Geely’s Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid goes big on value and tech

Chinese powerhouse Geely – owner of brands including Volvo, Lotus, Smart, and Farizon – arrived in the UK as a stand-alone brand late last year with the electric EX5 SUV. Now, Geely is bringing us a second model: the Starray EM-i Super Hybrid. Unsurprisingly, it’s another SUV but this one is a plug-in hybrid, and it is due to arrive here in February. With a sub-£30,000 starting price, plenty of standard kit and a promised electric-only range of up to 84 miles the Starray EM-i looks to be Geely’s answer to rivals like the Chery Tiggo 7.
• The Starray EM-i is the second SUV in Geely’s range and will be sold alongside the electric EX5 • It will come with a generous eight-year/125,000-mile warranty • Up to 84 miles of electric-only range • Due here in February • Starting from £29,990

The Starray EM-i Super Hybrid is a compact SUV which has a lot in common with the EX5. Its smooth design is not particularly eye-catching, but it is inoffensive and Geely will be hoping this will help the Starray to have mass appeal. Additionally, Geely says it has borrowed some know-how from Lotus engineers to refine the Starray for UK roads.

There will be three trim levels: Pro, Max and Ultra. The interior will look a lot like the EX5 with minimalist look and a large central touchscreen. All models will come with a suite of safety systems, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and heated front seats with electric adjustment. Moving up through the grades the Starray will gain a head-up display and wireless phone charger along with ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.

The boldly named ‘Super Hybrid’ system combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a motor and battery. Entry-level models will get an 18.4kWh battery while the range-topping Ultra versions gain a larger 28.9kWh battery capable of providing up to 84 miles of fully electric driving.

Pro models start at £29,990 while Max versions will be £32,690 and top of the range Ultra cars will cost £34,990. Geely is currently taking reservations, with sales expected to start in February.

Geely will be looking to quickly expand its range over the coming years, so we expect to see lots of new models in all shapes and sizes arriving here soon.

‘Super Hybrid’ technology is all the rage with new Chinese brands so the Starray will be up against similar plug-in hybrid models like the Chery Tiggo 7, Jaecoo 5 and upcoming BYD Sealion 5.