Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 receives larger battery and raises electric range to 170 km

Galaxy Starshine 6 gains a 28.3 kWh battery, raising the electric range up to 170 km (CLTC) with the 1.5 L engine, maintaining the EM-i NordThor 2.0 hybrid configuration.

Geely revisits the Galaxy Starshine 6 with a focus on electric efficiency, featuring a considerably larger battery than the previous generation and superior electric range under the CLTC cycle. The update transforms the car into a more practical option for those needing longer daily commutes without engaging the combustion engine.

Bigger battery, the same hybrid heart

At the center of the renewed version is a new 28.3 kWh battery, a significant jump from the previous options of 8.5 kWh and 17 kWh. This capacity gain allows for up to 45 km more operation solely on electric power compared to the previous CLTC variant's 125 km.

Despite the increase in battery size, the propulsion architecture does not change radically. The Starshine 6 continues to adopt a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine, with 82 kW of power, integrating the EM-i NordThor Hybrid 2.0 system. Although the electric motor outputs for the current version have not been officially confirmed, the existing model combines the combustion engine with a front electric motor of 120 kW and an E-DHT transmission.

• Gasoline engine: 1.5 L naturally aspirated, up to 82 kW
• 28.3 kWh Lithium-ion battery (LFP)
• CLTC electric range: up to 170 km
• Front electric motor: previously sized at 120 kW

In practical terms, 170 km of purely electric driving would be sufficient for the vast majority of daily commutes in Australia, even considering real-world variations that tend to reduce CLTC figures.

Same silhouette, calm adjustments

Externally, Geely maintained the traditional design of the Starshine 6. Dimensions remain stable: 4806 mm in length, 1886 mm in width, and 1490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2756 mm. The power weight is 1625 kg, compatible with a plug-in hybrid equipped with a larger battery.

• Length: 4806 mm
• Width: 1886 mm
• Height: 1490 mm
• Wheelbase: 2756 mm
• Transmission/Hybrid: E-DHT with 120 kW front electric motor
• Weight: 1625 kg

The design remains conservative and market-oriented, with elements such as a prominent grille, traditional door handles, a continuous rear light bar, and sober body lines — a perfect fit for those who prefer a balance between style and practicality.

Market, price, and a note on methanol

Since its launch in October 2025, the Starshine 6 has been accumulating sales momentum in China, rising from 1,532 units in the first month to 8,708 in December. The current price ranges between 74,800 and 105,800 yuan, which, in direct conversion, is close to about 11.5 thousand to 16 thousand Australian dollars, not considering local taxes or costs.

A curious variant involves a methanol-powered plug-in hybrid version, with a 1.5-liter engine producing 93 kW and using an LFP battery. Although methanol remains a niche bet, Geely has a history of investing in this technology integrated into the strategic Chinese alternative fuel framework.

For Australia, the standard PHEV remains the most relevant option, especially given increasingly stringent emission standards and the search for options that do not rely exclusively on public external charging.

If Geely extends this portfolio globally, a PHEV sedan with longer range could occupy a space between traditional hybrids and battery EVs, in terms of price and practicality.

What do you think about this battery increase in the Starshine 6? Would you buy a PHEV with up to 170 km of electric range for your daily life, or do you prefer models with greater electric range for long trips? Leave your comment below and share your view.