After getting off to a strong start with its budget-priced mid-size electric SUV, Geely now has rival mid-size plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs in its sights.
The Geely Starray EM-i is due to arrive in Australia early during the fourth quarter (October-December) of this year.
The Chinese brand has yet to confirm pricing, but it has released early specification details and shown off a top-spec pre-production vehicle locally.
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The Starray EM-i will be offered in two trim levels. Geely will confirm the names of these closer to the Starray EM-i’s local launch, with final specification details also due around this time.
We’re expecting sharp pricing, given the all-electric Geely EX5 is priced between just $40,990 and $44,990 before on-road costs.
Arguably its most direct rival here will be the BYD Sealion 6, which starts at $42,990 before on-road costs.
The Geely Starray EM-i shares the same Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform as the EX5, even sharing some items like body panels, but it’s the company’s first global model to feature its E-Motive Intelligence (EM-i) Super Hybrid powertrain.
Unusually, Geely has chosen Starray as the export name for this SUV, and not the Starship 7 nameplate seen on the vehicle in China. Confusingly, the Starray name is also used on a different mid-size SUV in other export markets.
Drivetrains and Efficiency
There are three different drive modes: Pure for electric-only driving, Hybrid for a mix of electric and petrol, and Power for maximum combined outputs.
Geely says the EM-i system is designed to be ‘electrically driven’, with the Starrary EM-i intended to drive like an electric vehicle (EV) in most situations.
3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability is standard, allowing you to power external electrical appliances from the vehicle’s battery.
| Specifications | Geely Starray EM-i |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L naturally aspirated 4cyl |
| Engine outputs | 73kW/125Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 160kW/262Nm |
| System outputs | 193kW |
| Battery | 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate |
| Battery AC charge rate | 6.6kW |
| Battery DC charge rate | 30kW |
| Transmission | 1-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (claimed, WLTP) | 2.4L/100km |
| Electric driving range (WLTP) | 83km |
| Total claimed range (WLTP) | 943km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51L |
Dimensions
The Starray EM-i is a mid-size, five-seater crossover SUV.
| Dimensions | Geely Starray EM-i |
|---|---|
| Length | 4740mm |
| Width | 1905mm |
| Height | 1685mm |
| Wheelbase | 2755mm |
| Cargo capacity | 428L (seats up) 2065L (rear seats folded) |
Safety
The Geely Starray EM-i has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard safety equipment will include:
- Surround-view camera with transparent chassis mode
- Dual front airbags
- Dual front-side airbags
- Dual curtain airbags
- Far-side airbag
Geely has also confirmed an as-yet unspecified range of active safety and driver assist features.
Standard Equipment
Geely has released a features list, but it cautions that final specification is subject to change. Final specification will be announced closer to the Starray EM-i’s launch this year.
At this stage, the top-spec Starray EM-i will come standard with the following equipment:
- 19-inch alloy wheels*
- Automatic LED headlights
- Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade*
- Rear privacy glass
- Power tailgate*
- Keyless entry and start
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- DAB digital radio
- Over-the-air updates
- 4G network connectivity
- Wireless phone charger*
- 2 x USB-A outlets (1 x front, 1 x rear)
- 2 x USB-C outlets (1 x front, 1 x rear)
- Head-up display*
- 16-speaker Flyme sound system incl. 2 x headrest speakers*
- Heated and ventilated front seats*
- 6-way power driver’s seat
- Driver seat memory*
- 4-way power passenger seat
- Automatic air-conditioning with rear vents
- 256-colour ambient lighting*
* Denotes equipment exclusive to the top-spec trim.
Apple CarPlay will be standard from launch, with Android Auto coming later via an over-the-air software update during the first quarter of 2026.