Geely Galaxy Starship 7 New Variant Spotted in China's Latest Vehicle Registration: LiDAR Added, CLTC All-Electric Range Up to 230 km

On September 8, China's latest batch of vehicle registration listings was released by MIIT, officially unveiling the updated plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Geely Galaxy Galaxy Starship 7. This newly registered model features notable upgrades across exterior design, intelligent driving hardware, and its powertrain system. It is expected to launch before the end of 2026, though its official launch date and pricing remain unannounced.

Exterior & Intelligent Driving: Redesigned Front End + Roof-Mounted LiDAR

The updated Starship 7 receives a visual refresh to its front fascia: the original small black trim panel has been enlarged into a more cohesive, inverted trapezoidal closed front grille. The lower grille adopts a trapezoidal shape, outlined by upward-curved chrome strips that define the angular, split-type headlight clusters. The most prominent change is the addition of a roof-mounted LiDAR unit — reportedly paired with G-ASD H5's intelligent driving solution — signaling a significant leap toward high-level ADAS capabilities.

Powertrain Upgrade: 40.06 kWh Battery + Dual Drive Configurations

The new model is powered by a 40.06 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with cells supplied by CATL and final assembly handled by Zhejiang Shanjù Battery Co., Ltd. Compared to the current 2026-model Starship 7 EM-i's 19.09 kWh battery (CLTC all-electric range: 101–105 km), this doubles battery capacity — and correspondingly boosts CLTC all-electric range: up to 230 km for the FWD version and 215 km for the AWD variant — approaching the "once-a-week charging" threshold for typical daily commutes.

The powertrain retains the BHE15-BFN 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 82 kW (net power: 79 kW). Curb weight for the FWD variant is 1,815 kg, with a declared WLTC combined fuel consumption of 4.60 L/100 km; the AWD version weighs 1,930 kg and consumes 4.95 L/100 km. Both variants share a top speed of 190 km/h and offer two tire options: 225/55 R18 and 235/50 R19.

Dimensions & Positioning: Same Platform, Targeting PHEV Family SUV Segment

The vehicle measures 4,730 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,752 mm — nearly identical to the current Starship 7 EM-i (4,740 × 1,905 × 1,685 mm; wheelbase 2,755 mm), differing only slightly in height and length. It maintains a five-seat layout. As the flagship PHEV SUV in the Geely Galaxy lineup, the updated Starship 7 further emphasizes its "fuel-or-electric flexibility, electric-first" philosophy — and could emerge as a key contender in the ¥100,000–¥130,000 price segment amid potential extensions of China's 2026 new-energy vehicle subsidy policies.