Geely Galaxy Starship 7 in China – Proton eMas 7 PHEV, up to 120 km EV range, 1,420 km total range
Geely’s next big product, the Galaxy Starship 7, has been launched in China ahead of the start of pre-sales on November 8. This plug-in hybrid SUV – essentially a Galaxy E5/Proton eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) with a petrol engine and a less powerful electric motor – debuts with a deeply impressive new NordThor EM-i powertrain that aims to trump BYD’s superiority in this area.
As detailed previously, the system utilises a 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder, redesigned to increase air swirl in the combustion chamber to hit a record thermal efficiency of 46.5%. Outputs are rated at 111 PS and 136 Nm of torque.
Mated to this is an 11-to-1 electrified dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT) that combines the P1 integrated starter-generator and P3 drive motor, together producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 262 Nm. So equipped, the Galaxy Starship 7 is able to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h.
Two battery sizes are being offered, both being Aegis “short blade” lithium iron phosphate units. The smaller 8.5 kWh pack offers a modest 55 km of all-electric range even on China’s lenient CLTC cycle, but the 19.09 kWh battery boosts this figure to a decent 120 km. Allied to the petrol engine and a 51 litre fuel tank, total range is quoted at up tom 1,420 km, while fuel consumption is rated at 3.75 litres per 100 km.
Geely says the Galaxy Starship 7 supports “1.9C” DC fast charging, meaning that the input is 1.9 times the battery capacity, or around 36 kW. Topping up the battery from 30 to 80% takes a claimed 20 minutes. The car also comes with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.
Built on the same Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) as the Galaxy E5 and eMas 7, the Galaxy Starship 7’s similarities with its pure electric siblings are obvious in the centre section, which is all but identical save for conventional pull-type door handles instead of flush pop-out items.
The front and rear ends have been tweaked slightly, however – the former gains a full-width light bar with “Galaxy Ripple” tiered daytime running lights on either side, with the main headlights being pushed downwards into the bumper. You also don’t get the illuminated “grille” that is optional on the E5.
Around the back, the “Rising Sun” full-width taillight graphics have been mildly revised, while the number plate recess has been relocated to the tailgate, giving the car a striking resemblance to the Porsche Cayenne. The E5’s aero wheels have also been swapped out for multi-spoke units. Geely claims a drag coefficient of 0.288, which is slightly higher than the E5’s 0.269.
Break out the measuring tape and you’ll realise there’s not much that separates the Starship 7 from the E5 in terms of dimensions either, being just four millimetres wider (1,905 mm) and 15 mm taller (1,685 mm), as well as being five millimetres longer in wheelbase (2,755 mm). It is, however, 125 mm longer in overall length (4,740 mm), presumably at the front to fit the PHEV powertrain.
Step inside and you’ll find more shared items with the E5, including the oblong two-spoke steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 14.8-inch centre touchscreen, 13.8-inch head-up display and twin smartphone holders with a 50-watt Qi wireless charger on the left side.
There are a few changes, however – you now get a full-width air-con vent design, while the wraparound centre console has been swapped out for a simple symmetrical one. The multifunction knob and physical air-con controls (now with temperate and fan rocker switches, a handy addition) have also been moved further down the said console.
Just like the E5, the Starship 7 will likely enter Malaysia as the eMas 7 PHEV, with Proton already trademarking the name. This would provide a great alternative to the electric eMas 7 for buyers who need the additional range from a petrol engine.
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