The Australian automotive market is witnessing an electrifying showdown as Chinese automaker Geely introduces its Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to challenge the reigning BYD Sealion 6, Australia’s best-selling PHEV in 2024. With both brands vying for dominance in the midsize SUV segment, the Starray EM-i, set to launch in Q4 2025, promises to disrupt the market with its advanced hybrid technology and competitive pricing. This article dives deep into the specifications, features, and market positioning of these two Chinese PHEVs, exploring how they stack up against each other and what this means for Australian consumers seeking affordable, eco-friendly SUVs.
The Rise of Chinese PHEVs in Australia
The demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles in Australia has surged, driven by rising fuel costs, environmental consciousness, and government incentives for low-emission vehicles. Chinese automakers like Geely and BYD have capitalized on this trend, offering feature-rich, cost-effective alternatives to established players like Mitsubishi and Toyota. The BYD Sealion 6 has already made waves, becoming the most affordable and best-selling PHEV in Australia. However, Geely’s Starray EM-i, a rebadged version of the Galaxy Starship 7 from China, aims to challenge this dominance with its innovative E-Motive Intelligence (EM-i) Super Hybrid powertrain and a price point expected to rival the Sealion 6’s $42,990 starting price (before on-road costs).
Geely Starray EM-i: A New Contender
Geely Auto Australia has confirmed the Starray EM-i as its second vehicle for the Australian market, following the all-electric EX5. Built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform, the Starray EM-i combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (73kW/125Nm) with a 160kW/262Nm electric motor, delivering a total system output of 193kW to the front wheels. Its 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supports an electric-only range of approximately 120km under China’s CLTC testing, though real-world figures in Australia’s WLTP cycle may be closer to 90–100km.
The Starray EM-i also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing it to power external devices with up to 3.3kW output, making it ideal for camping or emergency power needs. Geely’s focus on “accessible quality, innovation, and value” positions the Starray EM-i as a versatile family SUV, with a spacious interior and advanced tech to compete in Australia’s crowded midsize SUV market.
BYD Sealion 6: The Established Champion
Since its Australian debut in July 2024, the BYD Sealion 6 has solidified its position as the country’s top-selling PHEV, with over 9,000 orders. Available in two variants—Essential (front-wheel drive) and Premium (all-wheel drive)—the Sealion 6 combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an 18.3kWh LFP battery. The Essential variant offers 160kW/300Nm, while the Premium boosts output to 238kW/550Nm with dual motors. Its electric range is rated at around 92km (NEDC), with a new Extended Range Dynamic variant expected to push this beyond 100km, potentially reaching 140km under NEDC testing.
Priced from $42,990 before on-road costs, the Sealion 6 has undercut rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and attracted buyers with its tech-heavy cabin, including a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Recent updates include Australia-specific suspension tuning, enhancing ride comfort and handling.
Head-to-Head Comparison
To understand how these two SUVs stack up, let’s compare their key specifications in a detailed table:
|
Feature |
Geely Starray EM-i |
BYD Sealion 6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Launch Date |
Q4 2025 |
July 2024 |
|
Base Price (AUD) |
~$37,000–$40,000 (est.) |
$42,990 (Essential, before on-roads) |
|
Powertrain |
1.5L petrol (73kW/125Nm) + electric motor (160kW/262Nm) |
1.5L petrol + electric motor (160kW/300Nm or 238kW/550Nm) |
|
Total Output |
193kW |
160kW (Essential) / 238kW (Premium) |
|
Drivetrain |
Front-wheel drive |
FWD (Essential) / AWD (Premium) |
|
Battery Capacity |
18.4kWh LFP |
18.3kWh LFP (26.6kWh in Extended Range variant) |
|
Electric Range |
~120km (CLTC, ~90–100km WLTP est.) |
92km (NEDC, Essential) / ~140km (Extended Range, NEDC) |
|
V2L Capability |
Yes (3.3kW) |
Yes (unspecified output) |
|
Dimensions (L/W/H) |
~4.8m (exact figures TBD) |
4.8m / 1.88m / 1.7m |
|
Wheelbase |
TBD |
2.67m |
|
Infotainment |
TBD (expected large touchscreen) |
10.1-inch rotating touchscreen (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) |
|
Safety Rating |
TBD (expected 5-star ANCAP) |
5-star ANCAP |
Sources:
Powertrain and Performance
Both vehicles share strikingly similar powertrains, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an LFP battery. The Starray EM-i’s single-motor setup delivers 193kW, falling between the Sealion 6’s Essential (160kW) and Premium (238kW) variants. While the Sealion 6 Premium offers superior power and all-wheel drive, the Starray EM-i’s front-wheel-drive configuration may appeal to buyers prioritizing efficiency over performance. The upcoming Sealion 6 Extended Range variant, with its larger 26.6kWh battery, could give BYD an edge in electric-only range, potentially outpacing the Starray EM-i’s estimated 90–100km WLTP range.
