Geely unveils PHEV-focused Australian launch

Geely Australia Expands Model Range with New Plug-in Hybrid SUVs

Geely Australia is set to significantly expand its model range in 2027, with plans to introduce several new plug-in hybrid SUVs and a PHEV rival for the Toyota Camry. Speaking with Australian media in Hangzhou, China, Geely Australia managing director and Geely Auto vice president Alex Gu outlined the company’s ambitious strategy for the local market.

“I want to say in H1 2027 we will have a big five-seat SUV, and we will try to bring a seven-seat SUV. In H2 we will bring the ‘box-style’ SUV models,” Mr Gu said. “This is initial, but anyhow we will try to push to save time.”

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The “box-style” model is believed to be the production version of the Galaxy Cruiser PHEV 4WD SUV showcased at Auto China 2025 in Shanghai. While the new SUV models remain a mystery, it is confirmed that the three-row model will not be the M9 EM-i, which is already available in some overseas markets.

The larger five-seat SUV could be a version of the Galaxy M7 sold in China, which is about 100mm longer than the existing Starray EM-i (known in China as the Galaxy Xingjian 7 or Starship 7, and the Starray in other markets). It is expected to feature a more premium design and additional features, along with a longer-range plug-in Super Hybrid drivetrain.

According to Geely’s Chinese website, the 1.5-litre PHEV system in the Galaxy M7 is capable of 225km of electric-only range (likely based on China’s more lenient CLTC standard), and a total driving range of 1730km. Converting to a theoretical WLTP range (CLTC x 0.82) for both metrics works out to 185km of EV range and a still-impressive 1419km of combined driving range.

In addition to its SUV expansion plans, Geely’s local boss also confirmed that the Emgrand EM-i, known elsewhere under several names including Xingyao 6 and Starshine 6, will make its way to Australia early in the new year. The Starray EM-i’s PHEV drivetrain will be featured in the Emgrand EM-i, with the model firmly targeting the Toyota Camry.

“Sedan is also very important for the Australian market. Maybe we have different opinions, because if we only look at the [VFACTS] figures, sedan [sells] much less, right? It’s almost nothing,” Mr Gu said. “But for me, after I visited the Australian market, I have another view why the sedan segment has shrunk a bit in the Australian market – not only do customers don’t like sedans, today you see the lack of supply of more advanced, more high-tech sedans in the market. So Geely can do so – for me I will be very interested to bring the sedan in the market to see what the feedback will be.”

The Emgrand EM-i will be the Geely brand’s second passenger (i.e., non-SUV) model in Australia, following the compact EX2 electric hatchback, which is due to arrive in dealerships in the coming months. By the end of 2026, the Geely stable will be expanded to three distinct model lines, and that number is set to double and then some by the end of 2027. This does not include the unnamed new dual-cab ute that’s in the works and will likely arrive in Australia within the next two years or so.

After launching here earlier last year, Geely delivered 5010 new vehicles to Australian customers in 2025, with 3944 of those being the mid-size EX5 electric SUV. The EX5 was Geely Australia’s debut model and was followed by the related Starray EM-i PHEV SUV, which accounted for the remaining 1066 units after being released in September.

To the end of March 2026, the Chinese brand’s two SUVs are almost dead-even on sales, splitting Geely’s 2821-unit running tally with 1437 EX5s and 1384 Starrays delivered during the first quarter of this year.

Geely will soon launch its smallest and most affordable model, the EX2 electric hatch, which Mr Gu hopes will be a popular choice like it is in China – where it was the best-selling new vehicle bar none in 2025.

“We all know that last year it was the number one model amongst all players in the Chinese market, no matter small SUV or big SUV, and after we launched the EX2 in certain global markets it proved those markets think its competitiveness is quite good, no matter if it’s Brazil, or in Thailand, or in Indonesia, even Mexico. So for the Australian market, EX2 will have full confidence in the product itself. The product strength is there… this will be the entry model of the Geely brand… and a true model of the Geely brand.

“For this model, I will create volume. For brand image, normally the top of the product portfolio can represent the brand, or the brand image – but of course in those segments we compete in, we try to bring more powerful, more special or different models to satisfy customers in this segment. That will be the new experience for them.”