Geely Starray EM-i MAX

By Bill McCarthy

When is a Volvo not a Volvo? When it’s a Geely, of course. The Geely Holding Group has owned Volvo Cars since 2010, and now it’s bringing its own-brand SUVs to UK shores – the hybrid Starray and the all-electric EX5. (It’s also behind a new range of vans called Farizon, but that’s another story.)

Volvo is the premium sibling; Geely is the more budget-friendly one, but it’s packed with kit. Think Audi and VW, or Lexus and Toyota – different audiences, same family tree. There are three trim levels – Pro, Max, and Ultra – starting at £29,990 and topping out at £34,990. Not cheap, but not outrageous either. It also comes with a full eight-year/125k mile warranty on car and battery.

Impressive efficiency

The Starray follows the EX5, which made its debut late last year. This is the EM-i MAX, Geely’s first full hybrid for the UK – not a plug-in, not a mild hybrid, but a proper series-parallel system. And it delivers economy that genuinely rivals the class leaders.

Classed as a C-segment SUV, it feels bigger – more D-segment – sitting high off the ground with plenty of cabin space and a commanding view for the driver via the multi-positional powered seats. The boot is roomy, too; on one occasion, it doubled up as a removal van. Handy.

Comfortable and refined

The powered seats offer ample adjustment and generous support, making long stints behind the wheel genuinely fatigue-free. The high ride height gives excellent forward visibility, too.

On the move, the cabin remains hushed, with wind and road noise well suppressed – even at motorway speeds. The suspension soaks up potholes and broken tarmac with ease, prioritising comfort over sportiness. Body control is composed through bends, though push hard and there’s noticeable lean. The steering is light around town but responsive on faster roads.

Motorway cruising is where the Starray shines – a hushed cabin and a relaxed powertrain hum. It won’t thrill driving enthusiasts, but it delivers a level of comfort that punches above its £30,000 price point.

Hi-tech heavy – but not always intuitive

The well-appointed cabin’s centrepiece is the 15.4-inch central touchscreen, complete with integrated AI voice assistance – it’s the brains of the operation. That’s joined by a 13.8-inch head-up display and an ear-splitting 1,000W, 16-speaker premium sound system. So far, so impressive.

That said, the multiple digital displays aren’t always the most intuitive to operate. Some functions are tucked away in sub-menus, and the customisable digital dials can feel sluggish to respond. It’s a shame, because the rest of the cabin feels well put together, and driver and passengers enjoy decent head- and legroom.

Great economy

Buyers can choose between two battery sizes: an 18.4kWh unit good for 51 miles of electric driving, or a larger 29.8kWh pack that ups that figure to 84 miles on the WLTP cycle. Official fuel consumption figures are good: the smaller battery returns 117.7mpg equivalent with 54g/km CO₂, while the bigger unit achieves 201.8mpg equivalent and just 32g/km CO₂.

Under the bonnet lurks a 1.5-litre petrol engine working alongside a compact electric motor, delivering 193kW and 262Nm. That’s enough to hit 60mph in 8 seconds – decent enough. However, floor the throttle too enthusiastically from a standing start, and the front wheels will struggle for purchase, with some wheelspin – particularly on greasy or poorly surfaced roads.

Charging is rapid: the smaller pack can go from 30–80% in 20 minutes via a 30kW DC rapid charger, while the bigger battery needs only 16 minutes on a 60kW unit.

Full marks for safety

On the safety front, it’s exceptionally well equipped, with seven airbags, a comprehensive suite of driver assists, and a full five-star Euro NCAP score. Geely’s warranty covers both vehicle and battery for eight years or 125,000 miles – reassuring for family buyers.

Verdict

Geely’s second model offers great efficiency, a spacious and well-equipped cabin, and strong safety credentials at a competitive price. The infotainment could be more intuitive, and the front wheels struggle for grip under hard acceleration, but for family buyers seeking a budget-friendly hybrid that doesn’t feel cheap, this is an attractive alternative. It’s not a Volvo – but then, it isn’t trying to be.

Factfile

Geely Starray EM-i MAX
Price: From £29,990 (Ultra from £34,990)
Mechanical: 1.5-litre petrol engine with electric motor, 193kW and 262Nm, driving front wheels via an automatic transmission
Max Speed: 112 (estimated)
0-60mph: 8.0 seconds
Electric range: Up to 84 miles
Fuel economy: Up to 201.8mpg equivalent
CO₂ emissions: From 32g/km
Warranty: Eight years/125,000 miles (vehicle and battery)