2026 Geely Starray EM-i Extended Range
By Lorenzo Bianchi May 19, 2026
The new Starray EM-i Inspire gains a larger 29.8kWh battery pack for MY27.
Total WLTP driving range increases to 996km with 136km electric-only range.
DC fast charging improves to 60kW with a 30–80% charge time of 16 minutes.
Geely Pushes The Starray Further Into Long Range Territory
The 2026 Geely Starray EM-i Extended Range does not dramatically alter the SUV’s design or positioning, but the changes underneath are significant enough to shift how the vehicle fits into Australia’s growing plug-in hybrid market.
For Model Year 2027, Geely Auto Australia has introduced a larger 29.8kWh battery pack for the flagship Starray EM-i Inspire Extended Range variant, replacing the previous 18.4kWh unit. The result is a noticeable increase in electric-only usability and overall touring range, two areas that continue to matter heavily for Australian buyers covering long distances.
The numbers themselves are substantial.
Pure electric range climbs from 83km to 136km under WLTP testing, while total combined range stretches to 996km. That places the Starray among the more distance-focused plug-in hybrid SUVs currently available at this price point.
The Exterior Still Leans Toward Modern Simplicity
While the announcement mainly focuses on technical revisions, the Starray’s overall visual character remains unchanged for MY27.
The SUV still carries Geely’s cleaner contemporary design language rather than leaning into exaggerated EV styling themes. Slim lighting elements, flush body surfacing, and a relatively upright crossover stance help it look more mature than overly futuristic.
Its proportions also remain fairly balanced for a mid-size family SUV. The roofline stays practical rather than aggressively coupe-shaped, which should continue benefiting cabin space and rear passenger comfort. [Inference]
The Inspire Extended Range trim also maintains its flagship positioning within the Starray lineup, sitting above the entry-level Complete variant.
The Bigger Battery Changes Everyday Use
The larger battery pack is clearly the headline update here.
Geely says the 29.8kWh battery boosts electric-only range by 53km over the previous Inspire version. That increase should allow many urban commuters to complete daily driving almost entirely on electric power if charging access is consistent.
Charging performance also improves noticeably.
DC charging capability rises from 30kW to 60kW, allowing the battery to recharge from 30 to 80 percent in just 16 minutes under ideal conditions. For buyers regularly using public charging infrastructure, that reduction in downtime could make the Starray more usable as an everyday electrified SUV rather than simply a fuel-saving hybrid.
Fuel efficiency also improves considerably. Geely claims combined fuel consumption drops from 2.4L/100km to just 1.4L/100km for the Inspire Extended Range.
More Equipment And A Competitive Price Position
Beyond the revised battery system, Geely has added several new features for MY27.
The Starray EM-i now includes a 5-meter Mode 2 charging cable, towing preparation, trailer stability assist, and front-seat massage functionality on the Inspire grade. Those additions help reinforce the vehicle’s positioning as a comfort-oriented long-distance crossover rather than merely a technology showcase.
Pricing remains relatively aggressive.
The Geely Starray EM-i Inspire Extended Range is priced from $41,490 MSRP, representing a $1,500 increase over the outgoing Inspire variant. Meanwhile, the entry-level Complete variant continues unchanged at $37,490 MSRP.
Geely also highlighted that the upgraded battery was previously used during the company’s Guinness World Record fuel consumption run between Sydney and Melbourne.
The updated MY27 Starray EM-i range will arrive in Australian dealerships from late May 2026.