Geely Starray EM-i: price, range and review

The Geely Starray EM-i is a plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) delivering 262 hp, with a combined range of up to 1,055 km. Priced from 34,990 euros, it is the second model launched by the Chinese carmaker on the French market, alongside the all-electric EX5. Here is a full review covering technology, pricing, equipment and how it stacks up against European competition.

A plug-in hybrid SUV backed by a major industrial group

The Geely Starray does not come from an unknown manufacturer. Geely Holding, its parent group, has owned Volvo Cars since 2010 and also controls Polestar, Lotus and co-holds the Smart brand with Mercedes-Benz. This industrial background gives the brand a credibility that many newer Chinese entrants on the European market lack.

The official launch of Geely in France took place on 29 April 2026. Two models were introduced simultaneously: the EX5 (battery electric) and the Starray EM-i (plug-in hybrid). The distribution network is built around established automotive groups, including Como in the greater Paris area, which operates multiple dealerships in Paris and the inner suburbs.

The EM-i designation refers to Geely’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain, combining an Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with two electric motors. The system is designed to prioritise electric-only driving in urban environments and automatically activates the petrol engine on motorways.

Geely Starray EM-i: technical specifications

Powertrain and performance

The Starray EM-i produces a combined output of 262 hp (1.5-litre Atkinson petrol engine plus two electric motors). Acceleration figures are in line with segment expectations: 0-100 km/h is claimed in under 7 seconds, comparable to the Peugeot 3008 PHEV 225 hp or the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid 272 hp.

Battery and electric range

The large-battery version of the Starray EM-i is the one delivering 136 km of electric range. In everyday urban and suburban driving, this figure means the vast majority of daily journeys can be completed without drawing on the petrol engine at all.

The total range of 1,055 km, combining electric reserves and a full fuel tank, is one of the highest figures in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment. By comparison, the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in offers around 75 km of electric range, while the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid claims 100 km.

Recharging is possible via a standard domestic socket or an AC fast-charging point. A full charge on an 11 kW AC wallbox takes approximately 2 hours.

Pricing and available trim levels in France

The Geely Starray EM-i range in France comprises two equipment levels:

• Entry level: 34,990 euros
• Top spec: 38,990 euros

These prices place the Starray well below the Peugeot 3008 PHEV (from 46,500 euros) and the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid (from 45,990 euros), while sitting in a similar bracket to the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in (from 44,900 euros) on comparable trims. The price-to-specification ratio is clearly the brand’s primary selling point.

For finance purchases, the Geely pricing and financing options available through the dealer network include PCH deals from 366 euros per month on the Starray EM-i, with a reduced initial payment.

The Starray also benefits from Geely’s 8-year or 200,000 km manufacturer warranty, which is a significant competitive advantage over European standards (typically 3 to 5 years on the powertrain).

Equipment and on-board technology

The Geely Starray EM-i is positioned as a high-end technology SUV. Standard equipment includes:

• 10.2-inch LCD driver display
• 15.4-inch central touchscreen
• 13.8-inch W-HUD head-up display
• Connected navigation with over-the-air (OTA) updates
• Level 2 driver-assistance systems (lane keeping, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring)
• Multi-channel audio system
• Panoramic sunroof (top spec)
• Dual-zone air conditioning as standard

Initial reviews from the French market suggest that interior assembly quality and finish are consistent with European expectations at this price point. The manufacturing heritage drawn from the Volvo collaboration is cited as underpinning the quality standards imposed by the group.

Geely Starray versus European competition

The Starray EM-i competes directly with plug-in hybrid SUVs from European and Japanese brands:

The Starray’s price advantage is clear: between 8,000 and 11,500 euros less than its main competitors, with a longer electric range than any of them. The main uncertainty for buyers remains residual value, as Chinese brands do not yet have sufficient market history to reassure long-term buyers.

For buyers considering a fully electric alternative, the guide to the best electric car of 2026 compares the leading options on the French market, including the Geely EX5.

For anyone still deciding on powertrain type, the buying a Geely in France guide covers the practical steps: model choice, dealer network and financing options.

Frequently asked questions