Geely's rugged KO11 is headed for New Zealand as Battleship 700

Geely’s new off-road SUV has a local future. First shown in Europe as Project KO11, the plug-in hybrid is expected to reach New Zealand in the second half of 2027 under the name Battleship 700, although the local specification is not yet final.

Geely revealed the KO11 at the Paris Motor Show on 12 October, presenting it as a rugged, high-performance all-terrain SUV. The company says it combines plug-in hybrid power with advanced suspension technology and selectable terrain modes. Geely has not yet announced the model’s official European name or complete European specifications.

The KO11 is more than a distant overseas prospect for Kiwi buyers. CarNewsChina identifies it as the same vehicle marketed in China as the Battleship 700, and CarExpert NZ reported in September that Geely New Zealand had confirmed the Battleship 700 for local launch in the second half of 2027. The importer says final New Zealand specifications will be announced closer to arrival.

That naming distinction matters: KO11 is currently a project code used for its European reveal, while Battleship 700 is the name attached to Geely’s local confirmation. Whether that remains the final showroom badge here is still to be seen.

A different kind of Geely for New Zealand

The model points Geely into a more overtly adventurous corner of the SUV market. A plug-in hybrid off-roader could suit owners who want to commute electrically when they can charge at home, but still have petrol backup for longer trips. Whether it proves genuinely useful beyond sealed roads will depend on the final hardware and calibration, not just its rugged appearance or headline power figures.

Geely has not released the New Zealand car’s battery size, electric range, towing rating, price or detailed off-road equipment. Nor has the Paris announcement provided final European specifications. Those are important omissions for a vehicle likely to be judged against established large four-wheel-drive SUVs, where buyers care about load capacity, ground clearance, water crossing limits, recovery points and support in regional areas.

There is time before the planned local arrival, and Geely’s disclosure leaves room for the model’s name and market equipment to differ between regions. For now, the clear news is that this Paris-show off-roader is not just a styling exercise: Geely has confirmed its Battleship 700 counterpart for New Zealand in 2027. The next test will be how closely the local version matches the promises made for the global project.