After relaunching the Coolray and Emgrand, Geely Motor Philippines is doing the same to the Okavango with the 2025 Okavango Elite. Apart from receiving exterior and interior enhancements, the Okavango Elite is the first Okavango model to get official recognition as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) from the Department of Energy (DOE).
Powering the Okavango Elite is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine supplemented by Geely’s Electric Motor Synergy system. It may be a carryover system from the current Okavango, but it’s only now that Geely Motor Philippines was able to justify it as a HEV by being able to “split” the power outputs of the combustion engine and electric motor. This means the Okavango Elite receives benefits such as number coding exemption and priority LTO registration.
The combustion engine alone makes 177 horsepower, while the 48-volt motor makes an additional 14 horsepower (10 kW). Combined, the outputs go up to 190 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. This is mated to a wet-type 7-speed dual clutch automatic. A 0.37-kWh lithium-ion battery helps power the Okavango Elite’s electrical system. Three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—are also standard.
Outside, the Okavango Elite gets a new front grille. The “stardust” pattern has been replaced with a “waterfall” motif like the refreshed Emgrand. Inside, the PVC leather seats receive a new quilted pattern with power adjust for both front seats (6-way for the driver and 4-way for the passenger). There’s also a new 12.3-inch combination instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment system with Mirror Link with eight speakers, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, and a three-zone climate control with vents for the second and third rows.
In safety, the Okavango Elite comes with 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, hill hold control, hill descent control, tire pressure monitors, and a 360-degree camera with rear parking sensors.
The Okavango Elite comes in three colors: Gray, White, and Black and retails for P 1,368,000.
Check out the full specs below:
2025 Geely Okavango Elite Philippine Specs
Powertrain
Powertrain
- 1.5-liter (1,477 cc) 3-cylinder Turbocharged with Dual VVT
- 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic w/ Cruise Control
- 48-volt Electric Motor Synergy
- Outputs: 177 PS (Combustion), 14 PS (Electric Motor)
- Combined Outputs: 190 PS @ 5,500 rpm
- Combined Torque: 300 Nm @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
- Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Sport
- Overall Length: 4,835 mm
- Overall Width: 1,900 mm
- Overall Height: 1,785 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,815 mm
- Ground Clearance: 194 mm
- Suspension & Tires
- Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Multi-Link Rigid
- Brakes: Front & Rear Disc Brakes
- Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold
- Steering: Electric Power Steering
- Wheels & Tires: 18-inch Aluminum Alloy, 225/55R18
- LED Headlights w/ Auto On/Off
- LED Taillamps
- Heated Sideview Mirrors w/ Heating, Power Fold
- Seating: 2+3+2
- PVC Leather Seats
- 6-way Power Adjust Driver’s Seat
- 4-way Power Adjust Front Passenger Seat
- Tilt/Telescopic Steering Adjust w/ Controls
- 12.3-inch Combination Instrument Cluster
- 2nd Row Split-Fold-Sliding Seat w/ Headrest, Recline Adjust
- 3rd Row Split-Fold-Sliding Seat w/ Headrest, Recline Adjust
- 12.3-inch Display Audio System w/ Stereo, USB, Bluetooth, Mirror Link
- USB x 2 (Front), USB x 2 (2nd Row)
- Power Tailgate
- 8 Speakers
- Comfort Features
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Auto Up/Down Power Windows
- Rain-Sensing Front Wiper
- 3-Zone Climate Control w/ 2nd, 3rd Row Air Outlets
- 6 SRS Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill Hold Control
- Hill Start Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 360-degree Camera w/ Rear Parking Sensors
Technically, the Okavango is still only a MILD HYBRID, right?
ReplyDeleteYup. But it doesn't matter now. DOE recognizes it as hybrid for as long as carmakers can break down the outputs of the gas engine and electric motor and it can prove that it'll be able to run on electric power (even for a few seconds).
DeleteI'd expect more to exploit this loophole, which I think is unique to our market 😅
DeleteWe deserve REAL hybrids not mild hybrids that get a pass with a sprinkle of deception.
it Has the best engine and transmission among its comrades, the most reliable too.
ReplyDeleteLOL! never again...
DeleteWhy? Can you elaborate? I'm quite interested because i am planning to get one next month.
DeleteAmong comrades direct competitors it has the smoothest DCT, real world power and torque(not only on paper) ,better engineering quality.
DeleteBetter do research, parts take months to get here, casa is incompetent, and there are early failures with electronics like the power window motor. BUYER BEWARE.
DeleteCare to point us to where to research these issues? The last time that they had legitimate issues the bad news spread very quickly and led to Geely deciding to take over PH operations and improve their parts availability and distribution (you can find articles here on carguide of Geely promoting these initiatives).
DeleteI say this because if it were still the case that they have those problems people would be talking about them openly - given how many Geely cars I've seen on the road dapat fast moving ang complaints. Kung legitimate owner (or ex-owner) ka ng Geely na madami problema (or even just the parts availability issue) dapat may specifics ka. Parang hindi nmn shy ang pinoy mag call out ng specific issues of specific models na meron sila e.
