- Upgraded Exterior Design Reinforces Starray’s Bold Identity
- Premium Cabin with Advanced Comfort and Tech
- Same Power, But a Smoother and More Integrated Driving Experience
After firmly establishing its presence in GCC markets throughout 2024, Geely returned in 2025 with an updated model of the Starray, officially unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show. This latest iteration features significant enhancements in exterior styling and onboard technology, prompting a comprehensive comparison between the GCC specific model and the newly launched Chinese spec.
Upgraded Exterior Design Reinforces Starray’s Bold Identity
The exterior of the 2025 Geely Starray in its Chinese specification marks a clear departure from the previous model sold in GCC countries. Geely abandoned the traditional grille design in favor of a dramatically sloped front fascia featuring a wide vertical bar grille flanked by a sleek LED light strip stretching across the entire front. This new design direction gives the SUV a more modern and assertive look.
In terms of lighting, the Chinese spec adopts slimmer, sharper LED headlamps and taillights for more precise illumination, whereas the GCC model retains a more conventional lighting design that lacks the advanced detailing seen in the latest model. The color palette is another notable difference; China’s model introduces exclusive shades like Cloud Blue, Deep Black, and Glossy Silver, options currently unavailable in the GCC lineup, which remains limited to more traditional tones.
Premium Cabin with Advanced Comfort and Tech
The interior is where the most noticeable differences between the two models of the Geely Starray become evident. The 2025 Chinese spec embraces a futuristic and high tech design, highlighted by a 15.4 inch horizontal touchscreen with 2.5K resolution, paired with a 25.6 inch AR-HUD head-up display. It also features the latest Flyme Auto 1.8 infotainment system, powered by a cutting edge 7nm chip that delivers double the AI processing capabilities compared to its predecessor.
In contrast, the 2024 GCC model is equipped with a smaller 13.2 inch touchscreen and a 10.2 inch digital instrument cluster. It lacks some of the more advanced technologies found in the Chinese model, such as the head up display and the fully integrated AI system.
When it comes to comfort, both models offer leather trimmed, ventilated, and heated seats. However, the Chinese model raises the bar with additional features like massage functions, leg support, four way lumbar electric adjustments, and a premium 16 speaker surround sound system that includes headrest speakers. The GCC model, by comparison, offers up to 9 speakers in its higher trims, missing out on some of the immersive elements available in the latest model.
Same Power, But a Smoother and More Integrated Driving Experience
Despite the major updates in design and onboard technologies, Geely has retained the same mechanical foundation in both models. The Starray 2024 currently available in the GCC, and the newly unveiled 2025 model in China are both powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine delivering 218 horsepower and 325 Nm of torque. This is paired with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and front wheel drive system, offering a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 8.2 seconds.
However, the 2025 Chinese model gains an edge through its integration of advanced AI systems and intelligent driving assistance. Features such as adaptive cruise control, stop and go functionality, and smart connectivity with cloud based applications give it a technological boost. These enhancements are not yet fully present in the GCC spec models, highlighting a gap in driver assist sophistication between the two markets.
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