With the increasing acceptance of new energy vehicles by consumers, the pure electric vehicle market has seen a surge in sales. Major car manufacturers have intensified their research and development efforts and have launched one new model after another. Recently, the highly anticipated Galaxy E8 has officially been launched, with a total of 5 models available, priced between 17.58-22.88 million yuan.
The first pure electric car in the Geely Galaxy series, the Galaxy E8, is undoubtedly a favorite. In terms of positioning and price, its main competitor is the BYD Han EV. The Han EV, as an early domestic pure electric car, is currently priced at 199,800-279,800 yuan (39440$), with a discount of 10-20,000 yuan (2820$). Many consumers will also compare these two models, so who is better, the veteran or the newcomer?
From the appearance, the Galaxy E8 adopts the design language of the light ripple and rhythmic grille. The large closed panel and the split LED headlights complement each other. The AGS active intake grille is cleverly arranged below, and the new square matrix logo is elegantly fitted above the front grille. The vehicle is also equipped with an integrated illuminated front face, supporting a variety of personalized functions, which is also the innovation of the new car in the front face design.
From the side, the new car has a sporty stance with a sleek roofline and hidden door handles. The aerodynamic wheels are designed for low wind resistance. The tail lights are inspired by the rising sun trajectory and feature 390 LED bulbs, supporting different light patterns. The exaggerated diffuser design at the rear enhances the sporty vibe.
In terms of appearance, the BYD Han EV continues the “Dragon Face Aesthetic” design language, with a closed front grille and matrix LED headlights. Smoked black decorative pieces are added on both sides of the front bumper, and smoked black air intakes and lower splitters are also equipped at the front lip. The front face not only integrates Chinese cultural heritage, but also creates a stable and dignified visual effect. Although this language has been used for a long time, it still does not feel outdated today.
The new car continues to use a sleek, sloping design on the body side, and retains hidden door handles. The rear of the new car continues to use a through-type taillight group, combined with the design of the taillights with Chinese knot elements, which has high recognition after lighting up. The left and right sides of the rear bumper also have C-shaped smoked black decorative pieces. In addition, the bottom of the rear bumper has been extensively smoked black, with silver decorative pieces attached to the diffuser area. The entire rear design is distinct and reflects a very high level of sophistication.
In terms of body size, the dimensions of the Galaxy E8 are 5010/1920/1465mm, with a wheelbase of 2925mm. The dimensions of the BYD Han EV are 4995*1910*1495mm, with a wheelbase of 2920mm. Compared to the two, the Galaxy E8 is overall larger, but the difference between the two is not significant.
In terms of interior design, the most eye-catching feature of the Galaxy E8 is the 45-inch 8K screen. This screen brings unparalleled technology and visual impact to the entire new energy vehicle market, and is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip and the Galaxy N OS – Boundless Edition car system. In addition, the new car’s interior also offers a semi-spoke steering wheel, with good materials and workmanship, highlighting the overall sense of luxury and technology in the interior.
In terms of interior design, the BYD Han EV leans towards tradition. The new car’s central control area is equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel and a 15.6-inch adaptive rotating central control screen. The once innovative rotating central control screen, which looked very novel a few years ago, is now struggling to pique consumers’ interest in the face of many competitive products. However, it is definitely not a problem to meet daily use, and compared with it, some consumers will also feel that the interior of the Galaxy E8 is too fancy.
In terms of configuration, the Galaxy E8 550km PRO base model is equipped with AGS intelligent intake grille, 45-inch 8K borderless smart screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 flagship chip, Flyme Link car connectivity, 360 panoramic imaging, 3D transparent chassis, etc. The 550km MAX adds ventilation, heating, memory for the driver and passenger seats, electric lumbar support for the driver, as well as the YFLS high-fidelity 12-speaker system, 256-color ambient lighting, and comfort configuration functions. It also adds 50W wireless charging for phones, exterior music lighting show, L2 intelligent driving assistance, blind spot monitoring, and other technology configuration functions.
The BYD Han EV is equipped with the DiLink 4.0 intelligent network system, as well as support for heat pump air conditioning, wireless charging for mobile phones, 360-degree panoramic imaging, DiPilot assisted driving system, Huawei HiCar mobile interconnection, in-car driving recorder, Apple NFC key, and 12-channel Dynaudio sound system. Overall, both vehicles perform similarly in terms of configuration, and many convenient and comfortable features permeate all aspects of daily life, bringing a good level of enjoyment.
The Galaxy E8 and the BYD Han EV are both pure electric vehicle models and offer both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. In terms of power parameters, the Galaxy E8 has actually surpassed the BYD Han EV in various aspects, especially the dual-motor version, which has achieved a comprehensive lead, giving the feeling of surpassing the previous generation. However, for electric vehicles, these parameter differences actually have little impact on daily experience, and even give a feeling of excess power.
The single-motor versions of the two have different powertrains. The BYD Han EV uses a traditional front-wheel drive structure, while the Galaxy E8 uses a rear-wheel drive structure, which significantly improves handling.
In terms of driving control, both vehicles have their highlights. Under the SEA architecture, the Galaxy E8 achieved 82km/h in the moose test, ranking in the top three globally, surpassing Porsche 911 and Taycan. At the same time, its minimum turning radius reached 5.62 meters, and achieved a 50:50 axle load ratio, indicating that the Galaxy E8 is a model that emphasizes sportiness and handling.
Based on the SEA architecture, the Galaxy E8 has two models, 400V and 800V. The 800V ultra-fast charging is another highlight of this car, with a 5-minute charge extending the range by 180km, leading the current configuration. In addition, the exclusive “God Shield Battery Safety System” of the Geely Galaxy is also a major highlight of the new car, far exceeding industry standards, rarely seen news of Geely cars catching fire, which is a big guarantee for consumers.
The previously criticized suspension issue of the BYD Han EV has been thoroughly addressed with the arrival of the Champion Edition. The new car comes standard with FSD adjustable damping suspension, while the top-of-the-line model is equipped with DiSus-C intelligent electronic control active suspension. The lightweight aluminum alloy suspension is advantageous for reducing the vehicle’s unsprung mass, thereby improving handling performance. With hardware enhancements and driving control adjustments, the handling performance of the BYD Han EV has greatly improved and is no longer a weakness.
Objectively speaking, the BYD Han EV is a veteran in the new energy vehicle market. Its appearance has caused a crisis for the originally worry-free joint venture B-class cars, being the highest-selling mid-to-large-sized car in the country. In 2023, it sold 228,383 units, with a cumulative sales volume exceeding 660,000 units. This iconic model has completely undermined the market dominance of joint venture brands, selling domestic cars for over 200,000 yuan (28190$).
Now, the BYD Han EV is constantly being upgraded based on market feedback. The championship edition, as the annual upgraded model, further fills the gaps and enhances product strength. Its maturity and reliability are unmatched in the same class, suitable for consumers who pursue stability and reliability.
The Galaxy E8, as a newcomer, has more innovative design and configuration, and has achieved leading performance in many aspects, especially the first 45-inch 8K central control screen, which is absolutely eye-catching. The SEA architecture of Geely can bring stronger quality assurance and is suitable for young people who dare to try new things and pursue cost-effectiveness.