Could this be Proton's first PHEV? Geely Galaxy Starship 7 debuts in China with 1,430 km range

Though the first model under the Proton e.Mas branding will be fully electric, it will not solely focus on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are also part of the plan. Clues pertaining to an imminent Proton PHEV model might be found in the newly unveiled Geely Galaxy Starship 7.

Eagle-eyed readers might notice some design similarities between the Starship 7 and the Galaxy E5, the Chinese twin to the e.Mas 7. Both SUVs are built on Geely’s Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform but while largely similar in looks, there are a few distinctions between the two.

The Starship 7 utilises the Ripple design language seen on the larger Galaxy L7 while the automatic retractable door handles are swapped out for conventional ones. At the back, the number plate is placed on the tailgate instead of the rear bumper as seen in the E5.

Powering the C-segment SUV is the second generation NordThor EM-i powertrain that combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with two P1 and P3 electric motors. Power output figures have not been released yet but Geely released claimed range and fuel efficiency figures that surpass BYD’s Super Dual Mode (DM-i) PHEV powertrain.

The engine in the EM-i system has a thermal efficiency of 46.5%, higher than the BYD DM-i’s claim of 46.06%. Geely even claims that its next generation of engines have an even higher thermal efficiency of 48.15% which is currently receiving certification by the authorities.

The EM-i system is mated to a dedicated hybrid powertrain (E-DHT) that introduces Geely’s 11-in-1 motor technology used on the BEV E5 to a PHEV model. Motor efficiency is as high as 98.02% while the comprehensive efficiency of the electric drive is up to 92.5%.

There are two lithium iron phosphate battery sizes announced at the reveal – 19.09 kWh and 28.94 kWh with pure electric ranges of 101 km and 150 km respectively (unknown test conditions but likely CLTC). With a full fuel tank and electric charge, that claimed maximum range is bumped up to 1,430 km.

While the Starship 7 has some distinction in the exterior, the interior is almost a facsimile of the Galaxy E5 with a symmetrical T-shaped cockpit layout. It has a two-tone light brown and black interior and has a 14.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment powered by the Flyme Auto vehicle operating system.

Other features offered include a 13.8-inch W-HUD, 16 Flyme Sound speakers, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated/heated/massaging seats.

Pre-sale prices for the Starship 7 will be announced on 8 November with a full launch expected by the end of the year. As PHEVs do not receive the same incentives as BEVs in Malaysia, it could take a bit more time for the Starship 7 to be given the Proton roundel treatment.

Speaking of Malaysia, the Proton e.Mas 7 is open for bookings nationwide with two variants announced – Prime and Premium. Estimated prices start from RM 120,000, which is lower than the top-of-the-line variants of the X70 that start from RM 123,800.

Also read: Estimated from RM 120k, Proton e.Mas 7 bookings now open - Cheaper than top-spec X70