Geely Starray EM-i arrives in Australia with aggressive pricing and premium interior

Geely Starray EM-i arrives in Australia with aggressive pricing, premium interior, and hybrid propulsion, competing with the BYD Sealion 6 and the RAV4 Hybrid.

Geely Starray EM-i arrives in Australia with aggressive pricing

While BYD dominates the spotlight, Geely expands its global reach. The Starray EM-i emerges as a direct competitor in the plug-in hybrid and electric segment, offering value with a premium finish.

Pricing and options

The Starray EM-i arrives in two configurations: Complete (base) and Inspire. The entry price is AU$37,490 (US$26,400) for the Complete version, and AU$39,990 (US$28,100) for the Inspire. In terms of cost, it is nearly AU$5,000 cheaper than the BYD Sealion 6 and the RAV4 Hybrid, offering good value against the most basic combustion Kia Sportage.

• Complete (base): AU$37,490
• Inspire: AU$39,990

What's inside

The cabin impresses with the balance between luxury and price. The highlight is the 15.4-inch central screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and the promise of Android Auto via software update.

The dashboard includes a 10.2-inch digital cluster and an Ivory White interior, which conveys a premium feel. The floating console, faux wood trim, two cup holders, and two wireless chargers complete the package.

• 13.4-inch Head-up display (optional on Inspire)
• 16-speaker audio system (1,000 W) in the Inspire
• Heating/ventilation in the front seats; no adjustable lumbar support

Powertrain and range

The Starray EM-i combines a 1.5 L gasoline engine, an 18.4 kWh battery, and an electric motor. The total power output is 193 kW (259 hp), with 125 Nm of torque from the combustion engine and 262 Nm from the electric motor. The manufacturer claims up to 83 km of purely electric range and 943 km for the combined system.

Driving, efficiency, and technology

It is front-wheel drive, with stable driving dynamics and a smooth suspension for its size. EV, Hybrid, and Power modes allow the combustion engine to operate alongside the electric one. Energy regeneration can be adjusted to recharge the battery.

The software experience is simple, featuring large icons and configurable shortcuts at the bottom of the screen. An unusual detail is the fan speed shortcut, useful for quick comfort adjustments.

Comfort, space, and practicality

The cabin offers good space for the second row and a trunk capacity of 428 L with the seats up, expanding to 2,065 L with the rows folded down.

Safety and criticisms

Some friction points include the speed warning, which can sound when exceeding the limit by just 1 km/h, and deactivating it requires several steps in the menu. The driver monitoring system is also quite active, triggering alerts for glances averted for just a few seconds.

Verdict

The Geely Starray EM-i impresses with the package offered for the price, featuring solid construction and a spacious interior. The 7-year, unlimited mileage warranty reinforces its value proposition in the Australian market.

If you are evaluating alternatives to the BYD Sealion 6 or the RAV4 Hybrid, the EM-i emerges as a relevant option.

What do you think of the balance between price, space, and technology? Leave your comment below: which aspect of the Starray EM-i caught your attention the most: the premium interior or the pricing package?