The Australian automotive landscape is about to witness another exciting addition from China’s automotive giant. Geely’s Galaxy Starship 7, a sophisticated plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), has been spotted undergoing road testing in Melbourne’s central business district. This development signals the company’s serious commitment to expanding its presence in the Australian market beyond their current EX5 electric SUV offering.
Car enthusiasts and industry watchers have captured glimpses of the camouflaged vehicle navigating Melbourne’s streets. The sighting represents more than just another test drive – it’s a clear indication that Geely is preparing to challenge established players in Australia’s rapidly growing mid-size PHEV segment.
The Galaxy Starship 7: Technical Marvel Meets Practical Design
Revolutionary Hybrid Technology
The PHEV powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 82kW of power and 136Nm of torque, mated with a 160kW/262Nm electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This combination creates a sophisticated driving experience that balances performance with exceptional fuel efficiency.
The vehicle’s NordThor 2.0 EM-i hybrid system represents cutting-edge automotive engineering. The system achieves a record thermal efficiency of 46.5%, up from the DM-i engine’s 46.06%. This impressive figure translates to real-world benefits for Australian drivers seeking both performance and economy.
Battery Options and Range Capabilities
Geely offers two distinct battery configurations to suit different driving needs. The smaller of the two batteries is an 8.5kWh unit offering 55km of electric-only range under the more lenient CLTC cycle, while the larger battery has a capacity of 19.09kWh and offers 120km of CLTC range. These options provide flexibility for various usage patterns and budget considerations.
The larger battery pack supports modern charging infrastructure requirements. The larger battery additionally supports 36kW DC fast-charging. This feature ensures that Australian drivers can take advantage of the country’s expanding fast-charging network.
Physical Dimensions and Design Philosophy
Size and Proportions
It measures 4740mm long, 1905mm wide and 1685mm tall on a 2755mm wheelbase, or 125mm longer, 4mm wider and 15mm taller than an EX5 on a 5mm longer wheelbase. These dimensions position the Galaxy Starship 7 firmly in the competitive mid-size SUV category.
The vehicle’s proportions suggest a spacious interior that should accommodate families comfortably. The extended wheelbase particularly benefits rear passenger space, a crucial factor for Australian families who frequently embark on longer journeys.
Sophisticated Interior Technology
Modern connectivity takes center stage in the Galaxy Starship 7’s cabin design. Inside, there’s a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as power-adjustable front seats. These features align with contemporary expectations for premium automotive technology.
Premium comfort features enhance the overall driving experience. Available equipment includes a 13.8-inch head-up display, 50W air-cooled wireless phone charger, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and a 16-speaker Flyme sound system. Such amenities demonstrate Geely’s commitment to competing with established luxury brands.
Market Positioning and Competition
Competitive Landscape
The Galaxy Starship 7 enters a rapidly expanding market segment in Australia. Should Geely launch the Galaxy Starship 7 here, it would give the brand – which only launched here earlier this year – a rival to the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BYD Sealion 6, GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV and Leapmotor C10 REEV. This competition benefits Australian consumers through increased choice and competitive pricing.
PHEV popularity continues growing as consumers seek alternatives to pure electric vehicles. PHEV sales growth is now exceeding that of EVs, and the gap in sales volume between the two powertrain types is narrowing. This trend suggests excellent timing for Geely’s market entry.
Expected Pricing Strategy
While official Australian pricing remains unconfirmed, industry analysts predict competitive positioning. In China, it has a base price 10,000 RMB (~A$2100) lower than that of the Galaxy E5. In Australia, the EX5 is priced from $40,990 before on-road costs. This pricing structure suggests the Galaxy Starship 7 could offer exceptional value for Australian buyers.
Competitive pricing strategy appears central to Geely’s Australian expansion plans. In China, pricing ranges from ¥99,800 to ¥132,800 (approximately A$22,000 to A$29,000), but should the Starship 7 be approved for Australia, local pricing would likely begin around $40,000 This aggressive pricing could disrupt the established market order.
Company Strategy and Future Plans
Expansion Ambitions
Geely’s Australian strategy extends far beyond single model launches. Thus far, Geely offers only the EX5 in Australia, but at an event earlier this year it announced plans to launch more than six new energy vehicles (NEVs) in Australia over the next three years. This ambitious timeline indicates serious long-term commitment to the Australian market.
Trademark activities suggest methodical preparation for market entry. Earlier this year, Geely also trademarked the EM-i name in Australia, which it uses for PHEVs. Such intellectual property preparations typically precede official product launches.
