Geely’s newest model combines aggressive pricing and efficiency, targeting BYD’s dominance in the hybrid SUV segment.

After over a month of promotional events and aggressive marketing, Geely has officially launched the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, starting at RMB 99,800 (USD 13,972) with an introductory subsidy of RMB 4,000 (USD 560). The move pits it squarely against the BYD Song Pro, a leading contender in the crowded family SUV market.

Ahead of this launch, BYD rolled out a limited-time discount, cutting the Song Pro’s starting price to RMB 102,800 (USD 14,392), leaving just a RMB 3,000 (USD 420) gap between the two models. Geely, however, is banking on its competitive edge in design, features, and efficiency to sway buyers.

Geely emphasizes safety and efficiency as the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i’s hallmarks. Built on Geely’s GEA architecture, the vehicle incorporates safety measures for its battery and fuel systems. The hybrid EM-i platform achieves a fuel consumption rate of 3.75 liters per 100 kilometers, slightly edging out the Song Pro’s 3.79 liters under comparable testing conditions.

However, some questions remain unanswered. Notably, despite releasing three rounds of Q&A updates on its official WeChat account, Geely has yet to reveal the cockpit chip powering the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i. Expectations are varied—premium Galaxy models are equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chips, while Geely’s self-developed Dragon Eagle-1 chip has also earned positive reviews in other vehicles.

Additionally, a review of data on platforms like Dongchedi highlights that the base model of the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i omits features such as a sunroof, automatic tailgate, power-adjustable front passenger seats, and ventilated or heated front seats. These omissions likely play a role in achieving its competitive pricing.

Mimicking BYD’s strategy: Will it pay off?

Geely’s Galaxy series has taken a direct swing at BYD’s Dynasty and Ocean lineups, with the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i as its latest contender. The launch event was unapologetic in its intent to position the vehicle as a formidable rival.

Competing with BYD has proven to be a profitable approach for Geely. Previous Galaxy models like the L7, L6, and E8 laid the groundwork, while the recently launched all-electric Galaxy E5 specifically targeted BYD’s Yuan Plus, quickly gaining traction with a low-price strategy. Similarly, the Xingyuan series, which takes on BYD’s Seagull, has achieved over 20,000 monthly sales—a testament to the effectiveness of this focused competition.

Geely’s game plan is straightforward: deliver larger screens, more advanced features, and capitalize on the advantage of entering the market with newer models to carve into BYD’s market share.

The Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i follows this approach. Positioned as a direct competitor to BYD’s Song Pro, its presale price range is nearly identical to the latter’s. However, after applying Geely’s limited-time subsidy, the Starship 7 EM-i is priced RMB 3,000 lower.

BYD’s Song Pro, introduced in 2019, has seen consistent updates and continues to sell well due to its solid quality. However, it lags behind the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i in terms of modern design and features.

The most significant distinction between these models lies in their powertrains. The Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i employs a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) system, which prioritizes fuel efficiency. In contrast, the Song Pro uses BYD’s DM-i system, which emphasizes electric power in hybrid scenarios. Both systems have their unique strengths.

For instance, while the Galaxy L7 features a three-speed DHT system for enhanced performance, the single-speed DHT in the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i is designed for lower energy consumption. It offers a smooth driving experience akin to an all-electric vehicle, mirroring BYD’s DM-i technology.

For buyers, however, the ultimate concern is fuel efficiency, regardless of the underlying mechanics.

BYD data shows the Song Pro achieves a range of 1,400 km with fuel consumption of 3.79 liters per 100 km under New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standards. Its fifth-generation DM system also boasts an engine thermal efficiency of 46.06%.

In comparison, the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i claims an official range of 1,430 km, with fuel consumption of 3.75 liters per 100 km under China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standards. Its Thor plug-in hybrid system achieves an engine thermal efficiency of 46.5%.

Real-world performance is influenced by varying driving habits and conditions, so consumers may find little perceptible difference in fuel efficiency between the two.

That said, BYD’s fifth-generation DM system has already proven its fuel-saving prowess in the market, a factor reflected in its strong sales figures.

What’s next for Geely’s Galaxy L7?

The automotive industry has long embraced the idea that those who successfully imitate can thrive, while those who merely resemble without innovation tend to falter.

In recent years, Chinese automakers have taken inspiration from Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, often mirroring details with astonishing precision. Yet, these mimicry efforts have had minimal impact on Tesla’s sales. This year, however, marks a shift as more manufacturers move away from imitation and toward establishing distinctive styles, enabling them to carve out genuine market share. This evolution underscores why projects like the Zotye SR9 faded quickly, whereas more original designs like the Xiaomi SU7 gained widespread traction.

Geely’s aggressive strategy against BYD also began with imitation. The Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i and Galaxy L7 directly target BYD’s Song Pro and Song Plus, underscoring Geely’s intent to challenge BYD head-on.

Automakers have long relied on dual-model strategies to capture diverse customer bases. Past examples, like Volkswagen’s Magotan and Passat, Lavida and Bora, or Toyota’s Corolla and Levin, illustrate how this approach can effectively broaden market appeal. BYD has also employed dual-model strategies with success, clearly differentiating models like the Song Plus and Song Pro or the Seal 06 DM-i and Qin Plus DM-i by price and target audience, thereby avoiding cannibalization.

However, Geely’s launch of the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i appears to blur the lines with the Galaxy L7 in terms of consumer demographics, potentially creating confusion among buyers.

The Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i and Galaxy L7 share nearly identical attributes, including body design, interior space, safety features, driver-assistance systems, and infotainment platforms. The L7 does boast better powertrain performance and a higher price point, which appeals to performance-focused consumers. However, family SUV buyers—who prioritize practicality and affordability over performance—may find the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i more attractive.

For example, the Starship 7 EM-i offers a 120-km range version with 1.9C fast charging, enabling a full recharge in just 20 minutes. By comparison, all Galaxy L7 variants require at least 30 minutes for fast charging. Furthermore, the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i is both more fuel-efficient and more affordable, potentially disrupting the Galaxy L7’s market position more than it does the Song Pro’s.

These models operate in the highly competitive RMB 100,000–150,000 (USD 14,000–21,000) family SUV segment, a market teeming with rivals. BYD’s Song Plus led October sales with 51,615 units of its 2025 edition, while newcomers like the Deepal S05 and Chery Fengyun T9 steadily climbed in sales. Established players such as the Tiggo 8 and Xingyue L also maintain robust monthly sales exceeding 20,000 units.

The Galaxy L7 made a strong debut in 2023, consistently selling over 10,000 units per month in its initial months. However, its monthly sales have since tapered to around 7,000 units. The arrival of the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i adds both external competition and internal pressure, complicating the L7’s outlook.

Since its February 2023 debut, the Galaxy brand has achieved several milestones, delivering nearly 150,000 units in its first year. From January to November this year, cumulative sales have reached approximately 425,000 units, with projections to surpass 500,000 annual deliveries.

The Galaxy L7, as the inaugural model, has been pivotal in achieving these numbers. However, the introduction of the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i presents a double-edged scenario. On one hand, it could complement Geely’s dual-model strategy to bolster overall sales. On the other, it risks diluting demand for the Galaxy L7, potentially undermining growth.

Whether the Starship 7 EM-i will elevate the Galaxy series or inadvertently cannibalize its sibling remains to be seen. Ultimately, time will determine the outcome.

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