Another day, another hybrid SUV rolls onto the scene—but this one’s called the Starray EM-i, and it comes courtesy of Geely Automotive. Yep, another new name to get your head around.
It’s also worth noting that Geely Automotive sits under the wider Geely umbrella—the same giant that owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. With that kind of engineering brainpower in the family, expectations are understandably high, especially when it comes to how it drives and how plush it feels inside.
Geely calls it a “Super Hybrid” (their slightly quirky way of saying plug-in hybrid), and it promises up to 84 miles of electric-only range. I drove it at its UK launch to see if it’s just another face in a busy crowd—and honestly, I came away more impressed than I expected to.
Related
Could Geely’s big CES announcement make your next EV more affordable?
If Geely can bring its low-cost EVs to the U.S., it could force other automakers to offer similarly inexpensive cars.
First impressions: understated, but not underwhelming
Styling-wise, it plays things safe
At first glance, the Starray EM-i isn’t exactly a showstopper. In fact, it looks a lot like Geely’s EX5 EV—which I happen to be driving this week—with the same smoothed-off nose and blanked-out grille look.
The cooling for the petrol engine is tucked lower down in the bumper, while up top you get slim headlights and the obligatory full-width LED light bar, with the Geely badge sitting proudly in the middle. It’s all very neat and tidy.
Round the sides, it’s a sea of soft curves, apparently inspired by traditional Chinese pottery. The end result is clean and easy on the eye — understated rather than shouty—very much playing it safe.
Related
The Best Luxury Hybrid Cars With the Most Advanced Technology
Luxury meets next-gen tech with these incredible hybrid rides, combining eco-friendly power, plush comfort, and seriously smart features.
Step inside and things get interesting
Where the Starray EM-i really shines
Credit: Adam Gray | How-To Geek
Step inside, though, and the mood shifts. Like the EX5, there’s a swooping center console and barely any physical buttons, with most functions funneled through a big 15.4-inch touchscreen.
The material quality genuinely caught me off guard, and in the lighter interior trims it actually feels pretty upmarket. The infotainment is slick and responsive, but the menus can be a bit of a maze—still, at least you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For those of you in the States, here’s the thing: Chinese cars don’t do stingy spec sheets, and the Starray EM-i follows that rule. Whether you go Pro, Max or Ultra, you’re getting full LED lighting, heated electric front seats, keyless entry, and a 360-degree camera as standard.
Credit: Adam Gray | How-To Geek
The Max I drove adds an electric tailgate, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and a head-up display. The range-topping Ultra doesn’t pile on extra toys, but it does swap in a bigger 29.8kWh battery instead of the 18.4kWh unit.
Space is one area where the Starray EM-i has no issues. Rear passengers get generous head, shoulder and legroom, and the trunk is a good shape, with a low loading lip and a handy split-level floor.
Up front, though, it could do with a few more smart storage solutions. A couple of extra cubbies would make day-to-day life that little bit easier.
Related
Meet the American Hybrid Outshining Toyota for Reliability
If you want a reliable ride for everyday use, this underrated American hybrid SUV is worth a look.
What’s under the skin
The hybrid heart of the Starray EM-i
Credit: Adam Gray | How-To Geek
The Starray EM-i runs a plug-in hybrid setup with two battery options. The smaller 18.4kWh pack is good for a claimed 51 miles of electric-only driving.
Step up to the Ultra trim, and you get the bigger 29.8kWh battery, stretching that EV range to a very healthy 85 miles—right up there with the longest-legged PHEVs currently on sale. That’s enough to cover most weekly commutes without waking the petrol engine.
Whichever version you choose, you’re getting the same 214-horsepower electric motor paired with a 1.5-liter petrol engine. In reality, it prefers to run as an EV, with the engine chiming in mainly when you ask for more shove, or quietly working away as a generator—a setup Geely says can deliver over 600 miles from a full tank and battery combined.
Related
5 surprising ways the 2026 Infiniti QX80 may outshine its rivals
Other buyers seem to agree.
Putting it through its paces
Comfort first, thrills second
Credit: Adam Gray | How-To Geek
My time with the Starray EM-i at launch was brief, but long enough to get a feel for it. Around town, it behaves much like a full EV, gliding along quietly with more than enough electric range to handle the daily grind without firing up the petrol engine.
It’s smooth and easygoing, with nicely judged pedals and no nasty surprises. Lotus apparently had a say in the suspension tuning, and while this is no sports SUV, it rides comfortably and keeps things tidy over scruffy road surfaces.
Push on a bit and, unsurprisingly for an SUV, there’s a noticeable amount of body lean in the bends. The steering is also very light, which makes it effortless to maneuver but doesn’t tell you much about what the front wheels are up to.
Related
The Most Reliable American SUV in 2025
This American SUV stands out in 2025 with proven durability, strong resale value, and low maintenance costs, making it a top choice for reliability.
So, how much?
Starray EM-i pricing and breakdown
Credit: Adam Gray | How-To Geek
This is where things get really interesting. Pricing starts at $29,990 (approximately $40,414) for the entry-level Pro, with the Max spec lifting the price to $32,990 (around $44,457), while the top-spec Ultra sits at $34,990 (about $47,160).
The Starray EM-i also comes with an eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty. This really puts the bog-standard three-year European warranty to shame.
Related
10 EVs That Depreciate The Most After 2 Years Of Ownership
You should avoid these cars new, but used examples are a bargain.
How-To Geek’s verdict
A strong showing from Geely
Let’s be honest—the plug-in hybrid SUV market isn’t exactly lacking options. On paper at least, the Starray EM-i makes a solid case for itself: it’s spacious, feels well put together, and delivers its hybrid power in a smooth, fuss-free way.
It’s not the most thrilling thing in the segment, but at this price, it’s hard to argue against. Credit where it’s due—Geely has turned out a genuinely good product with a very tempting sticker.
Ultimately, the Starray EM-i is built to be an easy, drama-free family SUV that’ll travel further than a comparable EV on a long run. The fact it undercuts several popular rivals from fellow Chinese brands here in the UK only strengthens its appeal.
