Geely Starray EM-i 2027 Upgrade: What PHEV Buyers Need to Know
Geely's Starray EM-i gets a bigger battery and more range for 2027. Here's what the update means if you're considering a novated lease on this PHEV SUV.
Geely Auto has upgraded its Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV for the Australian market, with the 2027 model bringing a larger battery option and extended electric range — along with a higher price tag, according to EVcentral AU.
The Starray EM-i sits in the increasingly crowded PHEV SUV segment, competing against established names at a price point that has been attracting attention from salary-packaging employees. The 2027 update is a meaningful spec bump — but whether it moves the needle on your novated lease decision depends on a few things worth unpacking.
What this means for novated lease customers
PHEVs are not the same as full battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) under Australia's FBT rules. This is the single most important thing to understand before you get excited about leasing a Starray EM-i through salary packaging.
Under the current FBT exemption introduced by the Albanese government, only zero-emissions vehicles — broadly, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles — qualify for the full FBT exemption on novated leases. PHEVs were included transitionally, but only if the car was first held and used before 1 April 2025. Any PHEV delivered on or after that date does not qualify for the exemption. The Starray EM-i's 2027 update puts it well outside that window.
That doesn't make a novated lease on a PHEV worthless — you still benefit from pre-tax salary contributions covering running costs like fuel, registration, insurance and servicing, which produces real take-home pay savings. But you won't get the headline FBT-free treatment that a comparable BEV would attract. If maximising your tax benefit is the priority, a full EV remains the stronger play. If the Starray EM-i's larger battery and PHEV flexibility genuinely suit your driving situation, a novated lease is still likely to beat financing it any other way — just go in with accurate expectations.
Common questions
Is the Geely Starray EM-i FBT-exempt under a novated lease?
No. The FBT exemption for PHEVs only applies to vehicles first held and used before 1 April 2025. The 2027 Starray EM-i falls outside that window, so standard FBT rules apply. Full battery-electric vehicles remain exempt with no cut-off date currently legislated.
Can I still novated-lease the Starray EM-i and save money?
Yes — a novated lease still lets you pay for the car and its running costs from pre-tax salary, which reduces your taxable income. You just won't receive the additional FBT-free benefit that a BEV attracts. The net saving depends on your income, the vehicle price, and your usage.
Why did PHEVs lose the FBT exemption?
The government's zero-emissions vehicle FBT exemption was designed to accelerate uptake of fully electric cars. PHEVs were included as a transitional measure only, with a cut-off of 1 April 2025 for first use. New PHEVs delivered after that date are treated as standard vehicles for FBT purposes.
How does the bigger battery on the 2027 model affect the novated lease cost?
A higher purchase price increases the monthly lease payment and the total amount financed. The larger battery may reduce fuel costs over the lease term, which can partially offset that. We'd recommend running the numbers through a proper comparison before committing.
What BEV SUVs compete with the Starray EM-i if I want the FBT exemption?
There are a growing number of FBT-exempt BEV SUVs available in Australia across a range of price points — from Chinese brands like BYD and GWM to Tesla, Hyundai, Kia and others. The right choice depends on your budget, driving needs, and lease term. Talk to us and we'll map out the options.