Starray EM-i is entering the Slovenian market and bringing with it advanced solutions in the fields of energy efficiency, design, security and smart technologies.
Although Geely's new so-called "super hybrid" shares its name with the petrol-powered Starray, it has significantly more in common with the electric EX5 model. Both are based on the fifth generation of the Global Intelligent Electrical Architecture (GEA), and the Starray EM-i is the first plug-in hybrid on this platform. This allows it to travel up to 83 kilometers on electric power alone (WLTP) with a battery with a capacity of 18,4 kWh and an electric motor with a power of 160 kW. This is charged with 6,6 kW on alternating current (AC), and with direct current (DC) the charging power rises to 30 kW, which should be enough to charge the Starray EM-i from 30 to 80 percent in twenty minutes.
Since the GEA platform also supports plug-in hybrid powertrains, Geely has developed a completely new 1,5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which is specially designed to work as harmoniously and efficiently as possible with the electric motor. The gasoline engine develops 73 kW (99 hp), and Geely promises that with the joint operation of both engines, up to 943 kilometers of combined range can be achieved according to the WLTP measurement cycle. The driver can choose between three driving programs: the Pure program allows driving exclusively on electric power; in the Hybrid program, both engines work together to maximize range; and in the Power program, the emphasis is on providing the maximum possible power. The sum of the nominal power of the gasoline and electric motors is 233 kW (approximately 317 hp), but the manufacturer has not yet provided information on the actual system power of the powertrain.
Geely placed great emphasis on safety at the presentation, as it represents one of the main advantages of the new Starray EM-i. To ensure this, Geely recently opened the largest safety center in the world, where vehicles are tested in a wide variety of areas. One of them is, of course, a frontal collision, in which the Starray EM-i, as the first plug-in hybrid on the GEA platform, brings an important innovation. The front of the vehicle is designed with the help of various materials so that in the event of a frontal collision, the gasoline engine is pushed under the car. Not only is this absorbed by a large portion of the force of the collision, but the engine is moved away from the passenger compartment and thus does not endanger the passengers. Geely also emphasizes that in the event of a collision, the system is capable of cutting off the fuel supply to the engine in a single millisecond, which significantly reduces the risk of fire. These are therefore innovations that we all hope we will never need, but can save lives at a critical moment. Geely's commitment to safety is also confirmed by the Euro NCAP test, where the Starray EM-i earned an excellent five-star rating. The rating is also supported by the fact that it is equipped with 14 advanced assistance systems (ADAS) even in the basic Pro equipment package.
Although the Starray EM-i has already received four design awards, including the prestigious Red Dot award, the designers also paid great attention to aerodynamic efficiency - the engineers managed to achieve a drag coefficient of 0,288. This figure is quite impressive for a crossover that is 4,74 meters long, 1,9 meters wide and 1,69 meters high, as such a value is not achievable without additional aerodynamic optimizations - Geely has included more than twenty of them in the design of the new "super hybrid". Aerodynamic solutions include a closed front grille, hidden windshield wipers, a special shape of the wheel arch edges and a rear spoiler and diffuser. Buyers can choose from six colors - the basic white color is called Alpine White, and the other five colors are available for an additional charge of €720.
Those who have already sat in the Geely EX5 will find the interior of the new Starray EM-i very familiar, as there are actually few differences between the two models. The environment is completely digitalized - there are two screens installed on the dashboard: the smaller one in front of the driver takes on the role of gauges, and the larger, 15,4-inch central screen allows you to control practically all the vehicle's functions. This supports the Slovenian language interface for the first time and Android Auto connectivity, which will please everyone who does not swear by devices with a bitten apple. A conversation with Victor Prado, Head of Products and Competencies at Geely, revealed another interesting detail: the user can set a minimum battery charge level in the settings, below which the system does not drop. This way, the driver can consciously save some of the electricity for a later part of the journey - for example, for city driving - without affecting the available powertrain capacity. The basic Pro equipment package includes, among other things, artificial leather upholstery and ambient lighting, while the top-of-the-range Max package also brings a projection screen, wireless charging for mobile devices, and a Flyme sound system with 16 speakers - one of which is even installed in the driver's seat.
The Starray EM-i also boasts spaciousness and practicality. The boot is above average at 528 litres, which increases to 2.065 litres with the second row of seats folded down. Passengers in the second row will appreciate the abundance of space and the flat floor, which is especially useful when three passengers are sitting in the back.
Geely's latest "super hybrid" is available in two equipment packages: the basic Pro costs €36.990, while the Max version costs €38.990. Both models have a six-year or 150.000-kilometer general warranty and an eight-year or 150.000-kilometer battery warranty. It should be noted that a promotional discount of €7.000 is available for pre-orders, valid while supplies last - so the price of the Pro model is €29.990, and the Max version is €31.990. At the presentation, the dealer also announced the arrival of a version with a larger battery capacity of 29,8 kWh, which should allow for up to 135 kilometers of electric range, and the all-electric EX2 - Geely's smallest and most affordable electric model in our country - is also expected to hit Slovenian roads this year.