Pricing and Value
Pricing is where the Starray EM-i could shine. While Geely has not confirmed exact figures, estimates suggest a starting price around $37,000–$40,000, potentially undercutting the Sealion 6’s $42,990 base price. This aligns with Geely’s strategy of offering “accessible quality,” as seen with the EX5’s competitive pricing. The Sealion 6, however, benefits from established market presence and attractive financing deals, such as 2.99% and 3.99% comparison rates for the Essential and Premium variants, respectively.
Technology and Features
The BYD Sealion 6 sets a high bar with its tech-heavy interior, including the signature rotating touchscreen, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. While Geely has not detailed the Starray EM-i’s features, its GEA platform and China-market success (over 80,000 units sold since late 2024) suggest a modern cabin with comparable tech, such as a large touchscreen and robust safety systems. The Starray EM-i’s V2L capability, with a 3.3kW output, adds practical appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Market Positioning
The Starray EM-i enters a fiercely competitive segment, facing not only the Sealion 6 but also the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid ($39,990 driveaway) and the upcoming Toyota RAV4 PHEV (2026). Geely’s decision to use the Starray name, distinct from the Starship 7 used in China, reflects a tailored approach for export markets, emphasizing brand consistency. Meanwhile, BYD’s aggressive expansion, including the upcoming Sealion 8 seven-seater and Atto 2 compact SUV, strengthens its portfolio, potentially overshadowing Geely’s two-model lineup (EX5 and Starray EM-i).
Consumer Considerations
For Australian buyers, the choice between the Starray EM-i and Sealion 6 will hinge on several factors:
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Price Sensitivity: If Geely delivers on its estimated $37,000–$40,000 price, it could attract budget-conscious buyers, especially those unable to stretch to the Sealion 6’s $42,990 starting price.
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Brand Trust: BYD’s established presence, with over 9,000 Sealion 6 orders and a growing dealership network, gives it an edge in consumer confidence. Geely, a newer player, must prove its reliability and aftersales support.
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Performance Needs: The Sealion 6 Premium’s all-wheel drive and higher output appeal to buyers seeking performance, while the Starray EM-i’s balanced output suits everyday commuters.
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Range and Efficiency: The Sealion 6’s Extended Range variant could tip the scales for buyers prioritizing electric-only driving, though the Starray EM-i’s estimated range remains competitive.
The Broader Market Impact
The arrival of the Starray EM-i intensifies competition in Australia’s PHEV market, challenging not only BYD but also traditional players like Mitsubishi (Outlander PHEV) and Toyota (RAV4 PHEV). The influx of affordable Chinese PHEVs, including the Chery Tiggo 7 and upcoming Tiggo 9, signals a shift toward cost-effective electrified vehicles, potentially pressuring established brands to lower prices or enhance features. This competition benefits consumers, offering more choices at lower price points, but it also raises questions about long-term reliability and resale value for newer brands like Geely.
Looking Ahead
The Geely Starray EM-i and BYD Sealion 6 represent the vanguard of Chinese automotive innovation in Australia’s midsize SUV market. With similar powertrains, competitive pricing, and advanced features, both vehicles cater to eco-conscious families seeking value and versatility. The Starray EM-i’s potential price advantage and V2L capability make it a compelling challenger, but the Sealion 6’s established success, upcoming Extended Range variant, and broader lineup give BYD a slight edge. As the Starray EM-i hits showrooms in Q4 2025, Australian buyers will have a tough but exciting choice in the evolving PHEV landscape.