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As reported exclusively by Chasing Cars a fortnight ago, Geely’s midsize hybrid SUV gains all-wheel drive
All-wheel drive is coming to the Geely Starray EM-i, with the new Inspire AWD variant.
Chasing Cars exclusively reported last month that an AWD Starray was Australia-bound, both meeting demand for AWD SUVs and addressing criticism that the existing, front-wheel drive Starray is prone to wheelspin.
The Starray EM-i AWD — sold solely as a plug-in hybrid — simply adds a second, rear-axle electric motor producing 80kW and 150Nm.
Together with the front motor and the unchanged 1.5L inline-four petrol engine, total outputs climb to 220kW and 412Nm.
Solely available in the Inspire variant, the higher of the Starray’s two trim levels, the Inspire AWD retails for $44,990 before on-roads, $3,500 above the Inspire FWD.
For comparison, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the original plug-in hybrid SUV, starts at $58,990 before on-roads. The BYD Sealion 6 is $52,990 before on-roads for an AWD variant.
While the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid undercuts them all at $34,990 before on-roads, it’s front-wheel drive only.
Built on the same platform as Geely’s fully-electric EX5 mid-size SUV, the Starray EM-i AWD gains a 60L petrol tank, 9L bigger than standard. It’s also fitted with the Extended Range’s 29.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
On the WLTP test cycle, a full battery and a full tank is rated to take the Starray EM-i AWD 1065km, while the battery on its own is good for 130km.
The fuel tank isn’t the only mechanical change, with the AWD Starray gaining five-link rear suspension, compared to the four-link in FWD models.
Finally, there are two more modes: Snow and Off-Road, joining Pure, Hybrid and Power.
Geely states the Inspire AWD will arrive in Australian showrooms in mid-September.
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
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