Geely is claiming a Guinness World Record for its Starray EM-i Super Hybrid SUV for the 1000km drive from Sydney to Melbourne.
The record is for the “Lowest fuel consumption driving the Sydney–Melbourne Coastal Drive by a plug-in hybrid powered production SUV”.
Starting with a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, the plug-in hybrid Starray travelled a total of 1056km, using just 3.83 litres of fuel per 100km from December 9-10, 2025.
Congratulations, Geely . . . but what does it all mean?
Not much, really. The Starray did not “break” any world record because there was no previous record to break.
What’s more, it’s worth pointing out that the vehicle used in the attempt differs from the model currently offered for sale by Geely in Australia.
The one one you can buy features an 18.3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery.
The record breaker had a much larger 29.8 kWh battery, which means it is able to provide electrical assistance for a greater length of time.
Geely points out the record attempt bettered the car’s official fuel consumption figure of 4.4L/100km under the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).
The more relevant WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) figure for this vehicle is 5.5L/100km.
WLTP replaces the older less indicative NEDC system.
Starray with the smaller battery carries a WLTP rating of just 2.4L/100km.
Nevertheless, Geely says the achievement establishes its EM-i Super Hybrid Technology as an industry benchmark for energy efficiency and long-range performance.
To give this some perspective, hybrids, especially plug-in hybrids (PHEV) such as the Geely Starray, are the fastest growing section of the market, according to figures released recently the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Year to date, PHEV sales have surged 130.6 per cent to 47,565 units as more models enter the market and consumer awareness increases.
Built on Geely’s independently developed GEA architecture with EM-i Super Hybrid Technology, the Starray EM-i features a high-efficiency 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with an 11-in-1 E-Drive System.
This combination allows the vehicle to switch seamlessly between pure electric, pure engine, and hybrid modes, perfectly balancing low energy consumption with extended range.
The EM-i Super Hybrid system achieves extreme energy savings through a dedicated high thermal efficiency engine, an extremely efficient hybrid electric drive, intelligent energy management strategies, and an ultra-low drag aerodynamic design.
Geely says The route was chosen to reflect real-world driving scenarios rather than a closed-road test.
Two cars were reportedly used in the attempt but details of who drove the vehicles, nor the start and end points or what tyres were used — have not been provided.
Under the watchful eyes of independent witnesses, the Geely Starray EM-i navigated complex terrain, including coastal plains, undulating hills, and urban congestion.
One of those who monitored the event was the ABC’s Catalyst reporter Dr Jonika Newby.
“The primary purpose of this challenge is to demonstrate the practical user benefits of EM-i Super Hybrid technology,” Director of the Energy Control Department from Geely Research Institute, Dong Wan, said.
“We selected this route to test the vehicle’s performance in everyday user scenarios. The result proves that Geely Auto’s EM-i Super Hybrid Engine achieves world-record-level energy efficiency.”
A search of Guinness Word Records for “Geely Starray EM-i” returns 488 hits.
It must take a period of time for the record to be processed because none of them refer to the record attempt.
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