Does Geely have a star in the making?

Geely has a second model in the wings, another medium SUV. Dubbed Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) it will launch in Australia later this year. At some point it is coming here as well. Starray – seemingly a portmanteau of starfish and stingray – should be less expensive than the EX5 that kicks off at $52k. 

The newcomer will front up against the likes of Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, BYD Sealion 6 and Leapmotor C10 REEV. Other rivals include GWM Haval H6 PHEV and MG HS Super Hybrid. And from outside of China, Outlander PHEV, Cupra Terramar, and upcoming RAV4 PHEV.

It shares the GEA modular skateboard platform with EX5. The Starray EM-i has an 18.3kWh LFP battery pack giving it an expected WLTP range of 83km, according to GoAuto. 

Total driving range is an estimated 943km, thanks to a 51L tank  and overall fuel use of 5.9L/100km. Drive is via the front wheels only.

At to output, a 160kW/262Nm electric motor spins the front wheels, via an e-DHT transmission, while a 73kW/125Nm naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine operates at fixed revs to restore battery charge. 

Starray is 4740mm long, riding on a 2755mm wheelbase. Height is 1685mm while width is 1905mm, both marginally bigger than the EX5. Boot space increases slightly to 428 litres. 

Expect two spec levels, as with EX5. 

The entry-grade Starray will include keyless entry and start, automatic LED headlights, roof rails, privacy glass, and a 15.4-inch touchscreen with ‘FlyMe’ operating system. There’s also a 10.2-inch driver’s display, over-the-air (OTA) update capability, a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load output and power-adjustable front seats. 

Apple CarPlay will be standard while Android Auto will be added via an OTA update.

The range-topping Starray trim is expected to cost 10 per cent more than the base car. Atop of entry spec, it gets 19-inch wheels with Goodyear tyres, a powered tailgate, and a panoramic glass sunroof with blind. Figure also on a 16-speaker FlyMe stereo, heated and cooled front seats, a wireless device charger, head-up display and cabin ambient lighting. 

On the safety front, Geely anticipates a five-star ANCAP safety rating, as for EX5.

We’ve asked about launch timing for this model and will report back when we hear from Geely locally.