2026 Geely Starray EM-i Review – A Hybrid SUV That Aims to Shake Up the Game
2026 Geely Starray EM-i has arrived in Australia, delivering premium styling, hybrid technology, and family-friendly functionality at a cut-price. Here’s the complete review: interior, features, safety, performance, pros & cons, price and availability.
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The Arrival of the New Player
Australia has never been an easy crowd to please when it comes to cars. We adore our Toyotas because they never fail, we believe in our Mazdas because they seem to be dependable, and we have a special place for Koreans such as Hyundai and Kia because they’ve worked their way into our driveways. So when Geely, a Chinese giant, knocked on the door with a grin and said “Mind if we join?
“—you could practically hear the collective raising of an eyebrow from sea to shining sea.
But here’s the thing: Geely isn’t just another carmaker from overseas. It owns Volvo, it has a stake in Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, and it’s been quietly building its empire of technology, design, and global credibility. The 2026 GeelyStarray EM-i isn’t arriving here as a stranger—it’s coming armed with experience, ambition, and a clear message: Australia, we’re here to stay.
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Interior – A Premium Touch Without the Premium Price
Open the door, and the first surprise hits. This doesn’t feel like a newcomer desperately trying to impress; it feels like a confident SUV that knows exactly what its audience wants.
The interior of the Starray EM-i is trimmed in soft-touch surfaces where it counts most, stitched trim over the dash and doors, and a simple, uncluttered language of design. The 12.3-inch floating infotainment screen takes centre stage, alongside a fully digital instrument cluster that makes traditional dials look like they’re from the museum.
The seating—upholstered in synthetic leather that doesn’t actually feel synthetic—is supportive and comfortable, and the backseat passengers aren’t treated like an afterthought. Geely has included reclining rear seats and generous legroom, making family road trips much less of a negotiation.
Storage compartments are considered, cupholders really do hold Australian-sized coffee cups (a minor but worth-it detail), and the boot is broad and deep for camping equipment or the weekly supermarket slog.
And the clincher: it’s quiet. Road noise is subdued, cabin insulation is good, and for a car in this category, that’s a huge tick.
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Features – Tech-Loaded from the Get-Go
Geely obviously knows today’s driver. The Starray EM-i doesn’t charge you extra for the essentials—it delivers the whole package out of the box. Some of the features that stand out are:
Panoramic sunroof on the top-of-the-line Inspire trim
Ambient lighting cabin to suit your mood (or your play list)
Keyless entry & push-button start
It’s not tech for the sake of tech—it’s tech that becomes part of driving every day. It’s like Geely offering you the small indulgences typically reserved for more expensive SUVs.
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Performance – Hybrid That Offers Efficiency and Assurance
This is where it gets interesting. The Starray EM-i is not a performance monster, but it won’t settle for being a slow eco-box either.
It employs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit mated to an electric motor, which provides a clever blend of punch and economy. In urban conditions, the electric motor does the work, slipping quietly past traffic. On motorways, the petrol engine gets in, providing sufficient zip to pass without moistening your palms.
Driving modes enable you to toggle between EV-only mode for quick inner-city runs, hybrid mode for day-to-day compromise, and sport mode if you want to show off on a twisty back road.
Handling is unfazed, steering is direct, and suspension set-up is specific to Australian conditions—it irons out potholes and speed humps without making the ride feel like a bounce house.
Fuel efficiency? Look for a significant cut in fuel usage compared to conventional SUVs, courtesy of its plug-in hybrid configuration. Daily trips for most city dwellers might be completed almost entirely on electricity.
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Safety – The Full Package Without Additional Charge
Geely understands safety will never be compromised down under, and the Starray EM-i does not cut corners. Safety devices that come as standard include:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ideal for long highway excursions)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (for those unexpected moments)
Lane-Keep Assist & Lane Departure Warning
Blind-Spot Detection
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
360-Degree Surround Camera System
That’s a safety package that compares with or even surpasses some Japanese and Korean rivals’ efforts at a higher price point.
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Capabilities – Everyday Versatility
Let’s be realistic: the Starray EM-i isn’t intended to scale mountains or ford rivers. It’s a midsize SUV for the realities of daily Australian life. And in that capacity, it excels.
The EV range for short school runs, office trips, and local errands.
The hybrid range for weekend road trips.
Boot space family-sized to allow IKEA runs.
Ground clearance barely sufficient to cope with gravel roads or potholed driveways.
It’s an SUV that doesn’t make promises it can’t keep—it just gets the job done.
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Pricing and Availability in Australia
Here’s where Geely lands its hardest punch.
Complete Variant: from A$37,490 (before on-road costs)
Inspire Variant: from A$39,990 (before on-road costs)
To make it even sweeter, Geely is including 3 years / 45,000 km of free servicing, a home charging cable, and competitive finance offers from 3.88% comparison rate.
Availability starts in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, with additional dealers to appear across Australia soon.
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Pros and Cons
Pros:
Competitively priced as a plug-in hybrid SUV
Premium interior feel with generous tech package
Advanced safety package as standard
Quiet and relaxing drive
Effective hybrid system with available EV range
Cons:
Geely still establishing brand awareness in Australia
Not a true EV for those pursuing zero emissions
Resale value in Australia is still a mystery
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Final Verdict – Should You Buy One?
The 2026 GeelyStarray EM-i is not just another SUV—it’s a declaration. Geely has come to play for keeps, and this plug-in hybrid shows it. With its upscale-like interior, lengthy list of standard equipment, efficient powertrain, and aggressive pricing, it makes a highly compelling argument against the entrenched incumbents.
If you’re happy to move beyond the comfort zone of well-known brands, the Starray EM-i represents phenomenal value. It’s good-looking, functional, safe, and cheap—the very package Aussie customers desire.
So the actual question isn’t “Should you buy a Geely?”—it’s “When will we be seeing a whole bunch of Geleys down Australian driveways?”
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FAQs – 2026 GeelyStarray EM-i in Australia
Q1: How much does the GeelyStarray EM-i cost in Australia?
Prices begin from A$37,490 for the Complete model and A$39,990 for the Inspire model, minus on-road charges.
Q2: Is the Starray EM-i hybrid or electric?
It’s a plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV)—providing electric-only driving for shorter journeys as well as petrol backup for longer travel.
Q3: Is the GeelyStarray EM-i safe?
Yes, it has adaptive cruise control, AEB, blind-spot detection, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera as standard.
Q4: How do I purchase the GeelyStarray EM-i in Australia?
Currently available in capital cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, with further dealerships to open shortly.
Q5: Who is Geely, and is it trustworthy?
Geely is a large Chinese car conglomerate that owns Volvo and also has investments in Mercedes-Benz (Daimler). Overseas, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
