New mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV coming for Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage & Nissan X-Trail: 2026 Geely Starray EM-i confirmed Aussie arrival adds a powerful PHEV string to Chinese challenger brand's bow

Just when you thought competition in the Australian mid-size SUV market couldn’t get any hotter, Geely Auto Australia comes swooping out of the clouds with a new five-seat plug-in hybrid, the Starray EM-i, now confirmed for local launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

Joining the pure-electric EX5 SUV, which became the first Geely model to hit local showrooms earlier this year, the Starray is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 73kW/125Nm, working in concert with a single electric motor tipping in 160kW/262Nm (for a combined 193kW) all sent to the front wheels via a single-speed ‘hybrid’ transmission. 

Geely says its ‘EM-i’ (E-Motive Intelligence) hybrid system leans toward electric power, “offering the instant torque and smooth take-off of a pure electric powertrain while retaining the range and flexibility afforded by a petrol hybrid”.

It incorporates three power modes - ‘Pure’ (EV-only), ‘Hybrid’ (switching between electric and petrol power) and ‘Power’ (electric and combustion combined for max performance). 

Marketed in impressive Buck Rogers style as the Starship 7 in the Chinese domestic market (where it launched late last year), the Starray packs an 18.4kWh Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery for pure EV driving “on shorter commutes”.

Although Geely isn’t quoting a pure-electric range at this point, expect around 100km between charges and a combined petrol-electric range of around 1400km based on Chinese market data. DC charging at up to 36kW is available and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is also on-board with a maximum output of 3.3kW. 

Riding on the same “new-energy focused” platform as its EX5 stablemate, the newcomer measures just over 4.7m long, 1.9m wide and close to 1.7m high with a 2755mm wheelbase.

The interior is dominated by a 14.6-inch multimedia screen standing proud of the centre of the dash and a 10.2-inch instrument and car data panel in front of the driver.

Local specification is yet to be confirmed but inclusions like a panoramic glass roof, high-end multi-speaker audio, multi-zone climate control, a head-up display, sat nav and aero-styled alloy rims are included in China.

In confirming the Starray EM-i for Australian sale Geely Auto Australia CEO Mr Lei Li said, “Geely is dedicated to meeting the needs of the Australian market, from our vehicle line-up 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. 

“We’re confident the Starray EM-i’s combination of accessible innovation and flexible efficiency is a great step in that direction,” he said. 

Final specification and pricing will be detailed closer to the model’s official launch in the fourth quarter, but clearly a sharp entry-price, well under the $50K mark will be required to make a market share dent against established players and other recently arrived contenders in a white hot part of the new car market. Watch this space.