Geely Starray EM-i SUV arriving as next model for local shores

Set to launch early in the fourth quarter of 2025, the Starray EM-i is a mid-size five-seat hybrid SUV. In China, the vehicle is known as the Galaxy Starship 7 and has sold over 80,000 units since its launch in late 2024.

Sharing the GEA (Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture) platform with its sibling, the Geely EX5, the Starray EM-i is Geely’s first overseas model to feature its EM-i (E-Motive Intelligence) Super Hybrid technology, bringing the brand’s latest innovations in plug-in hybrid efficiency to Australian customers.

A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 73kW/125Nm is coupled with an electric motor producing 160kW/262Nm of power and torque respectively, for a total power output of 193kW sent exclusively through the vehicle’s front wheels.

In addition to a 50L fuel tank, the Starray EM-i is powered by an 18.4kWh Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery enabling the option of pure electric driving for shorter commutes, as well as Vehicle to Load (V2L) capability with a maximum output of 3.3kW.

Mr Lei Li, CEO of Geely Auto Australia, said “The Starray EM-i is a worthy follow-up to the Geely EX5, continuing the accessible quality, innovation, and value that customers have come to expect from Geely while opening the gates for more Australians to experience our brand.”

“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.”

First unveiled in October 2024, Geely’s newest generation EM-i Super Hybrid system was developed with a core mission to deliver cost-effective mobility through longer range and low fuel consumption. EM-i enables 3 power modes, allowing drivers to customise efficiency based on their dynamic needs.

-       Pure: Electric only for BEV smoothness and maximum cost efficiency

-       Hybrid: Seamless switching between Electric and Petrol for maximum range and fuel efficiency

-       Power: Electric and Petrol working in tandem for maximum performance

From a drive characteristic standpoint, the EM-i system is designed to be ‘electrically driven’ – offering the instant torque and smooth take-off of a pure electric powertrain while retaining the range and flexibility afforded by a petrol hybrid. Furthermore, silicon carbide technology is integrated into the electric drive to optimise temperature management, delivering consistent driving feel with no dependence on battery state of charge.

Geely’s vehicle platform GEA expands upon EM-i’s efficiency focus, being developed specifically for new energy vehicles. GEA has the ability to accommodate several electrified mobility choices, including Battery Electric (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) powertrains.

GEA places great emphasis on overall safety, with battery durability and safety being a key factor. Each battery tied to GEA shares casing technology proven to withstand an array of extreme scenarios, including immersion in corrosive sea water, high-altitude and subzero temperature exposure, repeated undercarriage impacts, application of 26 tonnes of force, side collision at speed, and direct flame exposure for over 2 minutes.

Further details around specification and pricing will be revealed closer to the model’s official launch later in 2025.

To keep up to date with Geely Auto’s plans in Australia, you can view more information via www.geely.com.au and the brand’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China and was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary unit of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). The Group manages several leading brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. Geely Auto Group is also the global strategic partner of Malaysian national automaker PROTON.

The Group employs more than 50,000 people and operates 12 plants and five global R&D centres in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Gothenburg, Coventry and Frankfurt. The Group also boasts four global design studios in Shanghai, Gothenburg, Milan, and Coventry, respectively with over 1000 members of staff in total. Geely Automobile Holdings, a subsidiary company holding controlling stakes in Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr, has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2005. In 2023, the brands under Geely Auto Group management sold over 1.68 million units, with new energy vehicle sales increasing 48.3% and exports growing 38%.

The controlling shareholder in Geely Auto is Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), which is also the parent company of Volvo Car Group, Geely Commercial Vehicles Group, Geely New Technology Group and Mitime Group. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is committed to vigorously pushing the development of world-renowned automotive and mobility technology brands, providing high-quality products in multiple market segments to meet different levels of customer demands.