Sunday China Drive | Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 PHEV: familiar E8 look meets hybrid efficiency and extended range
The Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 is a mid-to-large plug-in hybrid sedan positioned as a flagship within the Galaxy lineup. It is offered in seven trims, with prices ranging from 125,800 to 165,800 yuan (approx. 17,600 – 23,200 USD). The car adopts Geely’s GEA Evo platform architecture and emphasises efficiency, size, and practicality in a competitive segment where plug-in hybrid sedans have become increasingly relevant.
The Starshine 8 is available with a dual-range configuration, offering comprehensive ranges of 1,500 km and 1,600 km, depending on trim. It measures 5,018 mm in length, 1,918 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,928 mm. Its fastback body style combines sedan proportions with coupe-inspired lines, targeting buyers who want both family utility and a contemporary silhouette. Geely positions the car as a balance between traditional practicality and modern electrification demands.
Exterior
On the road, the Starshine 8 establishes a long, sleek presence thanks to its 5-meter length and extended wheelbase. The front fascia carries a closed-off grille design that visually integrates with the LED headlights, giving the car a distinct identity within the Galaxy lineup. A pronounced beltline runs across the body, while the sloping roofline emphasises its fastback form.
At the rear, a full-width taillight bar spans the vehicle, echoing design cues found in other Geely Galaxy models. Proportions are deliberately restrained, prioritising aerodynamic efficiency, with a drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd. Review observations note that panel alignment and overall build quality are consistent with Geely’s recent production improvements, indicating a maturity in manufacturing standards.
Wheel options range up to 19 inches, emphasising balanced road presence rather than aggressive sportiness. The exterior design suits both private and business buyers seeking understated yet modern aesthetics.
Interior
Inside, the Starshine 8 combines practicality with digital sophistication. The cabin adopts a horizontal symmetry layout, dominated by a 15.4-inch floating central touchscreen and a 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster. Higher trims add a 25.6-inch AR-HUD, integrating driving information with navigation and media controls. The system is powered by Geely’s Dragon Eagle-1 7nm chip and DeepSeek AI model, supporting AI voice control and OTA updates.
Materials include synthetic leather, soft-touch plastics, and metallic trim. Some trims feature contrasting interior colours to separate upper and lower zones visually. The centre console employs a floating design with storage underneath, and cupholders and charging ports are conveniently located.
The nearly 3-meter wheelbase allows generous second-row legroom, though the sloping roofline slightly reduces headroom. A panoramic 1.36 m² sunroof is available on higher trims, complemented by 256-colour ambient lighting. Practicality is further enhanced with 405 L of trunk space, capable of accommodating five 20-inch suitcases, and 30 interior storage spaces. Seats offer ventilation, heating, and massage functions on select trims.
Behind the Wheel
Our test car is the EM-i trim, which pairs an 82 kW (110 hp) 1.5L engine with a 175 kW (211 hp) front motor, achieving 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds depending on battery. The electric range is 130 km, and fuel consumption is 3.43 L/100 km (CLTC); when the battery is depleted, fuel consumption remains around 4 L/100 km.
The suspension uses a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link setup, tuned to balance stability with smooth operation. On test routes, the hybrid system transitions effectively between electric and combustion power. Ride quality is composed, with road, wind, and tire noise well managed. Steering feel is consistent, and braking integrates regenerative and mechanical systems, supporting both urban and long-distance driving.
Acceleration is sufficient for daily use, with electric assistance providing initial responsiveness in city traffic. The chassis maintains stability through corners, filtering bumps effectively. High trims with 19-inch wheels offer a firm grip but produce noticeable tire noise at highway speeds.
The G-Pilot advanced driving system, included on five trims, features a 126-line roof LiDAR, five millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 10 cameras. It supports over 300 parking scenarios, evasive manoeuvres up to 120 km/h, and automatic emergency braking up to 90 km/h. Two trims offer a basic driver-assistance package with two millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and five cameras. Level 2 driver-assistance functions, such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and highway NOA navigation assist, are included across trims.
Lane changes are executed smoothly, though ramp recognition is basic. Daily driving assistance relies on cameras and radar, while high-end configurations leverage map-enhanced aid data, approaching Level H9 functionality.
Verdict
The Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 PHEV offers a balanced mid-to-large sedan package with extended electric and comprehensive ranges, fuel-efficient hybrid operation, and a practical fastback design. Its digital cockpit, tri-screen layout, and G-Pilot driver-assistance system provide advanced technology and convenience, while five trims include LiDAR-assisted parking and Level 2 driving aids. The chassis prioritises stability and smoothness, making the car suitable for both urban commuting and long-distance driving.
Strengths include practical cabin space, long range, digital features, and composed handling, while limitations include slightly reduced rear headroom and a driving character tuned more for stability than sporty engagement. Priced between 125,800–165,800 yuan (approx. 17,550–23,130 USD), the Starshine 8 competes with BYD Seal 07 DM-i, delivering a practical, cost-efficient, and digitally connected plug-in hybrid for buyers seeking efficiency, stability, and contemporary technology.
From September, Sunday China Drive will transition from a weekly schedule to a bi-weekly format, allowing for more in-depth, detailed reviews of each featured model.
