The Geely officially announced the arrival of the Starray EM-i on the international market, with launch scheduled for February 2026. The new plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) from the Chinese brand initially arrives at the Reino Unido, promising to intensify competition in the segment with a combination of high technology, energy efficiency and an aggressive entry price, set at £29,990.
The model’s biggest differentiator is its EM-i Super Hybrid platform, developed to optimize the use of electric propulsion. With a high-capacity battery in its top version, the Starray EM-i can travel up to 135 kilometers in all-electric mode, a number that places it ahead of many direct competitors and meets the daily needs of most drivers without consuming a drop of gasoline.
The offensive by Geely, which also controls brands such as Volvo and Lotus, occurs at a time of expanding sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles on the European continent. Para sustain the commercialization of the Starray EM-i, the company is investing in the creation of a robust dealer network, guaranteeing support and confidence to new customers.
Powertrain technical specifications
The heart of the Starray EM-i is a hybrid propulsion system that prioritizes efficiency. Ele combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, which predominantly acts as a generator to charge the battery, with a powerful electric motor responsible for moving the front wheels. Essa configuration ensures smooth and silent operation most of the time, similar to that of a 100% electric vehicle.
The combined power of the system reaches 255 horsepower, while the instantaneous torque of the electric motor reaches 262 Nm, providing agile responses in urban traffic and when overtaking. The performance translates into acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 169 km/h to preserve autonomy. The transmission is a single-ratio automatic, calibrated to maximize energy efficiency under all conditions of use.
Autonomy and efficiency highlighted
The Geely offers the Starray EM-i with two battery options to suit different consumer profiles. The entry-level versions, Pro and Max, come equipped with a 18.4 kWh package, which already guarantees significant electrical autonomy for everyday use. The top-of-the-line version, Ultra, increases capacity to an impressive 29.8 kWh, allowing it to travel up to 135 kilometers (84 miles) without activating the combustion engine. Quando total autonomy is considered, the vehicle can travel up to 997 kilometers on a single tank and a full battery. The declared consumption in the mixed cycle is approximately 1.2 liters per 100 km, an efficiency benchmark for an SUV of this size.
Exterior design and dimensions
Measuring 4,740 mm long, 1,905 mm wide and 1,685 mm high, the Starray EM-i has a robust and elegant appearance. The exterior design adopts a minimalist and modern approach, which reinforces its identity as an electrified vehicle.
One of the most striking elements is the absence of a traditional front grille, replaced by a smooth surface that improves aerodynamics and contributes to reducing energy consumption. The body lines are fluid and clean, without exaggerated creases, conveying a feeling of sophistication.
The light alloy wheels, which vary between 18 and 19 inches depending on the version, complement the SUV’s imposing look. The low aerodynamic drag coefficient is one of the pillars of the project, essential to achieving its remarkable autonomy.
In terms of practicality, the trunk offers a standard capacity of 428 liters, a volume that can be expanded by folding the rear seats. Há also has an additional 100 liter compartment under the floor, ideal for storing charging cables or other objects.
Interior and comfort on board
The interior of the Starray EM-i was designed to offer a premium experience, with a focus on space, technology and practicality. The floating center console is the highlight of the dashboard, creating a feeling of spaciousness and modernity in the cabin. Para greater convenience, more than 30 storage compartments were strategically distributed throughout the cabin.
Rear seat passengers enjoy generous leg and head space, benefiting from the completely flat floor, which comfortably accommodates up to three adults. Materiais soft to the touch are predominant in areas of greatest contact, such as dashboard and doors, increasing the perception of quality, although rigid plastics are found in lower parts.
Technology and connectivity
The dashboard is dominated by a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, which serves as the interface for the infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Driving information is displayed on a 10.2-inch digital cluster, complemented by a head-up display on the Max and Ultra versions.
The Geely chose to reduce physical buttons to a minimum, keeping only a rotary selector for volume control and some shortcuts. Itens as a camera with 360-degree vision, induction smartphone charger and keyless entry system are standard equipment on all versions.
Active safety features
All versions of the Starray EM-i leave the factory with a complete package of driver assistance technologies. The system uses a network of sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings in real time, preventing accidents and assisting the driver.
Among the main features are automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistant and adaptive cruise control. Safety is enhanced by blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts. The SUV’s structure uses high-strength steel, with chassis and safety engineering supported by the expertise of Lotus Engineering, a company from the same group.
Positioning in the international market
Upon reaching Reino Unido, the Starray EM-i will face strong competitors such as the Kia Sportage PHEV, the Nissan Qashqai e-Power and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. However, the Geely SUV is betting on an aggressive pricing strategy, with a starting price below £30,000, to gain an important share of the market.
In addition to the competitive price, the superior electric range and generous warranty of eight years or 200,000 kilometers are strong selling points. Geely plans to establish a network of 100 dealerships in Reino Unido by the end of 2026, demonstrating its commitment to the market and ensuring quality after-sales for customers.
