Geely Takes Aim at BYD with the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i
Geely has released the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in their Galaxy line, with a starting price of RMB 99,800 (USD 13,700) after an introductory subsidy. Geely is positioning this car as a direct competitor to BYD’s popular Song Pro SUV in the family SUV market.
Design and Features
The Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i features a sleek and modern design, with a drag coefficient of 0.288Cd. Some design elements, such as the “Ripple Aesthetics” design language and the “Rising Sun” rear taillights, are inspired by West Lake, a scenic area in Hangzhou, China.
The interior of the car is spacious and comfortable, with soft-touch materials and leather stitching. Notable features include:
- Flyme Auto smart cockpit system: This system integrates a 10.2-inch full LCD instrument panel, a 14.6-inch central control screen, and a 13.8-inch W-HUD.
- Marshmallow SPA seats: These seats offer 14-point massage, heating, and ventilation functions.
- Flyme Sound system: This system has 16 speakers, including headrest speakers.
- Ample storage space: The car offers 34 storage compartments, a trunk with a standard volume of 528L, and an expandable volume of 2065L with the rear seats folded down.
However, the base model of the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i lacks some features, including a sunroof, automatic tailgate, power-adjustable front passenger seat, and ventilated or heated front seats.
Powertrain and Efficiency
The Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i utilises Geely’s NordThor EM-i super hybrid system, which comprises:
- A 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a thermal efficiency of 46.5%
- An electric motor generating 160 kW (215 hp) and 262 Nm of torque
- An E-DHT transmission
- An AI intelligent energy management system that optimises fuel consumption based on road conditions and driving habits
Two lithium iron phosphate battery pack options are available:
- 8.05 kWh battery: Offers a CLTC pure electric range of 55 km
- 19.09 kWh battery: Offers a CLTC pure electric range of 120 km
With a full fuel tank and a full charge, the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i boasts an impressive combined range of up to 1,420 km, with a fuel consumption rate of 3.75L/100km under CLTC standards. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. The 120km range version supports 1.9C fast charging, allowing for a 30% to 80% battery recharge in just 20 minutes.
Geely’s Strategy and Market Competition
Geely’s Galaxy series is directly targeting BYD’s Dynasty and Ocean lineups. Their strategy involves offering larger screens, advanced features, and competitive pricing to gain market share from BYD.
The pricing of the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i is similar to the BYD Song Pro, but Geely’s limited-time subsidy makes it RMB 3,000 cheaper. While the Song Pro has established itself in the market with consistent updates and solid quality, the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i offers a more modern design and advanced features.
However, the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i’s similarity to the existing Galaxy L7 might create confusion among buyers. Both models share similar attributes, but the L7 prioritises performance with a three-speed DHT system, while the Starship 7 EM-i focuses on fuel efficiency with a single-speed DHT system. The Starship 7 EM-i’s lower price point and better fuel efficiency may appeal to family SUV buyers more than the L7. This could potentially cannibalise sales from the Galaxy L7, creating internal competition within Geely’s lineup.
The success of the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i remains to be seen. Geely will have to contend with fierce competition in the RMB 100,000-150,000 family SUV segment, which includes established models like the BYD Song Plus, Deepal S05, Chery Fengyun T9, Tiggo 8, and Xingyue L.
Whether the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i elevates the Galaxy series or hinders the growth of the Galaxy L7 will depend on its ability to carve out its own space in the competitive family SUV market.
