Zakirin
Geely Auto has broadened its electrified SUV portfolio in Australia with the debut of the Starray EM-i Inspire AWD, an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid that serves as the mechanical twin to the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, set to reach dealerships in mid-September 2026 with a retail sticker of A$44,990 (approximately RM129,500) before statutory on-road charges.
- Geely adds a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant to the Starray EM-i lineup, boosting total powertrain output to 299 PS (220 kW) and 412 Nm.
- Pairs a 29.8 kWh Aegis LFP battery with a larger 60-litre fuel reservoir to deliver 130 km of pure electric driving and a total combined range of 1,065 km (WLTP).
- Receives chassis revisions including a five-link independent rear suspension to accommodate the secondary axle motor, alongside off-road drive modes and 78 kW DC charging.
Positioned above the existing front-wheel-drive Complete and Inspire trims, the newly introduced Inspire AWD represents the most powerful application of Geely’s Global Energy Architecture (GEA) platform to date. The vehicle commands a A$3,500 premium over the front-drive Inspire (priced at A$41,490, or roughly RM119,500), while providing Malaysian buyers an early look at potential high-output configurations for Proton’s domestic e.MAS 7 plug-in hybrid series.
| Technical Parameter | Starray EM-i Inspire (FWD) | Starray EM-i Inspire AWD |
| Drive Layout | Single-motor front-wheel drive | Dual-motor all-wheel drive |
| Combustion Engine | 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cyl (99 PS / 125 Nm) | 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cyl (99 PS / 125 Nm) |
| Front Electric Motor | 218 PS (160 kW) / 262 Nm | 218 PS (160 kW) / 262 Nm |
| Rear Electric Motor | — | 109 PS (80 kW) / 150 Nm |
| Total System Output | 262 PS (193 kW) / 262 Nm | 299 PS (220 kW) / 412 Nm |
| Transmission Type | 11-in-1 Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) | 11-in-1 Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) |
| 0–100 km/h Sprint | 8.2 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Battery Type / Capacity | Aegis LFP / 29.8 kWh | Aegis LFP / 29.8 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP) | 136 km | 130 km |
| Fuel Tank Volume | 51 litres | 60 litres |
| Total Operating Range (WLTP) | 996 km | 1,065 km |
| Fuel Economy (WLTP combined) | 1.6 L/100 km | 1.7 L/100 km |
| Maximum DC Fast Charge | 78 kW | 78 kW |
| Onboard AC Charging | 6.6 kW | 6.6 kW |
| Australian Retail Price | A$41,490 (~RM119,500) | A$44,990 (~RM129,500) |
Motive power is generated by a hybrid system pairing Geely’s 1.5-litre BHE15 internal combustion engine—producing 99 PS (73 kW) and 125 Nm of torque—with an 11-in-1 Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and dual electric motors. While the front axle retains the standard 218 PS (160 kW) and 262 Nm electric motor, the rear axle gains an independent 109 PS (80 kW) and 150 Nm unit. Working in tandem, the setup delivers a combined 299 PS (220 kW) and 412 Nm of torque, marking an increase of 37 PS and 150 Nm compared to the single-motor model. The added traction lowers the 0–100 km/h acceleration benchmark by nearly two full seconds, stopping the clock at 6.3 seconds.
Electrical energy is drawn from a 29.8 kWh Aegis short-blade lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The dual-motor configuration slightly reduces electric-only range to 130 km on the WLTP cycle (a 6 km drop from the FWD Inspire). To offset higher energy consumption during hybrid operation, Geely increased the fuel tank capacity from 51 litres to 60 litres, elevating overall driving range to 1,065 km. Fuel consumption is officially rated at 1.7 L/100 km under WLTP testing, compared to 1.6 L/100 km on the FWD Inspire and 2.5 L/100 km on the base Complete variant, which utilizes an 18.4 kWh CATL battery. Replenishing the battery via DC fast charging can be achieved at rates of up to 78 kW—higher than the 60 kW limit specified for the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV—alongside a 6.6 kW single-phase AC onboard charger.
Underneath the body, packaging the rear electric drive unit required a redesign of the rear suspension assembly. The four-link setup found on front-wheel-drive variants has been replaced by a more sophisticated five-link independent configuration. Drivetrain calibration has also been revised with electronic terrain management, introducing dedicated Snow and Off-road modes to complement the existing Pure EV, Hybrid, and Power drive settings.
Cabin appointments and equipment levels align with the flagship Inspire trim package:
- Exterior Appointments: 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof with powered shade, and an electrically operated hands-free tailgate.
- Displays & Software: 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, full-colour Head-Up Display (HUD), and a 15.4-inch central infotainment monitor running Meizu’s Flyme Auto interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- Interior Comfort: Front seats with electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and pneumatic massage functions, driver seat position memory, 256-colour ambient mood lighting, and a 16-speaker Flyme Audio sound system.
- Driver Assistance: Full Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite supported by a 360-degree surround-view camera layout with front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors.
Andrew Tuitahi, Product Marketing and Planning Director at Geely Auto Australia, stated that introducing an all-wheel-drive variant caters to customers seeking enhanced traction and performance within the mid-size plug-in hybrid category, combining high electric efficiency with extended cross-country driving capabilities.
