Geely’s rival to BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV confirmed: Geely Starray EM-i comes to Australia as rebadged Starship 7

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Geely has confirmed a new midsize plug-in hybrid SUV called the Starray EM-i, which will launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Starray is built on the same Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform as its sister car, the EX5 midsized electric. 

Known as the Starship 7 back home in China, the Starray is releasing down-under to contend with some of the biggest names in the midsize SUV segment, chiefly the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BYD Sealion 6, and upcoming RAV4 PHEV launching next year. 

While Australian-market dimensions for the Starray EM-i aren’t yet known, in China the Galaxy Starship 7 measures 4740mm long, 1905mm wide, and 1685mm tall, with a 2755mm wheelbase – 120mm longer than the EX5, and 30mm longer than the Outlander. 

Pricing is yet to be confirmed. We anticipate pricing to start in the realm of $40-45,000 before on-road costs, if the $40,990 EX5 is any indication. 

The Starray’s closest rival, the BYD Sealion 6, starts at $42,990 before on-road costs, though the Australian PHEV market is about to get bloody with the upcoming Chery Tiggo 7 ‘Super Hybrid’  just priced at $39,990 driveaway.

The Starray’s PHEV system combines a 73kW/125Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a front-axle mounted 160kW/262Nm electric motor, sending a total system output of 193kW through the front wheels. 

A 50L fuel tank and 18.4kWh Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery combine to deliver a claimed driving range of 1400km, however that figure comes from lenient CLTC testing of the Starship 7. Expect a ‘real’ combined range in the realm of 1000km — still impressive. 

Geely claims the Starray is “designed to be electrically driven”. Its EM-i platform can support up to 120km of EV-only driving (Starship 7 CLTC figure) – 20km more than the upcoming RAV4 PHEV’s 100km target, which is based on the more realistic WLTP testing standard. 

Once depleted, we anticipate the Starray’s battery to take 20 minutes to charge from 30-80 per cent, peaking at 36kW DC. This would match prior figures posted in China.

The Starray EM-i’s EV system can also support V2L (Vehicle to load), with a maximum output of 3.3kW; enough power to support most household appliances, including a microwave. 

Three distinct power modes further the Starray’s versatility: ‘Pure’ prioritises EV-only driving, ‘Hybrid’ operates the EV-system and combustion powerplant in tandem, and ‘Power’ works to deliver the PHEV systems maximum output at any given time.

Geely claims the GEA platform, on which the Starray EM-i is built upon, prioritises occupant safety, battery durability, and resilience to extreme conditions. Safety tests to the GEA platform include immersion in sea water, high-altitude and sub-zero tests, and flame exposure.