Geely Auto unveiled the fifth-generation Emgrand i-HEV hybrid at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, with the company stating the sedan achieved 2.22 L/100 km in a real-world highway test, a figure submitted as a new Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption by a mass-produced hybrid vehicle, IThome reports.

Narrowing consumption levels

Geely said the 2.22 L/100 km result was recorded during a highway loop test in Hainan. The figure is positioned as the lowest among mass-produced hybrids globally under comparable conditions. The company stated this is more than 12% lower than the results achieved by the Toyota Prius in similar testing, though detailed methodology differences were not disclosed.

System architecture

The Emgrand i-HEV uses a P1+P3 dual-motor layout combined with an integrated 11-in-1 electric drive system. The drive motor delivers up to 230 kW, which Geely claims is 1.72 times the output of typical Japanese hybrid systems.

The dedicated hybrid engine reaches a certified thermal efficiency of 48.41%, a figure Geely describes as the highest among current mass-production engines.

Electric-first operation

Under WLTC conditions, the electric drive system is active in more than 80% of scenarios, resulting in an over 27% reduction in engine operating time compared with conventional hybrids. The vehicle can operate in pure electric mode at speeds up to 66 km/h.

Low-speed response figures include 1.84 seconds for 0–30 km/h acceleration and a system response time of 10 milliseconds.

NVH and durability

Geely stated that its in-house EOC active noise control and engine stop-position prediction reduce startup vibration by 32.7%. Total cabin noise is reported to be 1 dB higher than that of a battery electric vehicle.

Durability validation includes 15,000 hours of bench testing, equivalent to approximately 4.8 million km of driving, and environmental testing across temperature differences close to 100°C and altitudes up to 4,650 meters.

Scaling across lineup

Geely confirmed that the i-HEV system will be deployed across multiple models in 2026, including the Xingrui, Xingyue L, Boyue L, and Emgrand lineup. Pre-sales for Xingrui i-HEV and Xingyue L i-HEV began on April 19.

Data context

According to China EV DataTracker, Geely Emgrand domestic sales reached 9,278 units in March 2026, down 17.2% year-on-year, following 10,505 units in February (+39.4% YoY). The model accounted for 14.0% of Geely brand sales in March, indicating a stable contribution despite fluctuating monthly volumes.

Backstory

The 5th-gen Emgrand remains positioned as an entry-level sedan, with pricing previously reported at 65,800 yuan (9,000 USD) and 71,800 yuan (9,900 USD) for updated variants, placing the hybrid system in a cost-sensitive segment.