The Geely Emgrand GT is a model under Geely Holding Group's Emgrand marque, but its identity presents an interesting duality between concept and reality. In the public eye, it exists in two distinct forms: first, as the "Geely Tiger" concept supercar showcased between 2008 and 2010; and second, around 2016, as the export moniker for the Geely Borui (GC9) in overseas markets. In concept form, the Emgrand GT was a two-door, four-seater Grand Tourer (GT) supercar that made headlines at motor shows with its avant-garde biomimetic styling. In production form, the Emgrand GT served as the global identity for Geely’s flagship saloon at the time, the Borui. Launched in China in April 2015 as a D-segment executive saloon, it was priced domestically between RM119,800 and RM229,800. From 2016 onwards, Geely marketed the Borui under the "Emgrand GT" badge across Russia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, spearheading the brand's global upmarket push. Around 2020, as Borui production wound down, the overseas Emgrand GT was also phased out. In terms of dimensions, the production Emgrand GT measures 4,956 mm long, 1,861 mm wide, and 1,513 mm tall, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase, making it a standard mid-size executive saloon.
Styling-wise, the Emgrand GT concept (China) and the production version (overseas) showcased two completely different design philosophies from Geely. The concept GT took inspiration from the "Geely Tiger", featuring an aggressive front fascia with a massive "tiger-mouth" grille flanked by sharp headlights, complemented by lower LED strip fog lamps shaped like fangs for a menacing road presence. Its standout feature was the supercar-signature scissor doors, paired with a sleek silhouette and a low-slung stance for immense visual impact. By contrast, the production version was penned by former Volvo design chief Peter Horbury, adopting the brand's dignified "Expanding Cosmos" ripple grille design language. Inside, the concept featured a sporty red-and-black dual-tone cabin equipped with built-in navigation and a DVD entertainment system. The export production model, meanwhile, was generously appointed with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and available Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, reflecting its executive flagship status.
The Emgrand GT's performance credentials varied significantly by variant. The concept was conceived with ambitious powertrain options, including a 3.5-litre V6 paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), alongside a sophisticated hybrid setup pairing a 2.4-litre engine with four in-wheel electric motors to match conventional 3.5L V6 output—underscoring Geely's engineering ambitions at the time. The production Borui/Emgrand GT, on the other hand, utilised mature and dependable powertrains, launching with an in-house developed 1.8-litre turbo (163 hp / 250 Nm) and a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine (162 hp / 210 Nm), both mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. A flagship 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 was later introduced, churning out 285 hp and 326 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in around 8.8 seconds. The petrol model recorded a WLTC combined fuel consumption rating of 7.49 L/100 km.
Underneath, the production Borui/Emgrand GT boasted a premium chassis architecture featuring front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent setup. Double-wishbone front suspension is typically reserved for luxury models, providing superior lateral support. Combined with a comfort-biased setup, it delivered confident roll control during cornering while soaking up road imperfections effortlessly, striking a fine balance between ride comfort and handling stability. It was equipped with electric power steering (EPS) for light and accurate helm response, ventilated disc brakes at both ends, and electronic aids like ABS, EBD, and ESP fitted as standard across the board to ensure optimal driving safety.
Inside, the production model delivered the technology and luxury expected of a flagship sedan. The cabin was trimmed extensively in soft-touch surfaces, with higher-grade variants gaining a full digital instrument cluster and a head-up display (HUD). In terms of creature comforts, alongside standard dual-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable seats, the rear VIP "boss seat" featured electric adjustment controls to enhance its chauffeur-driven executive credentials. Higher trims were also fitted with a premium Harman Infinity audio system, a panoramic glass roof, and rain-sensing wipers.
Safety was a standout selling point for the production model. Built on a high-strength steel cage body structure, the Borui (Emgrand GT) scored an impressive 55.8 points in the 2015 C-NCAP safety assessment to secure a full five-star rating, excelling in both full frontal and 40% offset frontal impact tests. Active safety was equally robust, with ESP, traction control, and tyre pressure monitoring standard across the range. High-spec models further boasted advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and automated parking assist—representing cutting-edge tech for its era.
Lauded domestically as the "Most Beautiful Chinese Car", the Emgrand GT (Borui) recorded monthly sales in China of 5,172 units in November 2016, securing the crown as China's best-selling homegrown executive saloon. By the end of 2016, over 4,000 units had been delivered in the Middle East alone. In 2016, the model clinched the prestigious "China Car of the Year" award with a dominant score of 104 points, outperforming the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (61 points) and the Jaguar XE (55 points). Following its Russian debut in 2017 with pricing starting from 1,389,000 Rubles, it sustained annual sales in the thousands.
In terms of market reception, owners and reviewers lauded its striking original design, Volvo-derived safety standards, generous equipment levels, and spacious rear cabin. However, some early feedback highlighted relatively high fuel consumption and a slightly stiff low-speed ride as trade-offs. Overall, the Emgrand GT (Borui) represented a major technological milestone for Chinese carmakers venturing into the executive sedan segment, even if its conservative powertrains and slower pivot towards new energy vehicles (NEVs) left room for subsequent iterations. As a spearhead of Geely's brand elevation strategy, the Borui (Emgrand GT)—together with the Boyue SUV—redefined public perception of Chinese vehicles through global resource integration and sharp market positioning. Meanwhile, the shelved "Geely Tiger" concept supercar remains a poignant symbol of Chinese automaking ambition from that era.
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