Geely Auto Australia has announced that a second SUV will soon complement its all-electric EX5 in local dealerships, equipped with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
The Geely Starray EM-i is built on the same Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform as the EX5, even sharing certain body panels. However, it stands out as the company’s first global model to feature the E-Motive Intelligence (EM-i) Super Hybrid powertrain.
The PHEV powertrain pairs a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor and an 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This setup closely resembles that of the BYD Sealion 6.
Once the Starray EM-i arrives in Australia in late 2025, it will compete directly with the BYD Sealion 6. Although Geely has yet to reveal pricing, the BYD model starts at $42,990 before on-road costs.
Complete pricing and specifications for the Starray EM-i will be announced closer to its launch, expected in the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2025.
The Starray EM-i’s petrol engine delivers 73 kW of power and 125 Nm of torque, while its electric motor contributes 160 kW and 262 Nm. Together, they generate a combined output of up to 193 kW, powering the front wheels exclusively.
Fuel is stored in a 50-litre tank, and the 18.4 kWh battery supports a vehicle-to-load (V2L) capacity of 3.3 kW.
Drivers can choose from three driving modes: ‘Pure’ for electric-only operation, ‘Hybrid’ for a blend of petrol and electric power, and ‘Power’ for maximum combined performance.
Geely emphasizes that the EM-i system is engineered to be primarily “electrically driven,” with the Starray EM-i designed to behave like an electric vehicle in most driving scenarios. The battery incorporates silicon carbide technology to enhance temperature management and ensure steady power delivery.
For comparison, the BYD Sealion 6 offers two powertrain options: one producing 160 kW and 300 Nm, and another delivering 238 kW and 550 Nm, available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, respectively.
The GEA platform is designed with a strong focus on battery durability and safety. Each battery undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand extreme conditions such as seawater immersion, high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, repeated impacts to the undercarriage, the application of 26 tonnes of force, high-speed side collisions, and direct flame exposure for over two minutes.
Geely Auto Australia CEO Lei Li expressed confidence that the Starray EM-i will strengthen the brand’s presence locally, building on the success of the electric EX5.
“Geely is dedicated to meeting the needs of the Australian market, from our vehicle lineup through to our aftersales experience. We recognize the demand for vehicles that offer more features and greater cost efficiency during these times of increasing financial pressure,” he said.
Interestingly, Geely has chosen to use the Starray name for this SUV’s export model, instead of the Starship 7 nameplate it carries in China. The Starray name is already applied to a different mid-size SUV in other export markets.
