Livan GX3 Pro

Model Overview

The Livan X3 PRO is a subcompact petrol-powered SUV under Livan Auto (an NEV brand established as a joint venture between Geely Auto and Lifan Technology), essentially serving as the rebadged successor to the Geely Yuanjing X3. Officially launched on 13 May 2022, the model is offered in three variants with an official recommended retail price ranging from RM49,900 to RM67,900. Positioned as an "urban commuter B-segment SUV", its core selling proposition is exceptional value-for-money as an "RM40,000-bracket four-cylinder petrol SUV", designed to capture the entry-level commuter segment as well as emerging export markets.

This model exemplifies Geely's strategic move of repurposing proven legacy platforms across its subsidiary marques to amortise R&D expenditure whilst swiftly penetrating lower-tier segments. The entire lineup is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox, returning a combined fuel consumption under the WLTC cycle as low as 5.9 L/100 km. Beyond competing locally against marques such as Wuling and Baojun, it was also rolled out in markets like the Philippines in 2024 as the Geely GX3 Pro, priced at 798,000 Pesos (approx. RM110,000) to take on rivals such as the Toyota Raize and Kia Stonic.

Design Language

In terms of styling, the Livan X3 PRO retains the overall silhouette of the Geely Yuanjing X3, presenting a mature and durable aesthetic. Up front, it features a compact shield-shaped radiator grille with black mesh inserts, framed by chrome trim that seamlessly links with the headlamps on either flank to accentuate front visual width. The lower bumper incorporates a prominent trapezoidal air dam complemented by vertical LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for an added sporty flair. However, due to cost constraints, the main headlamps utilise conventional halogen bulbs. Along the sides, the proportions remain compact, defined by a crisp shoulder line running from the front fender to the tail lamps, paired with flared wheel arches that lend a subtly muscular stance. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,005 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width, and 1,575 mm in height, with a 2,480 mm wheelbase—classic subcompact crossover dimensions that ensure effortless manoeuvrability in tight city traffic. Round back, the design is fairly bulbous, featuring split tail lamp clusters that mirror the front lighting setup, alongside a concealed exhaust layout for a clean, minimalist finish. Flagship variants gain 16-inch dual-tone alloy rims, roof rails, and an electric sunroof for a more upmarket finish.

Inside, the Livan X3 PRO punches above its RM49,900 entry price. The dashboard adopts a clean T-shaped layout with pronounced horizontal lines and tasteful chrome garnishes for added visual depth. Given its budget positioning, the dashboard top and door cards are predominantly finished in hard-touch plastics. The urethane steering wheel comes with tilt adjustment and has a relatively slender rim. The seats are wrapped in synthetic leather with generous cushioning, delivering commendable ride comfort. Over on the centre console, a traditional mechanical handbrake and standard cup holders are retained for straightforward, tactile operation.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the bonnet, the Livan X3 PRO is driven exclusively by a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine (engine code: JLC-4G15). It puts out a maximum power of 83 kW (approx. 113 PS) and 143 Nm of peak torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT (with 8 virtual ratios). In the 2022 iteration, output figures were slightly tuned up compared to the outgoing 1.5L unit in the Geely Yuanjing X3. As a pure ICE vehicle, the entire lineup runs solely on petrol, requiring no plug-in charging.

Out on the road, power delivery is tuned primarily for progressive smoothness. Benefiting from the inherent balance of an inline-four layout, the engine produces minimal vibration during cold starts and low-speed creeping, settling into a quiet and refined hum once up to operating temperature. In urban stop-and-go driving, the CVT delivers peppy throttle response with sprightly off-the-line pickup; however, during mid-range overtakes or high-speed highway cruising, the modest engine capacity shows its limits, resulting in a noticeable rise in engine noise when pushed. The manual transmission features a relatively long clutch travel with a heavier bite, which may require an initial learning curve for beginner drivers. On the fuel economy front, the WLTC combined figure is rated at 6.92 L/100 km (for both manual and CVT variants), while some dealer marketing indicates figures as low as 5.9 L/100 km. With a 45-litre fuel tank running on RON 92 petrol, calculated real-world fuel costs work out to roughly 0.36 RMB per kilometre, ensuring remarkably low daily running costs.

