2026 Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 - The Brand's First Flagship Electric Hybrid Sedan

The 2026 Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 (also known in some markets as the Galaxy Xingyao 8) marks a pivotal moment for Geely’s electrified sub-brand. As Geely transitions the Galaxy line from a series into a standalone brand, the Starshine 8 emerges as its flagship plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan.

It is a vehicle designed to bridge the gap between attainable mass-market efficiency and executive-level luxury, positioning itself as a direct rival to the likes of the BYD Seal 07 DM-i.

Measuring over five meters in length and boasting a range that can exceed 1,600 km, the Starshine 8 isn't just a car; it is a statement on the longevity and viability of the hybrid powertrain in an era of range anxiety.

Exterior Design: The "Ripple" Evolution

The Starshine 8 is built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) Evo platform. At first glance, it shares a clear lineage with its fully electric sibling, the Galaxy E8, but with refinements that emphasize its "B+ class" executive status.

Proportions: With a length of 5,018 mm and a wheelbase of 2,928 mm, the Starshine 8 has the presence of a full-size luxury sedan. Its fastback silhouette and low drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd contribute to both its sleek aesthetic and its impressive fuel efficiency.
The Tiger Gaze: The front fascia features what Geely calls "Flying Eaves Tiger Eye" headlights. These sharp LED units, paired with a clean, closed-off grille design, give the car a high-tech, predatory look.
Aesthetic Details: The rear is defined by "Rising Sun" wraparound taillights and a subtle integrated spoiler. Touches like hidden door handles and a roof-mounted LiDAR puck signal that this is a "smart" vehicle before you even open the door.

Dual Powertrain Strategy: EM-i vs. EM-P

Geely has intelligently split the Starshine 8 into two distinct "flavors" of hybrid technology: the efficiency-focused Thor EM-i and the performance-oriented Thor EM-P.

1. Thor EM-i (Efficiency First)

The EM-i system utilizes a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine ( $82 \text{ kW}$ ) paired with a high-efficiency electric motor. This setup is designed for the long-haul commuter.

Range: Up to 1,600 km total combined range.
Efficiency: It achieves a staggering fuel consumption of roughly 3.4L/100 km.
Performance: 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

2. Thor EM-P (Performance Oriented)

For those who want executive speed, the EM-P variant uses a 1.5L turbocharged engine ( $120 \text{ kW}$ ) and a more powerful $160 \text{ kW}$ electric motor, coupled with a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

Interior: The "Living Room" Experience

If the exterior is about presence, the interior is about pampering. Geely has utilized a "marshmallow" 7-layer sandwich seat design to ensure maximum comfort.

The VIP Suite

The rear right passenger seat is the "Executive Seat." It features:

Adjustability: A backrest that tilts from $31^\circ$ to $41^\circ$ .
The "Couch" Mode: The front passenger seat can fold completely flat ( $180^\circ$ ) to create a continuous legrest for the rear VIP, transforming the cabin into a "toffee couch" for long-distance travel.
Amenities: Heating, ventilation, and 8-point massage functions are standard on higher trims.

Tech and Infotainment

The dashboard is dominated by a 15.4-inch 2.5K central touchscreen running the Flyme Auto system. Powered by the 7nm Dragon Eagle-1 chip, the interface is fluid and supports DeepSeek AI for advanced voice commands. Drivers also benefit from a massive 25.6-inch Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR-HUD), which overlays navigation cues directly onto the road ahead.

For audiophiles, the Flyme Sound system is a highlight, boasting 23 speakers and a system output of 2000W, including speakers integrated into the headrests for a personalized soundstage.

Interior: The "Living Room" Experience

If the exterior is about presence, the interior is about pampering. Geely has utilized a "marshmallow" 7-layer sandwich seat design to ensure maximum comfort.

The VIP Suite

The rear right passenger seat is the "Executive Seat." It features:

Adjustability: A backrest that tilts from $31^\circ$ to $41^\circ$ .
The "Couch" Mode: The front passenger seat can fold completely flat ( $180^\circ$ ) to create a continuous legrest for the rear VIP, transforming the cabin into a "toffee couch" for long-distance travel.
Amenities: Heating, ventilation, and 8-point massage functions are standard on higher trims.

Tech and Infotainment

For audiophiles, the Flyme Sound system is a highlight, boasting 23 speakers and a system output of 2000W, including speakers integrated into the headrests for a personalized soundstage.

Intelligent Driving: G-Pilot

The 2026 Starshine 8 isn't just a cruiser; it's a co-pilot. The G-Pilot suite is one of the most comprehensive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in its price bracket. By utilizing roof-mounted LiDAR, five millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the car supports:

Navigate on Autopilot (NOA): High-speed and elevated road autonomous navigation.
Intelligent Parking: Fully automated parking maneuvers in tight city spots.
Active Safety: Lane-keeping, collision avoidance, and 360-degree holographic imaging.

Market Positioning and Verdict

With a price range typically hovering between $17,500 and $23,500 (approx. 125,800–165,800 yuan), the Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 offers a value proposition that is hard to ignore. It provides the physical dimensions and technology of a $40,000 European sedan for nearly half the price.

Pros:

Unrivaled Range: The 1,600 km ceiling eliminates range anxiety entirely.
Interior Quality: The use of premium materials and the "VIP" seating layout punch far above its weight class.
Software: Flyme Auto remains one of the most intuitive and responsive car operating systems on the market.

Cons:

FWD Only: Unlike some competitors that offer AWD, the Starshine 8 is currently restricted to front-wheel drive, which may deter those in snowy climates.
Trunk Space: At 405 liters, the trunk is slightly smaller than expected for a 5-meter sedan, likely due to the hybrid battery packaging.

Final Thought

The 2026 Geely Galaxy Starshine 8 is a "rational upgrade" car. It doesn't ask the buyer to sacrifice luxury for efficiency or technology for price. For the executive who travels long distances or the tech-savvy family looking for a premium experience without the premium price tag, the Starshine 8 is currently one of the most compelling PHEVs in the global market.