Geely Starray – Geely has added a second vehicle to its Australian line-up with the launch of the Starray EM-i, a medium-size plug-in hybrid SUV. It follows the earlier arrival of the all-electric EX5, which also competes in the same SUV class. Launch review by David Brown
As a PHEV, the Starray offers the reassurance of petrol backup while still delivering meaningful electric-only driving, a formula designed to ease range anxiety. Two models are available — the base-level “Complete” and the higher-spec “Inspire,” which we tested.
Although Geely is one of China’s largest manufacturers, with ownership of Volvo and Lotus among others, its approach to Australia has been relatively measured. Instead of flooding the market, it is positioning carefully with products like the Starray that aim to combine practicality, efficiency, and competitive pricing.
The Good:
- impressive range and efficiency,
- competitive pricing,
- thoughtful hybrid management.
The Not-So-Good:
- intrusive driver alerts,
- no spare tyre, and
- somewhat bland driving characteristics
Geely Starray EM-i Plug-in Hybrid SUV
Geely Starray Exterior Design
From the outside, the Starray strikes a balance between presence and restraint. The front end avoids the oversized grilles still common on combustion SUVs, using slim headlights and a sculpted bonnet to create a confident but not aggressive look. Along the sides, a broad feature line softens the profile, and on the Inspire the 19-inch wheels fill the arches neatly without pushing into extreme low-profile rubber. At the rear, smooth surfacing is finished with a full-width light bar. Aerodynamically the car is tidy, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, though Geely’s designers chose not to chase the most radical shapes in order to preserve cabin space.
What about inside the Cabin and Features
Inside, the Starray presents as modern and stylish, avoiding overdone flourishes. Three large screens dominate the driver’s view: a 10.2-inch instrument display, a 13.8-inch head-up display, and a tall 15.4-inch infotainment unit. Importantly, Geely has kept a row of physical climate buttons beneath the centre screen, meaning fan speed and temperature can be adjusted without diving through menus.
Seat adjustment is electronic, with a convenient prompt each time you move them to save a preferred setting. The steering wheel is free from excessive clutter, carrying only the usual cruise and audio functions. One quirk is that the vehicle powers on and off automatically when the key fob is present, which can feel slightly uncertain when you leave the car.
Space and Practicality
Practicality is a strength of the Starray. Luggage capacity is 428 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 528 litres with them adjusted, and stretching to a generous 2,065 litres with the seats folded. Rear passenger space is also comfortable, though buyers may note the absence of a spare wheel.
Technology and Connectivity
Geely placed particular emphasis at launch on the drivetrain. The Starray has been designed as a hybrid from the ground up, with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine tuned for hybrid operation working alongside an 18.4 kWh LFP battery and an electric motor. On paper, the petrol engine produces 73 kW and 125 Nm, while the motor contributes 160 kW and 262 Nm. Power is sent through a single-speed transmission to the front wheels.
In addition, the brand claims an engine thermal efficiency of up to 46.5 per cent, motor efficiency at 98.02 per cent and transmission efficiency at 98.8 per cent. Regenerative braking can be set to Intelligent or Forced modes. Infotainment supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though setup proved a little fiddly.
Geely Starray Engine and Drivetrain
The Starray is not a performance SUV. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes eight seconds, which is adequate for everyday use but far from sporty. The car promises up to 83 km of electric-only range and, under WLTP testing, a combined driving range of 943 km. Claimed fuel use is as low as 2.4 L/100 km, though this figure depends heavily on regular charging rather than relying on the petrol engine to recharge the battery.
Charging capacity is modest, with 6.6 kW AC and 30 kW DC fast-charging capability. Vehicle-to-load at 3.3 kW and vehicle-to-vehicle at 6 kW are also included.
