Geely’s 2026 Starray EM-i aims for practicality and a premium feel, but falls short in execution. The vehicle offers generous space – comfortably accommodating six-foot passengers – and boasts a sizable 528-liter trunk, though still smaller than competitors like the Volkswagen Tayron e-Hybrid. The interior is visually striking, with extensive faux-wood and imitation leather trim, but the materials themselves feel cheap and emit a noticeable chemical odor.
Interior Design and Functionality
The Starray features a 15.4-inch central touchscreen paired with a digital instrument display. Despite clear graphics, the interface is poorly optimized; key functions like Apple CarPlay are relegated to small, hard-to-reach areas. The system is prone to frustrating glitches, such as unexpectedly reverting to a bird’s-eye view during navigation, forcing drivers to fumble through menus while driving. Geely acknowledges these “teething issues” and claims ongoing over-the-air updates, but the current experience is subpar.
Driving Experience
The Starray’s ride is generally comfortable, absorbing potholes well, though it struggles with high-frequency road imperfections. At higher speeds, a noticeable up-and-down oscillation can cause discomfort. Steering provides no meaningful feedback; instead, aggressive lane-keeping assistance overcorrects violently, vibrating the wheel and issuing false emergency warnings.
Major Flaws in Driver Assistance
The most significant drawback is the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). It’s unreliable, often preventing safe maneuvers like merging onto highways by misinterpreting lane markings. The system interferes aggressively, triggering unnecessary interventions at frequent intervals, creating a distracting and potentially dangerous driving experience. The ADAS feels like an overzealous co-pilot rather than a helpful assistant.
Other Shortcomings
Minor annoyances include brittle switchgear, fingerprint-prone glossy finishes, and unintuitive indicator stalks that return to neutral immediately after activation. While front seats offer decent adjustability and comfort, the two-spoke steering wheel lacks natural hand rests.
The Geely Starray EM-i presents a mixed bag: a spacious interior and decent ride quality are overshadowed by a poorly implemented infotainment system and dangerously flawed driver assistance features. Until these issues are addressed, the vehicle struggles to compete with rivals offering a more refined and reliable experience.
