Geely Auto Australia has locked in a new mid-size plug-in hybrid Geely Starray EM-i PHEV for an arrival in the fourth quarter of this year as the emerging Chinese brand chases yet more volume in the mid-size SUV segment.
Primed to become its best-selling model, the Geely Starray EM-i PHEV will be positioned as a direct rival for the well-established Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV as well as other newcomers like the new BYD Sealion 6.
The Starray EM-I is known as the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 in China and that’s where we had a first brief test drive earlier this year.
It will join the pure-electric EX5 SUV as Geely’s rapidly expanding line-up that could also soon include the Toyota Prado-rivalling Galaxy Cruiser.
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Introducing its latest plug-in hybrid tech, the Starray EM-i pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 73kW and 125Nm with a powerful 160kW/262Nm e-motor.
Combined, the Geely plug-in hybrid produces 193kW.
Sending all its power to the front wheels via an unusual single-speed ‘hybrid’ transmission, in most environments the new Starray EM-i operates using electric power alone, ensuring a smooth take-off.
Geely has yet to announce how far the Starray EM-i can travel in its electric mode but the 18.4-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is expected to deliver an EV-only range of up to 100km.
With a full tank of fuel, when the combustion engine kicks in the total range is expected to exceed 1000km.
Charging times for the Starray EM-i will be released later, but Geely says the LFP battery can be topped up at up to 36kW using a fast charger.
The new plug-in Geely will also offer a useful vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, charging external devices at a maximum output of 3.3kW.
Almost matching the Outlander for size, the Starray EM-i is based on the same GEA platform as the EX5, which sees it measure in at 4700mm long (-10mm), 1900mm (+38mm) wide and stands 1700mm (-45mm) tall with a 2775mm (+69mm) wheelbase.
The Starray EM-i cabin is dominated by a large 14.6-inch infotainment system that is combined with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
Full local specification will be released closer to its launch but expect high-grade versions to bag a premium sound-system, panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control, a head-up display and large 20-inch alloy wheels.
Commenting on the Starray EM-I’s arrival, Geely Australia’s CEO, Lei Li, said: “Geely is dedicated to meeting the needs of the Australian market, from our vehicle line-up through to our aftersales experience; we understand that there is a need for vehicles to provide more included features and more cost efficiency in this time of increasing financial pressure.
“We’re confident the Starray EM-i’s combination of accessible innovation and flexible efficiency is a great step in that direction.”
Pricing and full specification for the 2025 Geely Starray EM-i should arrive ahead of the SUV’s fourth quarter of 2025 debut, but it’s been hotly tipped that when it lands the latest plug-in mid-size SUV will be priced at under $45,000.
That would threaten the $42,990 (plus on-road costs) charged for the BYD Sealion 6 and place it well under the Mitsubishi Outlander, which is soon to be updated.
