Key Points
- The Geely Starray EM-i Inspire is one of the best value plug-in hybrid SUVs on sale in Australia, priced from $39,990 plus on-road costs.
- It shares its interior, dimensions and exterior design with its electric sibling the Geely EX5, but runs a smaller 18.4kWh LFP battery good for 83km of WLTP electric range.
- Combined driving range extends to 943km (WLTP), and the Starray EM-i comes with a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty plus an 8-year battery warranty.
The Geely Starray EM-i is a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV built to undercut the rest of the market on price without feeling cheap. We tested the range-topping Inspire grade, priced from $39,990 before on-road costs, or roughly $44,000 drive away depending on your state.
It competes in a crowded mid-size PHEV SUV segment against the BYD Sealion 5, the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid and the GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV. Its closest relative, though, is under Geely's own roof: the electric Geely EX5, which shares the Starray's platform, interior and almost all of its exterior design.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Geely updated the Inspire's battery in May 2026 for the MY27 model year, badged as the Inspire Extended Range. It uses a larger 29.8kWh pack for 136km of electric range and is priced from $41,490. This review covers the pre-update Inspire tested with the 18.4kWh battery described below.
zecar rating
Good points
- Excellent value, feels more expensive than its price tag
- Strong 7-year vehicle and 8-year battery warranty
- Comfortable, quiet highway cruiser with a well-finished interior
Could be better
- Suspension loses composure on bumpy roads and through corners
Price and Key Features
The Starray EM-i line-up opens with the Complete at $37,490 before on-road costs, with our tested Inspire sitting at $39,990. Both undercut most rivals in the segment on price while carrying a longer list of standard equipment than the number suggests.
- 7-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty with an 8-year, unlimited kilometre battery warranty, among the strongest in the segment.
- 15.4-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, with no equivalent screen at this price from most rivals.
- Panoramic sunroof, 16-speaker Flyme sound system, head-up display and wireless phone charging on the Inspire.
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability of up to 6.6kW, letting the SUV power tools or appliances from its battery.
- Front parking sensors, 360-degree camera and a suite of driver assist features fitted as standard.
- A verified Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption by a plug-in hybrid production SUV, set on the Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive at 3.83L/100km.
As a PHEV, the Starray EM-i Inspire is not eligible for the EV FBT exemption. From 1 April 2025, that exemption applies only to battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, unless a binding lease commitment for a PHEV was already in place before that date. A novated lease can still reduce running costs on the Starray EM-i, just without the FBT-free component available on eligible BEVs.
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Exterior Design
The Starray's styling is inoffensive rather than exciting. It follows the same design language as the EX5, and side-on it is difficult to tell the two apart. That is not necessarily a criticism; the shape is clean and well proportioned, it just does not stand out in a car park.
Six paint colours are available, with Alpine White standard and five premium colours, including Glacier Blue (review car colour), Jungle Green and Volcanic Grey, priced at $600. The Inspire also offers a no-cost Ivory White interior as an alternative to the standard Ebony Black.
Spec | Detail |
Length | 4,740mm |
Width | 1,905mm |
Height | 1,685mm |
Wheelbase | 2,755mm |
Kerb weight | 1,730kg |
Boot capacity | 428 litres (2,065 litres with rear seats folded) |
Interior, Space and Technology
This is where the Starray earns its keep. For the price, it has one of the best interiors in the segment: the cabin is well finished, the materials feel more expensive than the price tag suggests, and the design, layout is close to identical to the EX5's.
The 15.4-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard and runs most functions, including audio and air-conditioning, through the display rather than physical buttons. It is highly functional but leans on the screen more than some drivers will like. The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the steering wheel.
Boot space is 428 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 2,065 litres with them folded flat. The boot floor drops around 10cm for extra depth, and there is hidden underfloor storage in place of a spare wheel, which is replaced by a puncture repair kit.
On the Road
The Starray EM-i's suspension is tuned soft, and it pays off around town with a comfortable, settled ride on good surfaces. Push it onto rougher, bumpier roads or through a series of corners and that softness turns to wallow; body control is not the Starray's strength.
It is a stronger performer on the highway. The cabin stays reasonably quiet at speed, and the highway driver assist features work well, taking the edge off longer trips. Acceleration is more than enough for darting around town and overtaking on the freeway, without ever feeling particularly quick.
Spec | Detail |
Combined power | 193kW |
Electric motor | 160kW / 262Nm |
Petrol engine | 73kW / 125Nm (combined torque not published) |
Drive type | FWD |
0-100km/h | 8.0 seconds |
Battery, Range and Charging
The Inspire we tested runs an 18.4kWh LFP battery for a claimed 83km of pure electric range on the WLTP cycle, enough to cover most daily commutes without touching the petrol engine. With a 51-litre fuel tank on top, Geely claims a combined driving range of 943km. During our 10 days with the Starray we were able to comfortably meet the 83km eletric range on multiple occassions.
Charging speed is standard for the price. AC charging tops out at 6.6kW which is standard for PHEV vehicles. The 30 kW DC fast charging is a nice to have as not all PHEVs feature DC charging.
Spec | Detail |
Battery size (usable) | 18.4kWh LFP |
WLTP electric range | 83km |
AC charging speed | 6.6kW |
DC charging speed (peak) | 30kW |
Warranty and Running Costs
Geely backs the Starray EM-i with one of the longer warranties in the segment, and it extends well beyond the powertrain.
Item | Detail |
Vehicle warranty | 7 years, unlimited km |
Battery warranty | 8 years, unlimited km |
Roadside assistance | Up to 7 years, when serviced within the Geely network |
Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first |
Should You Buy a Geely Starray EM-i Inspire?
Yes, if you want a family SUV with more than enough electric range for daily driving and a petrol engine in reserve for longer trips, without paying a premium for either. If you prioritise driving enjoyment and dynamic handling, this is not the car for you. The Starray shines when it comes to the overall value for a fairly modest price tag. For most buyers cross-shopping the mid-size PHEV or Hybrid SUV segment on price and equipment, the Starray EM-i Inspire is difficult to look past.
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About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
