The Geely Starray EM-i, also known as the Galaxy Starship 7, has already proven to be impressive, combining a Toyota RAV4 GX-beating price with all the bells and whistles, plug-in hybrid power and adequate dynamics.
But what is the Starray actually like to live with every day? We’ve driven it in our usual road-test procedure but it’s now time for a long-term test with this top-spec Inspire, which costs just $39,990 before on-road costs in Australia.
For that you get a front-drive plug-in hybrid system with an WLTP rated 83km electric driving range, sunroof, vinyl upholstered heated and ventilated seats, 16-speaker sound system and plenty of space in the back seat and boot.
In this video, road test editor John Law introduces Chasing Cars new Starray EM-i long term test vehicle and lists what he is and isn’t liking after our first month with this new plug-in hybrid.
Time codes:
0:00 – Intro
0:40 – I n this video
1:04 – Styling
1:28 – Porsche Cayenne?
1:42 – PHEV Powertrain
2:00 – EV details
2:13 – So much equipment
3:17 – Miss #1
4:14 – Bright cabin
4:45 – Hit #1
5:12 – Soft, cushy ride
6:10 – Have your say
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Thanks for watching! Let us know what you want to see tested on the Starray EM-i
Why do car reviewers deal with trivial cabin issues but never discuss the comfort level of the front seats
I'm only about parts availability for Chinese cars
Geely=Volvo=Polestar=Zeekr=Fiskr=Smart=Proton
Gelly Galaxy M9 are real deal
Can you include a segment on charging at public charge stations and their ease of use or not. I live in an apartment with no charging facilities so would need to use public ones, just wondering if pHEV is worth the trouble or just go normal hybrid.
Another really honest =review as a start. So good! Great voice BTW and really well thought out points to notice especially for Australia. Thank you.
electric or nothing
It’s now very popular in Malaysia, but as far as I tried it in Australia, it only shows good value when priced under $50k. In other words, it’s an excellent car mainly because it’s cheap enough compared to the equipments it offered.
Geely looks great, especially the interior, I wanted to love it. BUT it is actually terrible. Ride, handling, beeps and bongs I could never own this car (or the EX5). I bought a MG S5 EV which is RWD, you can absolutely send it through hilly, twisty stuff, all beeps and bongs can be turned off with ONE button (MG pilot) base model is same price as this car. I just wish I could have the Geely sound system teleported in, that would be great.
I expect you'll cover this but my question would be how long it takes to fully charge the battery from not having any EV range using just a 10 amp household AC connection.
The EX-5 is getting an OTA update 4/2/2026 to address all the driver assist issues. hopefully the Starray get the update too and soon! i definitely want one but there are two issues. first is towing. i was told by a salesman that geely are going to do the towing capacity but not when. secondly i am dissapointed with Geely brining in an extended range model with a 29kWH battery to break a world record with, then turn around and say they "may" bring this to Australia. not good enough to show us what we could have then say no you are not getting it! Fortunately i wont be making the decision for another 6 months so hope the see fit to rectify both these points. Whats the point of having a camping mode as well as vehicle to load but not being able to tow a small camper to camp in!
In México, we've had the EM-I since last year. We have a group of over 300 owners who share experiences daily. If you need any information you can't find, feel free to ask us. We're all very happy with our Gellys and are looking forward to the February update that will bring Android Auto and allow us to save our preferences in the ADAS settings.
There is a bit of Tiguan-ness to it
Would love a head to head review with a leapmotor C10 reev and the jaecoo j7
We own this car and since taking it home we have added tint to the front two windows and Sunroof Paint Protection Film which drastically reduces the heat rejection onto the glass which with the tint has made a big difference in heat getting into the cabin. It’s nice and cool in the cabin now and AC easily cools it down on hotter days.
I've had mine since 15 December and 1,600 kms of mixed driving. It has blown me away in terms of value and capability. So far zero issues, no squeaks and rattles either. I have found that on road trips it's best to set the minimum state of charge for the battery to 40%. If you let the battery drop to the default 20% minimum state of charge when you climb a steep hill or overtake the petrol engine can rev out loudly and it can disturb the silence. At 40% state of charge the car draws on that reserve of battery to avoid the engine revving loudly.
For me the good points are:
1. Practical, comfortable, quiet
2. Economical
3. The suspension is very good including the multi-link rear end
4. Amazing value
5. Excellent build quality, finish, panel gaps are spot on… feels more like a European car than an Asian car… the Volvo and Polestar influence perhaps?
6. Seats with adjustable headrests… great, I hate tombstone seats
7. An extensive dealer network already and Geely have piggybacked onto the Volvo and Polestar parts network so spares availability is actually decent. Compared to other new entrants like GAC, Deepal and Leapmotor they are already ahead.
The areas for improvement:
1. Desperately needs an ADAS shortcut button so you can switch off the annoying bings and bongs easily
2. The suspension as good as it is still needs better rebound control. Geely should invest in local suspension tuning.
3. Cruise control slows the car too much on bends
4. Loud engine revving when the battery state of charge is down at the default level of 20% and you need to climb a hill or overtake (fixed by changing the SoC level to 40%… but it defaults to 20% every time you switch on the car)
Cheaper than a Rav4 Hybrid lol
Might be interesting to add, I`ve just tested the European version and that central hand rest area is different, phone charge and storage area is where those buttons and that volume knob is in your model, it has manual temperature and fan speed controls, different layout (everything below the screen is rearranged completely) and the panoramic roof has manual controls also. Also much nicer interior tan color, this white edition looks terrible in comparison.
Deepal so5 Will undercut this car. We are only at the beginning of the price war.
Geely is rolling out a two button press custom ADAS settings quick profile to the ex5 at the moment along with android auto, should hit Australian ex5s and the Starray soon
Had tested it last year here in Europe and not too impressive, infotainment is glitchy, and the ride is not up to scratch. If they improve that , could be good
I’ve heard a work around for all the safety system bings and bongs is to put the volume down really low….not sure if this would work, but please try it and let us know?
Any news when geely MONJARO releases in Australia
You do very good reviews Mr Law. Very thorough and insightful.
Test the V2L since it is meant to output 6kw. That could backup most house loads in a blackout.
I have put in an order for this car, should be behind the wheels by end of week.
What made you guys decide to do a long term test on the Geely Starray emi among so many of its peers/competitors?
Geely Starray EM-i, also known as the Galaxy Starship 7 and the Geely EX5 EM-i, and the Geely E5 EM-i and the Geely Galaxy EX5 EM-i and the BelGee X80 PHEV and the Proton eMas 7 PHEV.
Geely marketing department smokes crack.