^
DeleteParang nag dejavu na ako nito kay RG at ang kanyang "Ford". Shet.
@anon 10:39 AM, check facebook pages. Simple research. You don't have to be spoonfed to see Geely's issues.
Delete@anon 8:50 AM, I am posting here my reply to another poster on the "Less Than 10 Percent Of All Chinese NEV Car Brands Will Be Around By 2030" article since it's pretty much the same points. You may read the back and forth there for more context if you want.
Delete"AnonymousJuly 10, 2025 at 11:59 AM
I did your suggestion for the Google search and the vast majority of the results are from 2023 up to mid 2024 (when Geely started their takeover of PH operations). The latest result (and only one for 2025) I got from the search was one fb post from January 4 this year talking about their problems that started mid 2024. There were people replying to them that Geely said that by mid January their parts distribution would greatly improve. I tried looking at fb more and parang dealer/branch specific ang issues nang na basa ko. After that date, wala na results from news or major car websites. I would also recommend people taking a 'good look' at them now and not just take comments from strangers on the internet like us as gospel. If you personally lost trust with them that's fair (if it's based on personal experience) but you have to frame your arguments in good faith if you want to start/have an honest discussion. :) " /endqoute
This must be the least efficient hybrid in history. We bought one hoping for good efficiency but it returns same fc as our old crv sometimes worse. The government sometimes just doesn't get it. Most buyers even those with youtube channels doesn't recommend it for fuel efficiency.
ReplyDeleteTrue! I only got 4kpl to 5.5kpl in the city. Shitty FC
DeleteThe Suzuki Ertiga passed for Hybrid exemption so technically the 48v Okavango mild hybrid should as well. Ertiga, DZire and Fronx 12v hybrid are actually mild hybrid so why did these pass to be number-coded but Geely's 48v did not? As it turns out, many mild hybrid in the market today are passed off as 48v hybrid ones.
ReplyDeleteThe Ertiga, XL7, and Dzire didn't get DOE certification hence why the XL7 and Dzire are issued with black (not green) plates.
DeleteThe Ertiga still has green plates because they didn't re-submit their vehicle for any re-evaluation (i.e. refreshes, updates, new variants). If they did, they stand to lose the hybrid status similar to the Mazda3 and CX-30.
Geely, under their former distributor, couldn't get the Okavango certified. Now, under the Chinese sales company they were able to do it. Maybe because they were able to present more technical stuff. Similarly, Volvo and Mazda 48-volt systems are counted as hybrids with green plates.
It's incredibly frustrating when your car breaks down, and you can't find spark plate. Even worse is when the manufacturer offers no customer care to help you out. This situation leaves car owners stranded, facing long wait times for repairs, or even having to consider selling their vehicle for parts.
DeleteImagine investing your hard-earned money in a car, only to find out that a minor issue can render it useless for to a lack of available components. This isn't just an inconvenience, it's a significant financial burden and a major blow to consumer trust.
Manufacturers have a responsibility to provide adequate support for their products throughout their lifecycle. This includes ensuring a robust supply chain for spare parts and offering accessible and effective customer service. Without this crucial elements, car owners are left in the lurch, and the brand's reputation inevitably suffers.
Toyota after sales the best, no stress, no headaches.
DeleteWhat is a spark plate? I've searched for it and found nothing related to cars. Are you talking about spark PLUGS? If your example of a car part is so inaccurate I have to assume your entire scenario is fictional (possible but not your real experience). You seemed to have picked a random issue of a non-existent part and played out the ensuing scenario in your head. Which branch offered you no help? Name drop them. That's what owners do when they don't like the service they receive. This reads like a poorly thought out - maybe AI generated - rant / highschool report.
Deleteso I guess na demonstrate ni Geely that the Okavango can propel itself with just electric power then...
ReplyDeleteGood to know that a gas guzzler is now recognized as a champion of the environment
ReplyDeleteThe previously released okavango models should also be color coding exempted as they have the same engine configuration...technically it should but...
ReplyDeleteIt has now a rear multi-link suspension? Should be torsion beam
ReplyDeleteI don't know how or why but like a year ago the same spec car was hovering around 1.5 to 1.7 million then they bought it down to 1.3 million which was the base non MHEV okavango. Seems unfair to those who bought the previous ones
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the updated Geely Okavango Mild Hybrid is more affordable now.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder the sales of it are good.
I saw Geely Galaxy 7 on my way to work today. Hold your horses guys she's a real looker!
ReplyDeleteGeely and lynk n Co engineering quality miles better than byd
DeleteHad this Okavango when it was new. Space use was good but fuel economy was terrible in the city. Only got 4kpl to 5.5kpl with normal driving. You have to really feather it to get a 7kpl. In the highway tho it got 18kpl but who does this everyday?
ReplyDeleteI just think that calling this a hybrid but with an FC of a v8 😆