Geely Starray EM-i (2026 - )

Hot on the heels of the all-electric EX5, Geely’s first model launch here in the UK, we get a second arrival. It’s called the Starray and, despite looking remarkably similar to the EX5 as they are both built on the same platform, it is powered by a plug-in hybrid system featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine. 
Customers can select from three trim levels called Pro, Max and Ultra and, additionally, there is a choice of battery sizes. The 18.4kWh unit is matched to the Pro and Max trims and can deliver up to 51 miles on a single charge, while the high-end Ultra model gets a larger 29.8kWh pack that can achieve up to 84 miles.
The Geely name may not be immediately recognisable to many would-be buyers, but it has had quite an influence on the UK market for a number of years, as the Geely Group owns the likes of Volvo, Polestar, LEVC and Lotus. So, it’s anything but new to the party then.
The Starray boasts a competitive starting price of just under £30k and all models are generously equipped as standard. But how does it handle when put to the test? We took the mid-grade Starray Max out on test to find out just that.
 

Powering the front-wheel drive Geely Starray is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that can be matched to either an 18.4kWh battery on Pro and Max trim cars or a larger 29.8kWh unit on the Ultra grade. Our test car, in Max specification, featured the smaller battery, but could still deliver up to 51 miles of EV-only range between charges, which is ample for the average daily commute.
With a combined engine and electric motor output of 260PS and 262Nm of torque, the Starray can complete the 0-62mph dash in a respectable 8.0 seconds and tops out at 105mph. 
The acceleration through the single-speed transmission is smooth enough and there is ample power on tap to overtake slower moving vehicles if necessary. It’s perfectly capable when faced with twisting country lanes although there is a little body lean into tighter bends if attacked too keenly. 
There are drive modes called Pure, which delivers EV-only performance; Hybrid which is an efficient mix of engine and electric motor; or Power which focuses engine-only driving.
The steering offers sufficient driver feedback and the ride is also comfortable enough, although you will feel the full force of any unexpected potholes along the way. Overall, the refinement levels are good with the cabin quite well-insulated against outside noise. That said; the engine note gets a tad vocal under heavy acceleration.
Driver visibility impresses too and that’s a real plus-point on a vehicle that is aimed at families and will likely feature regularly on the dreaded school run. 
 

The Geely Starray is a practical five-door, mid-sized SUV that’s easy on the eye, but could so easily be mistaken for one of a number of Chinese rivals on our roads these days. The badging will not be familiar just yet, but Geely has plans to go big here in the UK with 10 new arrivals by 2030, so get used to seeing the logo which is formed of six small rectangles.
Geely claims the Starray design team focused on elegant simplicity and, to be fair, they are spot on with the final result. It is very simplistic with slim front light clusters connected by a narrow light bar. The short front and rear overhangs, combined with the car’s upright stance help convey the SUV message. Factor in the full LED taillights, roof rails, rear privacy glass, panoramic sunroof and snazzy 19-inch alloy wheels and this family-focused car may be simple, but it is effective.
Moving inside, the interior is modern, clutter-free and boasts smart upholstery, along with soft-touch surfaces, 256-shade ambient lighting and neat fixtures and fittings throughout. The powered seats can be heated (cooled as well for the driver), and the steering wheel can also be warmed to help combat those cold wintry mornings. 
The car’s nerve centre is a 15.4-inch centrally-positioned infotainment touchscreen and this offers access to the wealth of on-board features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, sat nav, Bluetooth and a 16-speaker FLYME sound system that includes driver headrest speakers. Some icons are a little small and can be fiddly to operate on the fly, but generally the set-up worked well enough. We would prefer more physical controls but you do get a large dial that controls the volume or, when pushed in, switches across to adjusting the climate settings.
The important driving data can be viewed on a smaller 10.2-inch driver display and the Starry Max also boasts a head-up display, as standard. The panoramic sunroof can be opened or closed via the screen or the AI-powered voice assistant, that is summoned by saying “Hey Geely” and this can assist with numerous other tasks, such as adjusting the temperature, making phone calls, changing the radio station and much more besides.
 

The Geely Starray is a mid-sized SUV which stretches 4,740mm in length, is 1,905mm across, 1,685mm tall and has a 2,755mm wheelbase. Those figures result in a deceptively spacious interior – something that’s always appreciated by any growing family.
Up front, even if you’re over six feet tall, you’ll have no trouble getting comfortable with powered seat adjustment making is easy to find an ideal driving position. What is more surprising though is the generous amount of leg, shoulder and head space in the back, where two adults can fit nicely, or three at a bit of a squeeze. There is even room for feet under the front seats which is always appreciated. 
The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and is also well-sized with a capacity of 528 litres, increasing to a substantial 2,065 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats lowered – more than ample for flat-pack furniture, golf clubs or luggage for family getaways. There is a height-adjustable boot floor which is really practical if loading heavy or awkwardly-shaped items and, additionally, there are numerous handy storage compartments scattered throughout the car. These include a glovebox, central cubby, door bins, a storage are beneath the centre console, seat back pockets, a wireless charging pad, front and rear cup holders and some trays.
Boosting the smaller 18.4kWh battery from 30-80 per cent on a 30kW DC charge takes 20 minutes (16 minutes on a 60kW DC for the larger 29.8kWh battery) If using a 7kW home wallbox, a 25-100 per cent charge takes 3.0 hours for the smaller battery or 4.6 hours for the larger unit.
 

The Geely Starray EM-I Super Hybrid SUV line-up costs from £29,990 for the entry-level Pro, the Max version as tested, starts from £32,690, while the Ultra is set at £34,990.
The official WLTP-tested fuel efficiency figure for the Starray Max is 117mpg and it has carbon emissions of 54g/km. That CO2 figure will mean owners face a first-year road tax bill of £130, increasing to the standard fee of £195 after 12 months.
For any business drivers considering the Geely Starray as a company vehicle, it has a Benefit in Kind tax rating of nine per cent (10 per cent from April, 2026). The Ultra version with the larger battery has increased range of up to 84 miles and lower carbon emissions at 32g/km, so the BiK rating would be more attractive at six per cent (seven per cent from April).
And there is more good news on the cost front. As the Starray falls well below the government’s £40k Expensive Car Supplement threshold, there are no extra charges to be factored in.
While it is too soon to predict how reliable the Geely Starray will be, it does come with an impressive eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty package.
 

It really is quite difficult to sum up the Geely Starray. Yes, it boasts a truly impressive EV range for a plug-in hybrid SUV and the cars are packed with all the latest mod cons while still carrying an attractive price-tag.
But it lacks the unique selling point that will help it really stand out from the raft of rival Chinese cars that are flooding the UK market right now.
If potential buyers do their research, they will discover the Geely link to established manufacturers such as Polestar and Volvo, and hopefully that will count for something. But in order to get noticed in such a fiercely competitive sector, does it have a true wow factor? We’re not sure it does. Only time will tell.