- Even at 132,800 yuan or $18,300, the flagship variant seems like a bargain.
- Found in the cabin is a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a large infotainment screen.
- The SUV can travel up to 120 km on electric power alone.
It’s no secret that new electric vehicles and PHEVs in China are much cheaper than Western alternatives available in the US. However, the new Geely Galaxy Starship 7 seems to represent particularly good value for money, starting at 99,800 yuan, or the equivalent of just $13,700.
This SUV is the latest model in Geely’s Galaxy range and is underpinned by the AI new energy architecture. It’s 4,740 mm (186.6 inches) long, 1,905 mm (75 inches) wide, and stands 1,685 mm (66.3 inches) tall, meaning it’s roughly the same size as a Honda CR-V. All versions come with Geely’s NordThor EM-I super hybrid system, although customers can choose between two different battery sizes.
Read: Geely Galaxy Starship 7 Is China’s Latest Plug-In Hybrid SUV With A Cool Name
The hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated ICE with an electric motor and either a 8.05 kWh or 19.09 kWh battery pack. Geely’s 1.5-liter is good for 110 hp and 100 lb-ft (136 Nm) on its own, while the electric motor adds 215 hp and 193 lb-ft (262 Nm_ of torque. Under China’s generous testing cycle, the SUV can travel as far as 882 miles (1,420 km) on a single tank, or 34 miles (55 km) and 74.5 miles (120 km) on electric power alone, depending on the size of the battery pack.
Visually, the Starship 7 rocks a set of slim LED headlights joined by a full-width light bar. Like so many other new-age cars and SUVs, there’s no traditional front grille, while found at the rear are simple LED taillights and a roof spoiler. It’s all rather bland, but given the starting price, it would be unreasonable to expect a particularly outlandish design.
While it’s hard to tell based solely on these images, Geely appears to have done a fine job of making the cabin feel plush. We can see premium-looking trim across the dashboard, transmission tunnel, door panels, and seats, as well as a neat two-spoke steering wheel. There is also a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, a 13.8-inch head-up display, and a 14.6-inch infotainment display. Higher-end models also come with 14-point massaging seats with heated and ventilated functions, a 16-speaker Flyme Sound audio system, and a 50W wireless charger.
The entry-level Starship 7 Sailing Edition is the one that starts at 99,800 yuan ($13,700). Other variants on offer include the Exploration Edition (109,800 yuan / $15,100), Sailing+ Edition (112,800 yuan / $15,500), Exploration+ Edition (122,800 yuan / $16,900), and the flagship Pilot Edition (132,800 yuan / $18,300).
