Geely has displayed its latest petrol-electric hybrid SUV, the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, at Auto Shanghai 2025, marking the public appearance of a model that could soon carry Proton branding in Malaysia as the e.MAS 7 PHEV.
Positioned as a hybrid counterpart to the fully electric Galaxy E5—sold in Malaysia as the Proton e.MAS 7—the Galaxy Starship 7 introduces Geely’s second-generation NordThor 2.0 plug-in hybrid system. This new powertrain is a refined version of the EM-P system also used by Lynk & Co and incorporates significant enhancements in efficiency and performance.
In terms of dimensions, the Galaxy Starship 7 measures 4,740mm in length, 1,905mm in width and 1,685mm in height, with a 2,755mm wheelbase. These figures make it marginally larger than the Galaxy E5.
Visually, the Starship 7 distinguishes itself from its EV sibling through conventional door handles, which replace the flush, pop-out style found on the E5 and e.MAS 7. The front fascia incorporates a full-width LED light bar and tiered daytime running lights, with the main headlamps now positioned lower on the bumper. At the rear, subtle changes to the tail lamps, tailgate, and bumper design give the Starship 7 its own unique identity.
Inside, the dashboard architecture mirrors that of the E5 and e.MAS 7 but introduces a more symmetrical centre console and revised air-conditioning vent placement. Multifunction controls and HVAC buttons have been repositioned lower down for improved ergonomics.
The hybrid system is anchored by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a thermal efficiency of 46.6 per cent. This high level of efficiency is made possible by an optimised combustion chamber that increases air swirl. The engine produces 111PS and 136Nm of torque, and is paired with an 11-speed electrified dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT), which integrates a P1 starter-generator and a P3 drive motor.
Together, the combined system output stands at 218PS and 262Nm, delivering a 0–100 km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h.
Geely offers the Galaxy Starship 7 in China with a choice of two battery configurations. The entry-level variant features an 8.5 kWh battery that supports up to 55 km of electric-only driving under the Chinese CLTC testing standard. A larger 12.02 kWh battery increases the electric range to 120km. With the 1.5-litre engine and a 51-litre fuel tank in play, the total driving range is quoted at 1,420km, with a fuel consumption rate of just 3.75 litres per 100km.
Charging capabilities include support for 1.9C fast charging, which equates to a maximum DC charging rate of approximately 36 kW. A 30 to 80 per cent charge takes around 20 minutes. Additionally, it features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing it to power external devices.
With the ‘e.MAS 7 PHEV’ name already trademarked by Proton, the unveiling of the Galaxy Starship 7 adds further weight to expectations that the hybrid SUV could soon be offered in Malaysia as a range-extending alternative to the battery-electric e.MAS 7. As consumer interest in hybrid technology continues to grow, the arrival of a plug-in hybrid option under the Proton brand may only be a matter of time.
