Geely Bin Rui

Geely Binrui Overview

When the Geely Binrui made its first appearance back in 2018, the Chinese made C-segment 4-door sedan’s positioning made it the most likely candidate to provide the basis for the model set to replace the Proton Prevé. Proton-Geely has officially stated that at least 2 new sedan are in the pipeline slated for the Malaysian market. While that may have not come to fruition 3 years on, it is just a matter of time that one of Geely’s sedan made it to this side of our shore.

Sporting a Volvo-esque exterior and a sleek 4-door fastback design, the Geely Binrui’s silhouette is reminiscent of Geely’s flagship, the Geely Borui, albeit in a much more modest package. Despite having a C-segment footprint, the Geely Binrui is the first car to be built on Geely’s B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform that also underpins the Geely Binyue (Proton X50) and the Lynk & Co 06.

The 2020 facelifted model sees the initial 3-cylinder engine option dropped in favour of a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder unit, paired exclusively to a CVT automatic transmission (previously available in 6-speed manual and DCT), and driving the front wheels. It is set to go up against rivals in the likes of Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta and the hugely popular Nissan Sylphy in China. 

Geely Binrui Design

Given that Geely also owns Volvo, it comes as no surprise to see some of the Swedish’s firm design elements being implemented on Geely’s model lineup, the Geely Binrui is no exception. The front-end features Geely’s take on the ‘Expanding Cosmos’ grille, originally penned down by Volvo’s designer. The sleek LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights blends towards the wide horizontal grille, accentuating the visual width of the car.

The lower bumper design features a large lower air intake and a pair of aggressively styled but fake side air vents. Chrome elements at the front, window lines as well as the rear add a touch of sophistication to the exterior. The sculpted bonnet with the structured line flows seamlessly towards the generously raked A-pillars before dramatically slopping down towards the fastback-style rear profile.

Towards the rear, the Geely Binrui echoes the Geely Borui’s design with the horizontal LED taillights, chromed tailgate trim and a pair trapezoidal exhaust finisher. Interestingly, the fastback-tyle profile viewing from the rear three-quarter angle reminds you of the Proton Perdana.

Geely Binrui Dimension 

The Geely Binrui is positioned below the flagship D-segment Geely Borui in Geely’s sedan model lineup. Despite sharing the same BMA platform, it is significantly larger than the Proton X50, measuring 350 mm longer than the Malaysian SUV counterpart. Compared to the same-segment Honda Civic, the Geely Binrui is 32 mm longer but marginally narrower by 14 mm. It is also 44 mm taller with a 30 mm shorter wheelbase.

Geely Binrui Interior

Stepping inside, you will find Geely’s minimalistic cabin layout which we have come to know and familiarize with since the Proton-Geely partnership. Proton X70 owners will find themselves at home in the Geely Binrui, which incorporates a similar dual tone sweeping dashboard design and a top mounted curved air-conditioning vent.

Driver gets a three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, a Proton X50 style digital instrument cluster, and a generously sized 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display. Matte metallic silver-coloured inlays and satin chrome finishes around the dashboard, door panels as well as the centre console add premium touches to the interior.

Standard leather upholstery with contrast stitching further elevates the overall premium feel of the cabin. While not as extreme as any Tesla’s interior, Geely Binrui’s minimalistic approach means fewer buttons and dials. Interior storage is pretty standard too with decent amount of cubby holes and cupholders.

Compared to the extremely well packaged Honda Civic, interior space particularly at the rear is adequate at best. Knee room is slightly compromised due to the shorter wheelbase and the slopping roofline not only limits head room but also hinders rear visibility. Boot space of 470 litre matches the loading space available on the Toyota Corolla sedan.

Geely Binrui Features

Standard features include a 10.25-inch widescreen touchscreen infotainment display which support smartphone pairing functionality, 4G Wi-Fi compatibility, GPS navigation, voice recognition and integrated rear view camera. Functions on the 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster can be controlled using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. Also included are keyless entry with push-start button, dual-zone climate control with rear air-con vents, wireless charging, sunroof, interior ambient light, and exterior LED lighting.

Safety wise, the Geely Binrui comes equipped with a whole host of driver assistant features known as the Intelligent Drive. With 14 available advanced intelligent drivers assist system such as the Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Assist, Intelligent Guiding System (semi-autonomous system) and auto high/low beam, the Geely Binrui is officially classified as a Level 2 semi-autonomous vehicle.

Geely Binrui Driving Performance

Engine

The latest Geely G-Power 14T 1.4 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine fitted to the facelifted Geely Binrui now produces 141 PS at 5,200 RPM and 235 Nm of torque from 1,600 RPM, an 8 PS and 20 Nm power bump compared to the pre-facelift 1.4 litre mill. Top speed is rated at 200 km/h. Not quite the 173 PS available from the 1.5 L turbocharged mill from the 1.5 L turbocharged Honda Civic but torque is up by 15 Nm. 

Beyond the updated 1.4 litre engine, the BMA platform used here is highly modular and is able to accommodate other powerplants available from the Geely group, including the 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit and seven-speed DCT found in the Proton X50, the same configuration applied also on the base Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV.

Transmission

Geely Binrui Ride Comfort

The Geely Binrui is fitted with MacPherson independent suspension up front, paired to a semi-independent torsion beam set up at the rear. While it is evident that the Geely Binrui is far from the last word in precision driving dynamics, but like the Proton X50, the Geely Binrui’s BMA platform provides a solid foundation, offering a pleasantly refined ride and handling that rival even the European counterparts in the segment. 

Geely Binrui Fuel Consumption

Geely Binrui Conclusion

While the market has shifted its focus towards the high riding SUVs, conventional 4-door sedans like the Geely Binrui continues to draw its own crowd of ardent followers. Whether the Geely Binrui will make it to Malaysia as the long-awaited Proton S50 still remains to be seen, although it is becoming increasingly unlikely as the highly competitive C-segment sedan category continues to be dominated by the Japanese automakers locally, Honda Civic in particular. 

Be that as it may, China has never been known for backing out from a challenge. And judging from the huge success of both the Proton SUVs and the strong interest for a Proton C-segment car, the Geely Binrui with its highly impressive credential will certainly be the most sensible addition to Proton’s comprehensive lineup of vehicle.