2025 Geely Galaxy Starship 7 PHEV spotted testing in Canberra ahead of potential Australian launch

The 2025 Geely Galaxy Starship 7 plug-in hybrid SUV has been spied testing on public roads in Canberra, signalling that the Chinese carmaker may be preparing the model for an Australian release.

The camouflaged prototype - photographed by Reddit user u/vaderlvr - is a plug-in hybrid version of the Geely EX5, a mid-size electric SUV already on sale in Australia from $40,990 before on-road costs, undercutting rivals like the Leapmotor C10.

While the EX5 is sold under the Geely Galaxy E5 nameplate in China, the Starship 7 serves as its PHEV counterpart and is a confirmed global model.

Although Geely would not confirm to CarSauce whether the Starship 7 will be part of the local line-up, on-road testing in Australia is a strong indicator that a local launch is likely, particularly as buyers seek more plug-in hybrid options alongside battery-electric vehicles.

Built on Geely’s GEA modular platform, the Starship 7 shares its core body and dimensions with the EX5 - 4740mm long, 1905mm wide, 1685mm high, and riding on a 2755mm wheelbase - but incorporates hybrid-specific styling changes such as a revised rear bumper and visible exhaust.

Under the bonnet, the Starship 7 features the second-generation NordThor EM-i hybrid system, combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a front-mounted electric motor, producing a combined 160kW of power and 262Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed reduction gear transmission.

Two battery configurations are offered in China:

• 8.05kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with an estimated 55km electric-only range
• 19.09kWh LFP battery offering up to 120km‍

Both figures are based on China’s optimistic CLTC cycle, with total driving range quoted at over 1400km.

Premium variants in the Chinese market come equipped with a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, 10.2-inch digital cluster, 13.8-inch head-up display, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a 16-speaker Flyme Sound audio system, and DC fast charging capability up to 36kW, with a 30–80% top-up in around 20 minutes.

In China, pricing ranges from ¥99,800 to ¥132,800 (approximately A$22,000 to A$29,000), but should the Starship 7 be approved for Australia, local pricing would likely begin around $40,000 - placing it in direct competition with the BYD Sealion 6, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and GWM Haval H6 GT Hybrid.

With the Geely EX5 already on sale in Australia and the Starship 7 now spotted in local testing, Geely appears well-positioned to expand its hybrid line-up in Australia as demand grows for electrified mid-size SUVs.