2026 Geely Starray EM-i: Local lineup detailed for Sealion 6 rival – UPDATE

UPDATED 18/08/2025 12:00pm:We’ve updated this article, which was first published on July 15, 2025, with additional information on standard specifications, available paint colours, and the pre-order offer Geely announced today.

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

The Geely Starray EM-i is due to arrive in Australia early during the fourth quarter (October-December) of this year, with pre-orders now open from today, August 18.

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. Geely will announce pricing in September.

Customers who pre-order a Starray EM-i between August 18 and September 30 this year and take delivery by November 30 will have their deposit matched up to $1000.

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The Starray EM-i will be offered in two trim levels: Complete and Inspire.

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:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Safe exit warning
• Surround-view camera with transparent chassis mode
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Dual front airbags
• Dual front-side airbags
• Dual curtain airbags
• Far-side airbag

The Inspire adds front parking sensors.

Standard Equipment

There are two trim levels in the Starray EM-i lineup.

The Complete comes standard with the following equipment:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres
• Tyre repair kit
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rear privacy glass
• Electronic parking brake
• Auto hold
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Keyless entry and start
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation
• DAB digital radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• 2 x USB-A outlets
• 2 x USB-C outlets
• 6-way power driver’s seat
• 4-way power passenger seat
• GeeLuxe upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• LED interior lighting
• 60:40 split/fold rear seats
• Automatic climate control with rear vents
• 6-speaker sound system
• Geely Connected Services
  • Over-the-air updates
  • ‘Enhanced’ voice assistant
  • 4G network connection
  • Live traffic
  • Geely Application Store
  • Remote vehicle functions
  • Online media streaming

The Inspire adds:

• 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 tyres
• Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
• Power tailgate
• Ventilated front seats
• Driver’s memory
• 13.4-inch head-up display
• 15W wireless phone charger
• 16-speaker 1000W Flyme Sound system
• 256-colour ambient lighting
• Second-row central armrest
• ‘Rest Space’

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

Colours

The Starray EM-i comes standard with an Ebony Black interior. An Ivory White interior is optional on the Inspire.

The following exterior finishes are available:

• Alpine White (standard)
• Polar Black
• Cloudveil Silver
• Volcanic Grey
• Glacier Blue
• Jungle Green