Geely Auto launched its EX5 EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV in Australia on September 16, marking the Chinese automaker’s first hybrid model introduction in international markets. The vehicle is also marketed as the Starray EM-i in some regions.
The C-segment SUV represents Geely’s expansion of its electrified vehicle lineup beyond pure electric models to include hybrid powertrains. The company positions the EX5 EM-i as targeting buyers seeking fuel efficiency and extended driving range without relying on public charging infrastructure.
The vehicle uses Geely’s EM-i Super Hybrid System, combining a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 73 kW and 125 Nm with an electric motor generating 160 kW and 320 Nm. Built on Geely’s GEA architecture, the SUV offers a total range of up to 943 kilometers under NEDC testing conditions and up to 83 kilometers of pure electric range under WLTP conditions.
“The EX5 EM-i stands for a new beginning of our e-mobility strategy,” said Evin Ye, Vice President of Geely Auto International and General Manager of Geely Auto Australia, at the launch event. “We are bringing premium technologies from higher segments to this more accessible PHEV model. This has allowed us to realize Geely’s central promise of making smart and sustainable cars mainstream.”
The hybrid system allows the vehicle to operate in electric-only mode for daily commuting while providing extended range capability for longer journeys using the petrol engine. The configuration targets consumers seeking electric driving benefits without the range limitations of battery-only vehicles.
Geely plans to expand the EX5 EM-i to additional international markets following the Australian launch. The company has announced upcoming launches in Poland, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, and other markets as part of its global expansion strategy.
The Australian debut represents a significant step in Geely’s international growth, as the company seeks to establish its hybrid technology in markets outside China. The EX5 EM-i competes in the increasingly competitive plug-in hybrid SUV segment, where automakers are targeting consumers transitioning from conventional petrol vehicles to electrified powertrains.
