Geely-branded cars are new outside China but many people will be familiar with the badge.
This is because the Chinese Geely Group has made a name for itself in Europe through its stake in Mercedes, leadership of Smart, the takeover of Volvo, Lotus and the iconic London Taxi, and the launch of the Polestar, Lynk & Co and Zeekr brands. Not that Geely intends to rest on its laurels.
The manufacturer is now launching in Europe under its own name and aims above all to make its mark as a budget marque, competing against established contenders such as Volkswagen and Opel, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia with low prices and long warranties.
It is kicking off with two SUVs in the upmarket compact class, one a plug-in hybrid and the other fully electric. By 2028, the model range is set to grow to just under a dozen models, ranging from affordable small cars to prestigious SUVs.
The Chinese have high hopes for the oddly-named Starray, a 4.74-metre SUV priced from €32,990, which will compete against models such as the Toyota RAV-4, Kia Sportage and VW Tiguan. Geely says the moniker is a portmanteau created for export markets to describe the vehicle's design and technological identity.
The combination of the words "star" and "array" is meant to suggest a galaxy of stars or an advanced, futuristic matrix, tying into the vehicle's high-tech interior, large displays, and intelligent hybrid power-trains. So now you know.
The model is available exclusively as a plug-in hybrid, which, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, delivers up to 193 kW/262 PS to the front axle and has a top speed of 170 km/h.
Customers get to choose between two battery packs. One has a capacity of 18.4 kWh and offers an electric range of 83 kilometres, and the other with 29.8 kWh, provides a range of 136 kilometres.
The EVs can be charged either by the petrol engine or via a DC charging point at up to 78 kW. This reduces the standard fuel consumption to as little as 1.5 litres per 100km (CO2 emissions are at 33 g/km) and also ensures a pleasantly quiet atmosphere when driving in electric mode.
For those who want to cruise around in silence all the time, the Chinese are selling the E5 from €37,990 upwards. It measures 4.62 metres, is slightly reminiscent in design of its distant cousin, the Smart #1, and competes against vehicles such as the Kia EV5, VW ID.4 and Toyota C-HR+.
It is is available in just one power variant: a 160 kW/218 PS front-wheel-drive model with a top speed of 165 km/h at best, but with two battery packs.
The entry-level model has a 60.2 kWh battery, offers a range of 430 standard kilometres and supports charging at up to 120 kW; for an extra €2,000, you get a 68.4 kWh battery, a range of 475 kilometres and 135 kW charging power.
However, customers can choose between two battery packs: one with a capacity of 18.4 kWh, offering an electric range of 83 kilometres, or one with 29.8 kWh, offering 136 kilometres, which can be charged either by the petrol engine or via a DC charging point at up to 78 kW. They reduce the standard fuel consumption to 1.5 litres at best (CO₂ emissions 33 g/km) and also ensure a pleasantly quiet atmosphere when driving in electric mode.
The two cars share the same power-train and a lot of other features and the high level of equipment in both sets them apart from the competition.
The pair come with climatized seats with massage function, a panoramic sliding roof and head-up displays.
The feeling inside is much the same in both cars. The materials used are substantial and the build quality is well up to scratch.
Meanwhile, the cockpit features a layout that is remarkably reminiscent of the new Volvo EX60, with a slim display bar behind the steering wheel and a huge, horizontally mounted tablet next to it.
Overall the Chinese model is a tad more conservative than its Swedish counterpart and features even more switches and buttons. Whether it's the air conditioning or the music system, a few buttons on the centre console and on the steering wheel make operation easier even for those whose younger years were shaped by analogue technology.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Starray and E5 are pretty European. There are certainly more assertive cars in this class that offer more responsive steering and involve the driver more closely in the driving experience.
But compared with other Chinese models, both Geely models combine a high level of driving comfort with comparatively precise feedback, making them a joy to drive.
This is especially true when you switch to sport mode and sharpen the cars' senses. The accelerator pedal then responds more spontaneously and the steering feels even more direct. The engineers at the European development centre in Raunheim have done a good job here.
Despite their different lengths, the space on hand is comparable because the shorter E5 is built on an electric skateboard platform, which wastes less space. As a result, adults can sit comfortably in both models, even in the second row.
It's annoying that the E5 that has no storage space or frunk up front for the charging cable but Geely make up for this with a huge storage compartment at the rear of the electric car.
Beneath the boot, which, at 461 litres is already capacious, there is a second storage compartment with a volume of over 100 litres, and there are two practical drawers under the rear seats.
The Starray, however, does not offer quite as much space. With its four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, it too lacks a frunk and its rear hatch can accommodate a total of just 528 litres.
Thus far, this is typical Chinese fare but when it comes to driving dynamics, the Starray and E5 are lively and European. Compared with other Chinese models, both Geelys offer not only a high level of driving comfort with precise feedback. It adds up to fun behind the wheel.
Yes, Geely is late to the party when it comes to launching cars under its own name. And no, neither the Starray nor the E5 are stand-out models in terms of their look and feel.
They are however lavishly equipped and the bargain-basement prices should enable them to make inroads into the European market.
Specification: Geely Starray | Geely E5 Max+