The Geely Starray, a Chinese-made vehicle, is starting to generate buzz as it makes a subtle entrance into North America, primarily in Mexico and at various auto shows and trade events. Curiosity is high regarding this car’s design, technology, and pricing—factors that often give it an edge over its competitors in the US. Despite this, the opportunity for a test drive remains elusive. I recently spent a couple of days behind the wheel of the Geely Starray in Los Angeles, as part of the World Car Awards test drives, and was able to evaluate its gas-powered engine on both highways and city streets. The engine generates 218 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.
Is the Geely Starray a ‘White Label’ Volvo?
In many ways, the Starray feels like a more affordable, slightly less powerful version of a Volvo, a brand also owned by Geely, alongside Polestar. Following a strategy that other carmakers use, where multiple brands build models on the same platform, Geely, which is sold in 54 countries, maintains Volvo and Polestar as luxury brands while offering a lower-priced version under the Geely name. This is a common practice. For example, Toyota builds the Highlander and Lexus RX 350 on the same platform, tailoring the finishing and performance to each brand’s identity.
The Starray shares a platform with the Volvo XC40 and the Polestar 2 and incorporates similar technology and features, including the vertical multimedia screen, the loop-style electronic gear selector, and the panoramic sunroof. The Geely Starray clearly shows its Volvo-like DNA in many ways, including overall size and rear tail lights.
Inside, the flat-bottomed steering wheel is reminiscent of the Volvo EX90 and EX30, as is the glass-topped gear shifter, a design seen in some Volvo models. The Starray’s low-set driver display screen mirrors the size and shape of the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 screens.
One standout feature was the undercarriage camera system, now appearing in more new cars. At slow speeds, such as in parking garages, the camera’s image appeared on the multimedia screen, showing the ground around the car. This was particularly helpful when approaching an elevated concrete platform at a garage exit. Another notable feature is the starburst headlight signature, which lights up when the driver approaches with the key.
Unique Features That Set the Starray Apart
Despite the similarities to Volvo, the Starray has enough uniqueness to stand out on its own. The dashboard features vertical pinstripe-style lighting, whose colors can be changed on the multimedia screen, and air vents that are integrated horizontally into the dash. The interior is upholstered in dual-tone leatherette, complemented by leatherette door and dashboard panels.
On the Road
On the road, the Geely Starray offered a smooth and predictable ride – a hallmark of brands like Volvo. The 1.5L gas-powered engine provided sufficient performance for city driving, with effortless acceleration and braking. The car also merged comfortably onto the highway. It’s worth noting that the Starray’s focus is not on large, powerful engines in line with what Volvo is known for; both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models produce 218 hp, while similarly sized Volvo models offer starting outputs of 247 hp and can reach up to 455 hp in the EVs.
Geely: Less Expensive? The Price Varies
The pricing of the Starray varies significantly based on location due to tariffs, import fees, and differing standards. The test model, with its head-up display and HD cameras, carried a price tag of about $MXN 559,000 pesos, around $27,000. In Romania, the same model costs approximately €33,000, about $35,000. However, in China, the Starray starts at around $16,000 to $20,000—a substantially lower price compared to its potential US market value. The Starray is a solid option for offering unique features derived from Volvo and boasting a cohesive design, a quality not always found in Chinese cars. If available in China, Mexico, or other markets where it is less expensive, the Starray represents a good value proposition. As for its arrival in the US, it could makes sense for Geely, as it could offer a well-equipped, lower-priced model compared to Volvo and Polestar.
