Geely Galaxy Starship 7 set for Australian launch, Potential Proton PHEV in Malaysia?
Geely is making a strong push into the Australian market with a range of electrified vehicles. Following the launch of the all-electric Geely EX5 in Australia yesterday, the Chinese automaker announced plans to introduce six more hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs) within the next three years. Among them is the highly anticipated Geely Galaxy Starship 7, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the EX5, which also shares its platform with the Proton eMAS 7.
Geely Australia’s managing director, Lei Li, confirmed to Australian publication Drive that the next Geely model will arrive in showrooms by the end of the year. While the company has yet to officially name the model, a slide shown during the EX5’s launch event revealed an SUV front fascia closely resembling the Geely Galaxy Starship 7. This D-segment mid-size crossover SUV will compete against PHEV rivals like the BYD Sealion 6, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Nissan X-Trail e-Power, and Honda CR-V e:HEV RS. However, the vehicle may drop the ‘Galaxy’ suffix or be rebadged entirely in Australia.
Pricing details remain unconfirmed, but based on the Geely Galaxy EX5 and Galaxy Starship 7’s pricing in China—starting from CNY107,800 (approx. RM66,000) and CNY97,800 (approx. RM60,000), respectively—the PHEV is expected to be cheaper than its EV counterpart in Australia as well. This could place it below AUD40,000 (approx. RM112,000), undercutting competitors like the BYD Sealion 6 (AUD42,990/RM120,000) and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (AUD42,260/RM118,000).
Built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 features a 1.5-litre inline-four petrol engine producing 215 hp (160 kW) and 262 Nm of torque. It also comes with a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, available in two configurations: an 8.5 kWh pack for 55 km of CLTC-rated EV range or a larger 19.09 kWh pack offering up to 120 km. In hybrid mode, it has a total driving range of up to 1,420 km.
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the Geely Galaxy EX5 is already available as the Proton eMAS 7, but only in fully electric form. It comes in two variants Prime and Premium both equipped with a front-mounted electric motor producing 218 hp (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. The Prime variant features a 49.52 kWh battery with 345 km (WLTP) range, while the Premium gets a 60.22 kWh battery offering 410 km. Charging speeds differ, with 80 kW DC fast charging for the Prime and 100 kW for the Premium, while both support 11 kW AC charging.
With Proton confirming plans to launch at least three new models this year, speculation is growing about the next eMAS vehicle. While many expect it to be a smaller EV based on the Geely Xingyuan, there is also a possibility that a PHEV model potentially based on the Galaxy Starship 7 could be introduced. If so, it would give Malaysian buyers another hybrid alternative alongside the growing selection of full EVs.
The launch of the Galaxy Starship 7 in Australia signals Geely’s increasing commitment to global electrification. If it arrives at a competitive price point, it could pose a serious challenge to hybrid SUVs already in the market. At the same time, its potential rebadging under Proton in Malaysia would provide an alternative for buyers who prefer plug-in hybrids over fully electric vehicles.
Whether as a Geely in Australia or a Proton in Malaysia, the Galaxy Starship 7’s PHEV technology could make it a compelling choice for those looking for a balance between EV efficiency and petrol-powered convenience. As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, Geely’s latest model could be a key player in shaping the hybrid and EV landscape.
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