Geely Launches Galaxy Starshine 8, Aiming for Luxury EV Dominance in China

Geely is aggressively expanding its footprint in the competitive luxury electric vehicle (EV) market with the official launch of the Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 in China. This latest offering signals Geely’s intent to challenge established players and solidify its position as a leading innovator in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The company is strategically positioning the Starshine 8 as "the world’s next generation luxury B+ class plug-in hybrid saloon," setting a high bar for its performance, features, and overall appeal. This bold claim reflects Geely’s confidence in its engineering prowess and commitment to delivering a compelling product that resonates with discerning consumers.

The Galaxy Starshine 8 is a vehicle of considerable presence, boasting dimensions that command attention on the road. Its length measures 5018 mm, its width 1918 mm, and its height 1480 mm. These dimensions contribute to its sleek and imposing silhouette, signaling its premium status. Furthermore, the vehicle’s generous 2928 mm wheelbase ensures a spacious and comfortable interior, providing ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. This focus on interior space is a crucial element in attracting customers who value comfort and practicality in addition to luxury and performance.

Weighing in at 1908 kg and 1950 kg, depending on the specific equipment level, the Starshine 8 possesses a substantial and grounded feel. This weight contributes to its stability and ride quality, enhancing the overall driving experience. The vehicle’s weight also reflects the advanced technologies and premium materials incorporated into its construction, further reinforcing its luxury credentials.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Starshine 8 is its advanced autonomous driving capabilities. Equipped with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, the vehicle boasts Level 2.9 intelligent driving assistant support. This advanced system enhances safety and convenience by providing features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies not only make driving easier and more enjoyable but also contribute to a safer driving environment for both the driver and other road users. While not fully autonomous, Level 2.9 represents a significant step towards more advanced autonomous driving systems and demonstrates Geely’s commitment to innovation in this critical area.

The exterior design of the Starshine 8 is undeniably sophisticated and modern. Its fastback styling creates a sleek and aerodynamic profile, while hidden door handles contribute to a clean and minimalist aesthetic. The slim headlights further enhance its contemporary look, creating a visually striking and instantly recognizable vehicle. These design elements combine to project an image of elegance and sophistication, appealing to consumers who value both style and substance.

Powering the Starshine 8 is Geely’s innovative NordThor EM-P plug-in hybrid system. This advanced system combines a 1.5T engine with a maximum power output of 120 kW (161 hp) with a potent electric motor that delivers a maximum power of 160 kW (215 hp). This synergistic combination provides ample power and torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 6.9 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h, ensuring responsible performance on public roads. The plug-in hybrid system offers the best of both worlds, combining the efficiency of electric power with the range and flexibility of a gasoline engine.

The Starshine 8 is available with two different battery pack options, catering to varying customer needs and preferences. The standard version is equipped with an 18.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack developed by CATL, a leading battery manufacturer. This battery pack provides an impressive electric range of 104 km, allowing drivers to complete daily commutes and errands solely on electric power. For those seeking even greater electric range, the upper equipment level features a larger 27.69 kWh battery pack, increasing the electric range to a remarkable 161 km. With a full tank of gasoline and a fully charged battery, the total range of the vehicle is approximately 1200 km, providing exceptional long-distance driving capability.

The interior of the Starshine 8 is a testament to Geely’s commitment to creating a luxurious and technologically advanced driving environment. The Flyme Auto smart cockpit system, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, provides a seamless and intuitive user experience. This powerful chip enables fast processing speeds, smooth graphics, and advanced features such as voice control and over-the-air updates. The smart cockpit system integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s various systems, providing drivers with comprehensive information and control at their fingertips. The use of premium materials and meticulous attention to detail further enhance the interior’s luxurious ambiance.

Geely’s recent sales performance underscores the company’s growing success in the Chinese automotive market. In February, the company sold 204,910 vehicles, representing an impressive 84 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The Geely Galaxy brand, in particular, has experienced remarkable growth, achieving a staggering 288 percent increase with 76,132 vehicle sales. Total sales of the Geely Galaxy brand between January and February reached 169,677 units, an increase of 185 percent compared to the previous year. These figures demonstrate the growing popularity of Geely’s vehicles and the effectiveness of its strategic focus on electric and hybrid technologies. The launch of the Galaxy Starshine 8 is expected to further accelerate Geely’s growth and solidify its position as a major player in the global automotive industry. The combination of luxury, technology, and performance offered by the Starshine 8 makes it a compelling option for consumers seeking a premium electric vehicle experience. With its bold design, advanced features, and competitive pricing, the Starshine 8 is poised to make a significant impact on the luxury EV market in China and beyond.