Geely Starray EM-i Hybrid Review: The Cut-Price Volvo Alternative?

With up to 84 miles of electric range, premium aspirations and prices from under £30,000, Geely’s latest plug-in hybrid SUV is taking aim at established rivals with remarkable confidence

Geely is one of the world’s largest automotive groups, owner of Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, LEVC (maker of London’s new hybrid black taxis) and nearly a 10 per cent stake in Mercedes-Benz, so it already knows a thing or two about building desirable cars. The question is whether that expertise has filtered down into the new Geely Starray EM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV that arrives in the UK with bold claims, impressive specifications and pricing that looks incredibly competitive.

The Galaxy-Class Starship… Kinda

In China the Starray EM-i is known as the Geely Galaxy Starship 7, which, frankly, sounds far more exciting and immediately puts me in mind of the Galaxy-class USS Enterprise-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Names aside, this is Geely’s attempt to tempt buyers who are intrigued by electrification but still unwilling to commit fully to battery power. Rather than forcing customers into an all-electric future, the Starray EM-i offers what may prove to be the sweet spot for many motorists: meaningful electric driving backed up by the reassurance of a petrol engine for longer journeys.

Visually, it is understated rather than outrageous. Handsome without being distinctive, contemporary without descending into gimmickry, and frankly rather inoffensive. Sadly, it doesn’t actually look like a starship. (I mean, where are the nacelles?)

A Cabin That Punches Above Its Price

Step inside and the Volvo connection becomes even more apparent, although this is far from a copy. The dashboard is clean, minimalist and dominated by a crisp 15.4-inch touchscreen, complemented by a digital instrument display and, on the model tested, a substantial head-up display. We’re not talking super-luxury, but the fit and finish are plenty good enough and should wear reasonably well.

Space is another pleasant surprise. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom without the usual compromise in foot space you often find in EVs because of the battery pack beneath the floor.

The boot offers 528 litres of luggage space, a two-level floor and expands to more than 2,000 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s no question this is a spacious, comfy and practical family SUV.

Predictably, it’s packed with tech. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, while higher-spec models gain the premium Flyme Sound audio system. The driver assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring and a comprehensive surround-view camera system.

Proper Electric Range Makes All the Difference

The Max model tested here uses an 18.4 kWh battery providing up to 51 miles of WLTP electric-only driving, while the flagship Ultra stretches that to an impressive 84 miles courtesy of its larger 29.8 kWh battery. Combined range reaches as much as 618 miles. That’s London to the Lake District and back with ease.

But for many drivers, particularly commuters able to charge at home, the Starray EM-i could complete the working week using little or no petrol, yet still head off across the country at the weekend without hunting for rapid chargers.

On the Road

Even on zero EV miles, this car drives like an electric car. Unless you select Sport mode, a completely pointless and slightly deviant activity in a vehicle like this, you’ll barely hear the engine at all.

Prod the accelerator at standstill and you barely get a groan from the engine. It emits a meagre, slightly annoyed noise, almost as if to confirm it’s actually there.

So, of course, you don’t notice the hybrid transitions, while road and wind noise remain impressively subdued. Ride quality is supple without becoming floaty, soaking up broken British tarmac with admirable composure. Less of the jarring you often get in cars overly stiffened by their battery packs.

Steering is very light, but it takes on a little more resistance in the Sport setting, which can be individually selected only for the steering through the settings.

Nobody will mistake it for a performance SUV, but the combined 262 bhp, 262 Nm of torque, a 0-62 mph time of 8.0 seconds and a 105 mph top speed mean it never feels underpowered.

One feature that initially raised an eyebrow was the unusual steering wheel shape, flattened at both top and bottom. After a few miles, however, its purpose becomes clear, improving visibility of the digital instruments while also giving your thighs a little more room, particularly if you’re long-legged like I am.

The Value Proposition

Perhaps the Starray EM-i’s greatest strength is not its technology or its driving experience, but its pricing.

The range starts at £29,990 for the Pro, climbs to £32,690 for the Max tested here and tops out at £34,990 for the Ultra. There is also a 0% finance offer, with monthly payments of under £400 even for the range-topper. These figures undercut many established rivals while offering comparable, and sometimes superior, technology.

That inevitably leads back to the question posed in the title.

Verdict: Is It a Cut-Price Volvo?

The Geely Starray EM-i is certainly influenced by the wider Geely family. There are unmistakable traces of Volvo’s design discipline and emphasis on comfort and safety, reflected in its five-star Euro NCAP rating. But it’s not a badge-engineered equivalent; it is its own car, one built around practicality, value and a very usable drivetrain.

Rather than trying to out-premium the premium brands, Geely has concentrated on delivering the things buyers actually care about. Space. Comfort. Useful electric range. Strong equipment levels. Competitive pricing.

In doing so it has produced a remarkably convincing family SUV. Although describing it as a cheap Volvo would not be entirely fair to either brand, I wouldn’t hesitate to label it as such if it helps you justify buying one.

There is one important caveat. To get the best from the Starray EM-i, and to realise the savings it promises, you’ll need access to cheap home charging. That’s where this car really makes sense, and where it genuinely starts to save you money.

And perhaps that’s what should concern Volvo most. Not that Geely has built a cheaper Volvo, but that it has built a genuinely good family SUV that might make buyers realise they don’t actually need to spend Volvo money.

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