2026 Geely Starray EM-i: Local lineup detailed for Sealion 6, Outlander PHEV rival

After getting off to a strong start with its budget-priced mid-size electric SUV, Geely now has rival mid-size plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs in its sights.

The Geely Starray EM-i is due to arrive in Australia early during the fourth quarter (October-December) of this year.

The Chinese brand has yet to confirm pricing, but it has released early specification details and shown off a top-spec pre-production vehicle locally.

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The Starray EM-i will be offered in two trim levels. Geely will confirm the names of these closer to the Starray EM-i’s local launch, with final specification details also due around this time.

We’re expecting sharp pricing, given the all-electric Geely EX5 is priced between just $40,990 and $44,990 before on-road costs.

Arguably its most direct rival here will be the BYD Sealion 6, which starts at $42,990 before on-road costs.

The Geely Starray EM-i shares the same Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform as the EX5, even sharing some items like body panels, but it’s the company’s first global model to feature its E-Motive Intelligence (EM-i) Super Hybrid powertrain.

Unusually, Geely has chosen Starray as the export name for this SUV, and not the Starship 7 nameplate seen on the vehicle in China. Confusingly, the Starray name is also used on a different mid-size SUV in other export markets.

Drivetrains and Efficiency

There are three different drive modes: Pure for electric-only driving, Hybrid for a mix of electric and petrol, and Power for maximum combined outputs.

Geely says the EM-i system is designed to be ‘electrically driven’, with the Starrary EM-i intended to drive like an electric vehicle (EV) in most situations.

3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability is standard, allowing you to power external electrical appliances from the vehicle’s battery.

Dimensions

The Starray EM-i is a mid-size, five-seater crossover SUV.

Safety

The Geely Starray EM-i has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

Standard safety equipment will include:

• Surround-view camera with transparent chassis mode
• Dual front airbags
• Dual front-side airbags
• Dual curtain airbags
• Far-side airbag

Geely has also confirmed an as-yet unspecified range of active safety and driver assist features.

Standard Equipment

Geely has released a features list, but it cautions that final specification is subject to change. Final specification will be announced closer to the Starray EM-i’s launch this year.

At this stage, the top-spec Starray EM-i will come standard with the following equipment:

• 19-inch alloy wheels*
• Automatic LED headlights
• Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade*
• Rear privacy glass
• Power tailgate*
• Keyless entry and start
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• DAB digital radio
• Over-the-air updates
• 4G network connectivity
• Wireless phone charger*
• 2 x USB-A outlets (1 x front, 1 x rear)
• 2 x USB-C outlets (1 x front, 1 x rear)
• Head-up display*
• 16-speaker Flyme sound system incl. 2 x headrest speakers*
• Heated and ventilated front seats*
• 6-way power driver’s seat
• Driver seat memory*
• 4-way power passenger seat
• Automatic air-conditioning with rear vents
• 256-colour ambient lighting*

* Denotes equipment exclusive to the top-spec trim.

Apple CarPlay will be standard from launch, with Android Auto coming later via an over-the-air software update during the first quarter of 2026.