Official Company Position
Geely maintains cautious optimism regarding Australian market expansion. “While we cannot confirm any additions to the Geely Auto Australia range at this time, we are continuously monitoring market trends and consumer behaviours to ensure our product range aligns with the preferences of local customers,” said a company spokesperson when asked if the Galaxy Starship 7 was coming here.
This diplomatic response suggests ongoing evaluation processes rather than definitive rejection. Market testing activitieslike those observed in Melbourne typically indicate advanced planning stages for potential product launches.
Technical Excellence and Innovation
Advanced Suspension System
Engineering sophistication extends to the vehicle’s chassis design. The Galaxy Starship 7 rides on MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and is available with either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels. This configuration should provide excellent ride quality suitable for Australian road conditions.
Wheel size options allow buyers to balance comfort preferences with aesthetic desires. Larger wheels typically enhance appearance while potentially affecting ride comfort on rougher surfaces.
Performance Characteristics
Geely claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.5 seconds and 180km/h top speed. These figures position the Galaxy Starship 7 as a competent performer rather than a sports-oriented vehicle. The acceleration capability suits family-oriented driving while providing adequate overtaking performance.
Fuel efficiency achievements represent genuine technological advancement. The Galaxy Starship 7 rated at 3.75 litres per 100 km demonstrates impressive efficiency that should appeal to cost-conscious Australian drivers.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Comprehensive Safety Features
Modern safety technology appears standard throughout the Galaxy Starship 7 range. There’s also a full suite of active safety technology available. While specific details remain limited, Geely’s commitment to safety aligns with Australian consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.
Advanced driver assistance systems likely include features common in contemporary vehicles. These systems typically encompass automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance technologies.
Build Quality and Manufacturing
Kerb weight is 1610kg with the smaller of its two batteries, which matches the kerb weight listed for this vehicle registration on the NSW database. This weight specification suggests solid construction while maintaining reasonable efficiency levels.
Construction quality reflects Geely’s maturation as a global automotive manufacturer. The company’s ownership of premium brands like Volvo and Polestar brings engineering expertise to their mainstream offerings.
Industry Impact and Market Dynamics
Changing Consumer Preferences
Plugin hybrid technology addresses range anxiety concerns while providing electric driving benefits. That’s because the Galaxy Starship 7’s generous 19kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack allows up to 120km of electric-only driving range, which is paired with the 82kW petrol engine, bringing combined driving range to 1420km (CLTC) between a charge and fill.
This extended range capability particularly suits Australian driving conditions where long distances between cities remain common. Urban electric driving combined with petrol backup provides flexibility for diverse usage patterns.
Competitive Response
Established manufacturers face increasing pressure from Chinese automotive innovation. MG is set to return to this segment this year too with a plug-in hybrid version of its HS, while Chery is launching PHEV versions of its Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 SUVs mid-year. This competitive intensity benefits Australian consumers through improved products and competitive pricing.
Market dynamics suggest continued evolution toward electrified drivetrains. Traditional manufacturers must adapt quickly to maintain market relevance against technologically advanced Chinese competitors.
Future Outlook and Expectations
Launch Timeline Predictions
While official confirmation remains pending, testing activities suggest advanced development stages. Although Geely would not confirm to CarSauce whether the Starship 7 will be part of the local line-up, on-road testing in Australia is a strong indicator that a local launch is likely, particularly as buyers seek more plug-in hybrid options alongside battery-electric vehicles.
Market readiness appears advanced given the extent of local testing activities. Manufacturing preparations and regulatory approvals typically require significant lead times before consumer availability.
Consumer Impact
The Galaxy Starship 7’s potential arrival could significantly impact Australian automotive purchasing decisions. Value proposition combinations of advanced technology, competitive pricing, and comprehensive warranties may attract consumers from established brands.
Long-term implications extend beyond individual vehicle sales to broader market acceptance of Chinese automotive technology. Success could encourage additional Chinese manufacturers to enter the Australian market with innovative products.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 be available in Australia? No official launch date has been confirmed yet, though road testing suggests potential availability within the next 12-18 months.
What is the expected price range for the Galaxy Starship 7 in Australia? Industry estimates suggest pricing around $40,000, positioning it competitively against the BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
How far can the Galaxy Starship 7 travel on electric power alone? The larger battery configuration offers up to 120km of electric-only range under CLTC testing conditions.
What competitors will the Galaxy Starship 7 face in Australia? Primary competitors include the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BYD Sealion 6, GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV, and Leapmotor C10 REEV.
Does the Galaxy Starship 7 support fast charging? Yes, the larger battery pack supports 36kW DC fast-charging capabilities for convenient recharging on longer journeys.