Ride and Handling
On the road, the Starray feels secure but not especially engaging. The steering is somewhat bland and the car’s weight is apparent, though ride comfort is decent thanks to the suspension setup and sensible tyre choice. Adaptive cruise control works as expected but can be overcautious on sweeping country roads, slowing unnecessarily, and it is fiddly to adjust in single km/h increments.
Lane-keeping assistance is gentler than most, giving steering wheel vibration rather than shrill beeps, which reduces distraction. Regenerative braking is stronger than a standard hybrid, though it stops short of offering full one-pedal driving.
Safety
The safety package is extensive across both variants, with features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise, blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and braking, collision mitigation front and rear, lane keeping and emergency lane keeping, driver fatigue alerts, and more.
Pricing and Offers
Pricing is sharp, with the Complete starting at $37,490 and the Inspire at $39,990 before on-road costs. Launch buyers can also choose either a better finance deal or three years of scheduled servicing, alongside a complimentary charging cable and premium paint, though this offer ends on 30 November 2025.
Competition
The Starray enters a crowded field, with mainstream competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and PHEV rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, BYD Sealion 6, and Haval H6GT. Its pricing places it firmly in the affordable end of the PHEV spectrum.
Final thoughts on the Geely Starray
The Geely Starray EM-i Inspire delivers a compelling mix of efficiency, practicality, and value. Its hybrid system balances petrol and electric power well, and its styling avoids fad-driven gimmicks. While handling lacks polish and driver alerts can be intrusive, its range and pricing are strong advantages.
Overall, the Starray is a well-balanced plug-in hybrid that delivers genuine electric usability with the security of petrol backup. It may not yet have the dynamic polish of long-established brands, but it represents a strong value proposition and a serious new option in Australia’s highly competitive medium SUV segment
Geely Starray |
|
| Model | Starray EM-I plug in hybrid |
| Model Price | $39,990 plus on road costs |
| Engine | 1.5 litre four cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine |
| Drivetrain | Single ratio front wheel drive |
| Battery Capacity / type | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) |
| Voltage / Capacity | 18.4 kWh |
| Power | Combined 193 kW |
| Torque | Combined figure not available |
| Range (WLTP) / ADR | 943 km/83km on pure electric |
| Economy / efficiency | 2.4 l/100km (WLTP |
| Fast Charge**/ Home | No times given |
| Safety | Not yet rated |
| CO2 Emissions | 54 g/km |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 8.0 seconds/170 kmh |
| Servicing | EV Assured Service Pricing
A service every 12 months/ 15,000 kms Geely pre-paid service plans are available |
| Warranty | 7 Years / Unlimited km (Private) 7 Years / 150,000 km (Business) |
| Roadside Assist | 1 year but renewed for free up to seven years upon completion of each scheduled service at an authorised Geely service centre, |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating |
79/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 7 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Equipment | 8 |
| Performance | 7 |
| Ride and Handling | 7 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| Style / Appeal | 8 |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
Dimensions |
Geely Starray |
| Overall Length | 4740 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2755 mm |
| Width | 1905 mm |
| Height | 1685 mm |
| Wheels | 19 -inch Alloys |
| Tyres | 235/50 R19 |
| Max ground clearance | 172 mm |
| Wading Depth | N/A |
| Approach | N/A |
| Rampover | N/A |
| Departure angle | N/A |
| Turning Circle KTK | 10.4 m |
| Boot Min | 428 L |
| Boot Max | 2,065 l |
| Kerb Weight | 1,739 KG |
| Battery weight | 120–150 kg. (Estimate, not an official Geely figure.) |
| Payload (kg) | Approx. 466 kg (estimated) |
| GVM (kg) | 2,205 KG |
| GCM | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | N/A |
| Tow Ball rating | N/A |
Overall Rating
Summary
The Geely Starray EM-i Inspire delivers a compelling mix of efficiency, practicality, and value. Its hybrid system balances petrol and electric power well, and its styling avoids fad-driven gimmicks. While handling lacks polish and driver alerts can be intrusive, its range and pricing are strong advantages.
