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Geely is continuing its UK expansion with the launch of the new Starray EM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV aimed at family buyers who want a taste of electric driving without committing to a fully electric car.
Arriving at a time when PHEV sales are rising sharply in the UK, the Starray EM-i joins a growing list of competitively priced hybrid SUVs from Chinese manufacturers.
Here’s everything you need to know about Geely’s new “Super Hybrid” SUV.
Geely Starray EM-i price and trim levels
The plug-in hybrid Geely Starray EM-i is offered in three trims: Pro, Max and Ultra.
Prices start from £29,990 for the Pro, rising to £32,690 for the Max and topping out at £34,990 for the Ultra. That puts it directly in competition with other value-focused plug-in hybrid SUVs such as the Chery Tiggo 7, BYD Sealion 5 and MG HS.
Equipment levels are generous across the range. Even lower trims feature synthetic leather upholstery, a large central touchscreen and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.
Moving up to the Max adds features such as a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate and a 16-speaker Flyme sound system, while the Ultra introduces the larger battery for extended electric range.
All models come with Geely’s Care Plus package, which includes an eight-year or 125,000-mile warranty and four years of roadside assistance, adding reassurance for early adopters of the brand.
Plug-in hybrid powertrain and electric range
At the heart of the Geely Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a single electric motor driving the front wheels.
Combined output stands at 258bhp and 262Nm of torque, with 0–62mph taking a claimed 8.0 seconds and a top speed of just over 105mph.
There are two battery options:
- 4kWh LFP battery (Pro and Max) – up to 51 miles of electric range (WLTP)
- 8kWh LFP battery (Ultra) – up to 84 miles of electric range (WLTP)
That 84-mile electric range figure is particularly noteworthy. For many drivers, it could cover the majority of daily commuting and school-run duties without using a drop of petrol, provided regular charging is possible.
Combined range is claimed at 585 miles for the smaller battery models and up to 618 miles for the Ultra, thanks to a 51-litre fuel tank.
Charging times and efficiency
The Geely Starray EM-i comes with 7kW AC charging as standard, meaning a home wallbox can recharge the smaller battery in around three hours and the larger one in just over four and a half hours.
It also supports DC rapid charging, which is still relatively uncommon in this segment:
- Up to 30kW DC on Pro and Max
- Up to 60kW DC on Ultra
Geely claims a 30–80% charge in around 20 minutes for the smaller battery and approximately 16 minutes for the larger pack under ideal conditions.
The system offers three drive modes: Pure (EV), Hybrid and Power. In everyday use, the car is designed to prioritise electric driving where possible, switching seamlessly to petrol power when needed.
Platform and Lotus-tuned chassis
The Starray EM-i sits on Geely’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture, a flexible platform designed to support electric and hybrid models. It also underpins the fully electric Geely EX5.
Geely has drawn on expertise from within its wider automotive group – which includes Volvo, Polestar and Lotus – with the suspension and chassis reportedly tuned with UK roads in mind. Development work has included testing on the Lotus test track, aiming to strike a balance between body control and everyday comfort.
From launch feedback, the ride is described as controlled and composed, though potentially on the firmer side for a family SUV.
Interior quality and practicality
Inside, the Geely Starray EM-i feels spacious and well put together. The design is clean and modern, with soft-touch materials and a minimalist dashboard layout.
A 15.4-inch ultra-HD central touchscreen dominates the cabin, paired with a 10-inch digital driver display. Higher trims add a 13.8-inch head-up display. While the screen looks impressive, many key functions are integrated into the touchscreen interface, which may not suit drivers who prefer physical controls.
Practicality is a clear strength. Rear legroom is generous, helped by a flat floor, and the boot offers 528 litres of space with the seats up, expanding to 2,065 litres with the rear seats folded flat. That places it among the more spacious options in the mid-size SUV segment.
A 540-degree camera system, including an under-car view, is also available, making manoeuvring and parking easier.
Looking for a new car?
Jurni offers a wide range of brand-new plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, with flexible leasing solutions tailored to both individuals and businesses. Our friendly team is on hand to guide you through the process to help make getting your next car simple, straightforward, and stress-free.
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