Geely Auto Australia has confirmed an extended-range version of the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV, giving buyers more electric driving range, lower claimed fuel consumption and faster DC charging.
The updated MY27 Geely Starray EM-i Inspire Extended Range gains a larger 29.8kWh battery pack, replacing the current 18.4kWh battery in the flagship Inspire grade. The entry-level Complete variant will continue with the 18.4kWh battery.
For fleet buyers and novated lease customers, the headline number is the increase in electric-only driving range. The Inspire Extended Range now offers up to 136km of WLTP electric range, compared with 83km previously. Combined driving range has also increased to 996km, giving the plug-in hybrid SUV a stronger case for drivers who want weekday EV driving with the flexibility of petrol backup for longer trips.
Claimed fuel consumption for the Inspire grade has fallen from 2.4L/100km to 1.4L/100km on the combined cycle, according to Geely Auto Australia. While real-world results will depend heavily on charging behaviour and daily driving patterns, the larger battery should improve the opportunity for drivers to complete more short trips without using petrol.
Charging performance has also been improved. The new 29.8kWh battery supports DC fast charging at up to 60kW, double the previous 30kW maximum. Geely says this enables a 30 to 80 per cent charge in 16 minutes, which may be useful for higher-utilisation users who can access public fast charging or workplace charging during the day.
The MY27 update also brings additional specification across the Starray EM-i range, including a five-metre Mode 2 charging cable, towing preparation and trailer stability assist. The Inspire grade also adds a massage function for the front seats.
Pricing starts from $37,490 MSRP for the Starray EM-i Complete, which retains the 18.4kWh battery, 83km WLTP electric range and 943km total driving range. The new Starray EM-i Inspire Extended Range is priced from $41,490 MSRP, which is $1,500 more than the outgoing Inspire variant.
The larger 29.8kWh battery has already been used locally in the Starray EM-i that completed Geely’s Guinness World Record drive for lowest fuel consumption on the Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive by a plug-in hybrid production SUV. According to Geely, the vehicle used in that attempt achieved an average fuel consumption of 3.83L/100km over the varied route conditions.
For fleets, the Starray EM-i Extended Range lands in an interesting part of the market. It offers a lower-emission pathway for organisations that may not yet be ready to move every driver into a battery electric vehicle, particularly where drivers need longer regional range, limited charging access, or greater flexibility across mixed work and private use.
However, the fleet outcome will depend on how the vehicle is operated. Plug-in hybrids deliver their best whole-of-life cost and emissions result when drivers charge regularly and use the electric range for daily travel. Without regular charging, the benefit can quickly narrow compared with a conventional hybrid or efficient petrol SUV.
For novated lease buyers, the longer electric range may be appealing because it gives more scope to complete daily commuting on electricity while retaining petrol range for weekends and holidays. The $41,490 MSRP also keeps the Inspire Extended Range in a competitive price band for buyers comparing plug-in hybrid SUVs against conventional hybrids and entry-level electric vehicles.
