the A7 will rock trendy touches like full-width head- and taillights. Beyond which, all other traits seem ‘traditional’ – three-box sedan shape with six-window glasshouse, conventional door handles, as well as multi-spoke alloy wheels design.

On board, you’ll see Geely’s current minimalist design and layout applied featuring larger, physically adjustable air vents, tall centre console, Proton eMas 7-esque two-spoke steering wheel, as well as freestanding displays.

One 'current' design trend this sedan boasts are the full-width head- and taillights. Otherwise, all other traits appear 'traditional'.

Regarding the latter, Geely didn’t dish out details on these screens yet, but the massive infotainment panel appears to be smaller than the gargantuan 30-inch widescreen unit (shared with the front passenger) primed in the Geely M9.

Our best guess is that it’s the same 14.8-inch display derived from the eMas 7 EV.

Little else were disclosed, but the Geely A7 EM-i detailed is expected to go on sale domestically in China soon with a targeted starting price tag of RMB100,000 (approx. RM58,984).

Would you fancied one if it was rebooted as a Proton instead? Perhaps as the next-gen Perdana successor?

Regarding the aforementioned speculation, Proton has yet to develop a third-gen successor for its Perdana executive saloon nameplate. The automaker last produced the Honda Accord-based second-gen model back in 2016.

Given what we’ve detailed, do you reckon it’s time for Proton to return into this space despite the genre’s receding size in the local market versus comparable D-SUVs? Share your take in the comments below…