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Choosing between the Geely EX5 and the Geely Starray EM-i isn't about deciding which is the "better" car - it's about finding the model that best suits your lifestyle.
Both SUVs share Geely's modern design language, generous equipment levels and impressive value for money, but they take different approaches to everyday driving. The EX5 is a fully electric SUV designed for drivers ready to embrace zero-emission motoring, while the Starray EM-i combines electric driving with the reassurance of a petrol engine for maximum flexibility.
So, which Geely is right for you?
At a Glance...
| Geely EX5 | Starray EM-i | |
| Powertrain | Fully Electric | Plug-in Hybrid |
| Best for | Home charging, everyday EV driving | Longer journeys and maximum flexibility |
| Electric driving | 100% Electric - up to 280 miles (Ultra model) | Available - up to 84 miles (Ultra model) |
| Fuel required | No - just charging | Yes - for longer journeys |
| Ideal customer | Drivers ready to switch to EV | Drivers who aren't quite ready for a full EV |
At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking these two SUVs are closely related - because they are.
Both feature Geely's clean, modern styling, slim LED lighting and spacious proportions. The EX5 has the cleaner appearance of a dedicated electric vehicle, while the Starray EM-i adopts a more traditional SUV front-end to accommodate its hybrid powertrain.
Rather than choosing between bold and conservative styling, the decision really comes down to which powertrain best suits your driving.
Winner: Draw
Although they share the same comfortable, refined character, each model excels in different situations.
Geely EX5
The EX5 delivers the smooth, quiet and effortless driving experience many buyers expect from an electric vehicle. Instant torque makes pulling away from junctions effortless, while the absence of engine noise creates a relaxing environment on both urban and motorway journeys.
Its suspension has been tuned with comfort in mind, making it particularly well suited to Britain's roads. Rather than feeling overly sporty, it prioritises refinement and everyday usability - qualities many family SUV buyers appreciate.
Starray EM-i
The Starray EM-i feels remarkably similar around town because it also relies heavily on electric power during everyday driving.
For shorter journeys, many owners will spend much of their time driving electrically. When longer trips call for it, the petrol engine works alongside the electric motor to extend your range without the need to stop and recharge.
Some reviewers have noted that the petrol engine becomes more noticeable under heavy acceleration. In reality, this is only likely to occur when asking for maximum performance or when the battery is running low. During normal driving, the system is designed to remain smooth, quiet and efficient.
Winner: Depends on your driving.
This is where the biggest difference lies.
Charging overnight on a home tariff can make the EX5 significantly cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel SUV.
With an electric-only range of up to 84 miles in Ultra specification, many drivers could complete their weekday commuting without using any petrol at all, while still having the reassurance of a petrol engine for weekends and holidays.
Winner:
Step inside either model and you'll notice they share the same philosophy.
Both SUVs feature:
The minimalist dashboard may take a little getting used to if you're coming from an older vehicle with lots of physical buttons. However, it creates a clean, modern cabin that feels far more premium than the price might suggest.
Both models also offer generous equipment as standard, giving buyers excellent value compared with many established competitors.
Winner: Draw
One area where both Geely models impress is practicality.
Both provide generous rear legroom, comfortable seating for five adults and large luggage compartments suitable for family life, holidays or everyday shopping.
The Starray EM-i offers a 528-litre boot, while the EX5 also provides excellent practicality for a family SUV, but with a slightly smaller capacity of 461-litres, but benefits from 33 smartly integrated storage compartments. The clever packaging of both vehicles means passengers benefit from a spacious cabin without the vehicles feeling unnecessarily large to drive.
If you're upgrading from a hatchback or smaller crossover, either model will feel like a significant step up in space.
Winner: Draw
The EX5 is the ideal choice for drivers embracing electric motoring without compromising on practicality.
The Starray EM-i offers an excellent stepping stone between traditional petrol vehicles and fully electric ownership.
The Geely EX5 and Starray EM-i are less about competing with each other and more about offering two solutions to different driving needs.
If you're able to charge at home and are ready to make the move to an electric vehicle, the Geely EX5 is likely to be the better long-term choice. Its smooth performance, low running costs and spacious interior make it an outstanding all-round family SUV.
However, if your lifestyle involves regular motorway journeys, longer holidays or you simply aren't ready to rely solely on charging infrastructure, the Geely Starray EM-i offers outstanding flexibility. It delivers many of the benefits of electric driving while giving you complete confidence to travel wherever you need.
Whichever model you choose, you'll benefit from Geely's impressive value for money, generous standard equipment and a modern SUV designed around the needs of today's drivers.
Reading reviews is a great place to start, but nothing compares to seeing both vehicles in person.
At Green 4 Motor Company in Leamington Spa, you can explore the Geely EX5 and Geely Starray EM-i side by side, compare their interiors, experience the technology and arrange a test drive. Our team will help you understand the differences between fully electric and plug-in hybrid driving, ensuring you choose the Geely that's right for your lifestyle.
Both models are excellent family SUVs, offering spacious interiors, modern technology and generous equipment levels. If you mainly drive locally and can charge at home, the fully electric Geely EX5 is an excellent choice. If your family regularly takes longer journeys or you don't have access to home charging, the Geely Starray EM-i provides greater flexibility thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The best choice depends on your driving habits. The Geely EX5 is ideal if you're ready to make the switch to fully electric driving and want the lowest day-to-day running costs. The Geely Starray EM-i is better suited to drivers who regularly travel longer distances or want the reassurance of a petrol engine alongside electric driving.
For most drivers, the Geely EX5 will have the lowest running costs, especially if you can charge at home using an off-peak electricity tariff. The Geely Starray EM-i can also be very economical, particularly if you regularly charge the battery and make the most of its electric-only driving capability.
Yes. The Starray EM-i can be driven without plugging it in, as the petrol engine will continue to power the vehicle. However, regularly charging the battery allows you to maximise fuel efficiency and enjoy the full benefits of the plug-in hybrid system.
Absolutely. If you have access to home charging, the Geely EX5 is likely to be the more cost-effective option. You'll benefit from lower running costs, zero tailpipe emissions and the smooth, quiet driving experience that fully electric vehicles are known for.
Both models are comfortable motorway cruisers, but the Geely Starray EM-i has an advantage if you regularly cover long distances. The combination of electric and petrol power means you can continue your journey without relying on charging stops, making it particularly well suited to frequent motorway travel.
The Geely Starray EM-i offers a slightly larger boot capacity at 528 litres, compared with 461 litres in the Geely EX5. Both provide generous luggage space for family life, shopping and weekends away.
Yes. At Green 4 Motor Company, you can compare the Geely EX5 and Geely Starray EM-i side by side and arrange a test drive in both models. Experiencing each vehicle on the road is the best way to decide which Geely best suits your lifestyle and driving needs.
Green 4 Motor Company is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows Green 4 Motor Company Limited to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.
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