Geely Starray plug-in hybrid SUV detailed for Oz

The 2025 Geely Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV has been further detailed for Australia, where it’ll launch later this year as the Chinese brand’s second model, alongside the EX5 electric SUV.

Set to touch down in the fourth quarter of 2025, the Starray EM-i Super Hybrid will arrive as a direct rival to the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BYD Sealion 6, Jaecoo J7 SHS, and GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV.

Tipped to be offered in two variants, every Starray from launch will come powered by a PHEV powertrain comprising a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 73kW and 125Nm, and a front e-motor producing 160kW and 262Nm.

Geely quotes a combined power figure of 193kW (but no combined torque figure), while all that power is sent to ground via the front wheels.

An 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is fitted low in the floor and is said to offer 83km of electric-only driving range. It’ll also bring DC charging at a maximum rate of 30kW, as well as 6.6kW AC charging, although Geely is yet to specify charging times.

Meanwhile, both V2L (vehicle-to-load) and V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) capabilities are available, the latter allowing you to plug in to another V2V-compatible vehicle to recharge (for use in emergency situations).

With a full 51-litre tank of fuel and a full battery, Geely says the Starray can travel a combined range of 943km (WLTP), while also quoting a combined fuel consumption claim of 2.4L/100km (WLTP).

As for the name, it’s Starray as in ‘star-ray’. The EM-i badge? That stands for E-motive Intelligence.

As for ‘Super Hybrid’, it’s a buzzword being thrown around by several manufacturers right now, including MG, Chery, and the latter’s sub-brand, Jaecoo. Essentially, it’s the latest iteration of plug-in hybrid technology, but not all are created equal.

For example, the inbound MG HS Super Hybrid is designed to feel like a traditional hybrid with a larger battery, while the Starray prioritises electricity, with its combustion engine acting as a generator to feed the LFP battery.

The pre-production vehicle carsales was given early access to in Sydney is said to be indicative of a range-topping flagship model, with standard features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, 256-colour ambient interior lighting, leather-appointed upholstery with heating and ventilation up front, wireless phone charging, head-up display, and 16-speaker Flyme sound system (including driver’s headrest speaker).

A huge 15.4-inch central display will come with wireless Apple CarPlay from launch, while wireless Android Auto is said to be coming in an over-the-air update around January 2026.

Digital and FM radio will also come standard, along with a 10.2-inch driver’s instrument display and a host of USB ports around the cab.

The five-seat medium SUV also offers a spacious 60:40 split-fold second row, along with a 428-litre boot, which extends to 2065L with the second row folded.

A tyre repair kit and safety triangle come standard in the absence of a spare tyre.

Safety features are set to include seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a host of driver assistance aids Geely says it will confirm closer to launch. A further question mark concerns pricing, which the Chinese brand will announce closer to the Starray’s arrival in late 2025. However, it will need to be sharp for the newcomer to compete with Chinese rivals priced in the low-$40,000 to mid-$50,000 price bracket.

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