Chassis & Handling

Underpinnings-wise, the Livan X3 PRO employs a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, suspended by front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam semi-independent setup. This represents the staple hardware configuration for this segment, chosen for its mechanical simplicity and compact packaging to maximise rear legroom. The suspension tuning is decidedly comfort-oriented, with softer initial damping that effectively soaks up road undulations, speed humps, and minor potholes in the city. Jars and jolts transmitted into the cabin remain well-suppressed, sparing rear occupants from excessive bounce and ensuring decent ride quality for daily urban commutes. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) is light and effortless with adequate precision, making three-point turns and parallel parking a breeze for novice and female drivers alike. The brake pedal offers progressive stopping power through its initial travel, though a firmer stomp is required during emergency braking to tap into full deceleration. At highway speeds, NVH suppression is par for the course within this budget segment; wind and tyre roar become noticeably audible once cruising above 80 km/h, which is typical for an entry-level commuter car.

Cabin & In-Car Technology

Taking centre stage in the Livan X3 PRO's cabin is a standard 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display. While the screen size is modest and the user interface straightforward, it comes fully loaded with essential features. The system includes built-in navigation, media playback, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and smart voice command functionality that allows occupants to operate music, navigation routes, and climate control hands-free. Additionally, it supports factory smartphone mirroring via USB, enabling seamless wireless Wi-Fi casting for effortless media streaming and navigation duties. The instrument binnacle combines classic analogue twin dials with a central monochrome LCD multi-info display, ensuring clear, distraction-free readouts. For comfort and convenience, standard kit across the range includes electrically adjustable wing mirrors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, all-round power windows (with one-touch auto up/down and anti-pinch), manual air conditioning, and a CN95 high-efficiency composite cabin air filter for basic interior air purification. Step up to the mid- and high-spec variants, and you gain additional amenities such as a reverse camera, electric sunroof, and a multi-function steering wheel. An integrated 1080P Full HD driving video recorder (DVR/dashcam) is also fitted as standard, saving owners the hassle of third-party installations. Practicality is a strong suit with 26 dedicated storage cubbies scattered across the cabin, a standard boot capacity of approximately 400 litres, and a single-piece folding rear bench for versatile cargo carrying.

Safety & Driver Assistance

When it comes to safety, the Livan X3 PRO is built around a high-tensile safety cage structure to provide robust baseline passive crash protection. Restraint systems comprise dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard across the range, alongside front seatbelt reminders and rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points. On the active safety front, baseline equipment encompasses ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), all of which work seamlessly to prevent skidding on slick tarmac and enhance overall vehicle stability. The range-topping trim further benefits from Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC), offering added confidence during slope ascents and steep descents.

In terms of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the Livan X3 PRO focuses on practical driving aids rather than semi-autonomous capabilities. Cruise control comes standard across all variants to ease driver fatigue on long highway stretches. Parking duties are handled by standard rear parking sensors and a reverse camera across the lineup, with the flagship variant gaining a Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system backed by three rear ultrasonic sensors. However, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features—such as Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)—are omitted across the board, representing a deliberate cost-management decision typical of vehicles in this entry-level price bracket.

Market Performance & Reception

The Livan X3 PRO's sales performance in the Chinese domestic market has experienced a gradual cooling off following its launch. Official figures show that the model registered 5,425 units throughout 2023, with sales tapering off further in 2024 to double-digit monthly figures. This sluggish domestic uptake is largely attributed to Livan's limited dealership footprint as a newcomer, modest marketing expenditure, and intense competition from budget micro-EVs (such as the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV) dominating the RM50,000 price point. Moving into 2026, while promotional dealer discounts remain active, the model's contribution to Livan Auto's overall sales volume has diminished considerably.

Conversely, the model has carved out a viable niche in export markets. Rebadged as the Geely GX3 Pro, it has made steady inroads since 2024 across Southeast Asian and developing markets—including the Philippines and Myanmar—filling the regional demand for affordable entry-level SUVs whilst serving as an effective channel for Geely to expand its global footprint and absorb legacy platform manufacturing capacity. On the ownership front, domestic buyers have given the car generally favourable reviews, commending its "effective engine noise suppression" and "solid, rattle-free chassis setup", resulting in respectable customer satisfaction scores. Owners consistently laud its exceptional value proposition—offering a four-cylinder automatic SUV for just RM49,900—along with low maintenance costs and robust mechanical reliability across its engine, transmission, and chassis. Although domestic sales are unlikely to stage a dramatic rebound in the near term, the vehicle will continue to serve as a vital budget spearhead for the wider Geely Group across overseas markets.