2025 Geely Starray EM-i review
China is hoping Aussies will be won over by its new fleet of Super Hybrids, however there are a few serious issues that could hold them back.
Geely’s new Super Hybrid SUV is here. It’s called the Starray EM-i, and it offers buyers a lot of electrified SUV for the money.
We’re talking Yaris Cross money for a RAV4 sized SUV, with this plug-in hybrid five-seater starting at just $37,490 plus on-roads for the Complete model, and $39,990 plus on-roads for the Inspire top-spec.
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That translates to about $40k and $43k drive-away, making it not-quite the cheapest-PHEV on the market, but close to the headline-grabbing Chery Tiggo 7.
Unlike that model, though, this one feels entirely new and very well finished. Both grades come with full LED lighting around the car, nice looking alloys, and if you buy one under the launch offer you get the premium paint for free.
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There’s also low financing (3.88 per cent comparison) or three years free servicing, and a Mode 2 home charging cable for those who order before 30 Sept.
Beyond that, all Starray models comes with keyless entry and start, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and wireless CarPlay (Android Auto coming soon), and you score electric front seats with heating with “GeeLuxe” fake leather trim.
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Step up to the Inspire and you get 19-inch alloy wheels (18s on the base), a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, electric boot, ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and a 16-speaker sound system with driver’s seat headrest speakers for taking calls on the hush.
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The interior feels more up-market than the price suggests.
The material finishes are top notch, the fit and finish excellent, and the seats are pretty comfy too – just be mindful that there’s no height adjustment for the front passenger seat, and you might feel like you can’t lower the back of the seat squab down enough to get really hunkered in.
The back seat is exceptionally roomy and comfort is top notch, plus there are directional vents and lots of storage, and ISOFIX points and three top-tethers for kid seats as well.
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Boot space is decent at 428 litres, but just be mindful that this SUV has a payload of just 435kg, so heavier families or those who don’t travel lightly might need to think twice.
There’s no towing capacity either, and it has no spare wheel under the boot floor despite there being space for one – the brand has said it is “looking at” a solution.
I hope the brand is looking at further solutions for the car when it comes to the drive experience, too …
Look, if you just commute to work and don’t ask too much of it, you’ll be fine. But the suspension is otherwise a bit soft and can make it feel bouncy for occupants.
It steers fine, and the powertrain is perfectly acceptable too – nice and quiet at most speeds, even when you deplete the battery and call on the petrol engine.
The claim for the battery EV driving range is 83km, and I saw a return of 72km on test. Thereafter, it flicked to hybrid mode and the fuel use was better than I’ve seen in a RAV4 Hybrid.
But back to the ‘work required’, the safety technology is overbearing.
It needs fine tuning, and hopefully Geely can institute a way to make it easier for customers to turn off (and keep off!) some of the interventional tech they don’t want, as the driver camera system and lane-keeping can get on your nerves.
Countering my commute, the biggest issue with this car, is the cruise control. It has either intelligent cruise with speed adjustment and steering for you in some situations, or adaptive cruise, which can keep distance. There’s no ‘standard’ cruise.
The car also seriously slows down for corners with either system active, arguably dangerously so on freeways. It braked from 110km/h to 75km/h for what I’d call a gentle sweeping bend. Overreactive, and nerve-racking, too.
It’s a shame those ‘safety’ features really aren’t well done, because otherwise it’s a pretty likeable SUV.
Under the ownership promise, there’s a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and eight-year/unlimited kilometre battery warranty, and five years/75,000km assured price servicing. Connected services are included for two years, with app control for the car, and 4G with over-the-air updates and online media streaming.
VERDICT
It might be a Super Hybrid, but unless the brand works on fixing some of those driving complaints, it can’t be classed as a super SUV in this tough-fought segment.
3.5 stars
Geely Starray EM-i
PRICE: From about $40,000 drive-away
ENGINE: 1.5-litre petrol + electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD
POWER: 193kW combined
BATTERY: 18.4kWh LFP (usable)
FUEL USE: 2.4 litres per 100km (claimed), 5.1 litres per 100km (actual – battery depleted)
SPARE: None
Originally published as 2025 Geely Starray EM-i review
