Geely Starray EM-i PHEV to battle BYD Sealion 6 in Australia

Geely Auto Australia has confirmed a second SUV will soon join its electric EX5 in local showrooms, featuring a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

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.

This is a PHEV powertrain that mates a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor and an 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a setup that appears to be very similar to that of the BYD Sealion 6.

Indeed, these two Chinese PHEV SUVs will be direct rivals once the Starray EM-i launches in Australia in late 2025. While Geely has yet to confirm pricing, BYD’s offering starts at $42,990 before on-roads.

Full pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to the vehicle’s launch during the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2025.

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The Starray EM-i’s petrol engine produces 73kW of power and 125Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds 160kW and 262Nm. Combined, this produces up to 193kW of power, which is sent to the front wheels only.

Fuel is stored in a 50-litre tank, while the 18.4kWh battery allows for vehicle-to-load (V2L) capacity of 3.3kW.

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. The company also says the car’s battery features ‘silicon carbide technology’ to ‘optimise temperature management’ and ensure consistent power delivery.

For context, two powertrains are available for the Sealion 6, which offer peak outputs of either 160kW and 300Nm or 238kW and 550Nm. These are front- and all-wheel drive respectively.

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The GEA platform is said to prioritise battery durability and safety, with each relevant battery tested to be able to withstand immersion in seawater, high-altitude and sub-zero temperatures, repeated undercarriage impacts, the application of 26 tonnes of force, side collisions at speed, and direct flame exposure for over two minutes.

Geely Auto Australia CEO Lei Li says the company is “confident” the Starray EM-i will help to bolster its local efforts, following the introduction of the electric EX5.

“Geely is dedicated to meeting the needs of the Australian market, from our vehicle lineup through to our aftersales experience; we understand that there is a need for vehicles to provide more included features and more cost efficiency in this time of increasing financial pressure,” he said.

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

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