Geely Starray EM-i vs Lepas L8: a duel between premium Chinese electrified SUVs in real-world range and performance

The new wave of Chinese SUVs no longer competes on price alone. Brands such as Geely and Lepas are arriving in Europe with technically ambitious proposals, finishes that come close to premium, and plug-in hybrid architectures designed to cover long distances in electric mode. In this comparison we put the Geely Starray EM-i and the Lepas L8 side by side, two SUVs aimed squarely at the heart of the Spanish market, with a sideways look at what EBRO offers, another Chinese-owned brand born from the alliance with Chery that already has product on our roads.

Context: why do Geely and Lepas redefine the premium Chinese SUV in Spain?

The electrified compact SUV segment has become the main battlefield. Geely arrives with its EM-i series-parallel plug-in hybrid system, while Lepas, a brand launched under the umbrella of Chery, debuts with the L8 as its technological flagship. Both promise electric ranges above 100 km WLTP, ridiculously low combined consumption and a level of equipment that traditionally required paying European brand premiums.

In parallel, EBRO —reborn in Barcelona on the industrial base of Nissan in the Zona Franca and with Chery technology— is already showing that Spanish buyers accept Chinese engineering without prejudice when it arrives well packaged. Its s700 PHEV is the obligatory reference for understanding the competitive context.

Geely Starray EM-i: the long-range plug-in hybrid bet

The Geely Starray EM-i is a 4.74-metre SUV that combines a 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid system oriented to maximising urban electric use. It is offered with two battery sizes, 18.4 kWh and 29.8 kWh, with which it homologates a WLTP electric range of 83 and 136 km, respectively. If we focus on the version with the larger battery, this translates into roughly 95-105 km of real-world range. Geely quotes a combined consumption of 1.4 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle with the larger battery.

The interior is where Geely hits hard: in the best-equipped variants it features a 15.4″ central screen, digital instrumentation, Flyme Auto sound and materials that feel a step above the average. The list price starts at 33,490 euros with the small battery, and from 35,990 euros with the larger battery. These are the figures for the EM-i PRO+ and MAX+ versions, the two that pair with the larger battery:

Lepas L8: expressive design and sports-SUV performance

The Lepas L8 takes a different philosophy. Closer to a coupé-SUV, with sharp lines and an aggressive light signature, it fits a plug-in hybrid powertrain that prioritises performance. The system’s combined power stands at 279 CV, with front-wheel drive in the entry version and an announced AWD variant that adds a rear electric motor. The battery has 18 kWh of capacity and the WLTP electric range hovers around 110 km.

Lepas positions itself as the lifestyle brand of the Chery group, which translates into interiors with perforated leather, three-zone climate control and extended level 2 driver assistance.

The market benchmark: EBRO s700 PHEV

Before closing the duel, it is worth putting things in context with the most commercially mature option. The EBRO s700 PHEV shares technical DNA with Chery platforms and offers 347 CV of combined power, 90 km of WLTP range in electric mode and a homologated consumption of 0.8 L/100 km. EBRO has leaned on its inherited sales network and on national assembly to earn trust, something neither Geely nor Lepas has yet consolidated.

Real-world range versus WLTP: where the match is decided

The WLTP cycle is generous with PHEVs, but Spanish reality —motorways at 120 km/h, gradients, climate control— cuts between 20 and 30%. On that filter, the Geely Starray EM-i gains an edge not so much from its efficiency as from having a larger-capacity battery option. The Lepas L8 sits in a good middle ground. EBRO falls somewhat behind in pure electric kilometres. If we move to electric range in real use, the Starray EM-i is the only one that approaches and exceeds 100 km. With the S700 and the Lepas L8, the most realistic figure to plan around is roughly 75-80 km.

Highmotor verdict

If efficiency and pure electric kilometres are the priority, Geely wins the duel with the Starray EM-i. If you seek presence, performance and a more emotional touch, Lepas and its L8 are the choice. And if the sales network and industrial proximity weigh most, EBRO remains a very serious alternative within the same Chinese ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

Which has greater real electric range, the Geely Starray EM-i or the Lepas L8?
The Geely Starray EM-i offers greater real electric range, around 95-105 km compared with roughly 80 effective km for the Lepas L8, thanks to its larger battery.

Are these SUVs eligible for the DGT ZERO label?
Yes, both the Geely Starray EM-i and the Lepas L8 exceed the 40 km WLTP electric range required, so both carry the ZERO emissions label.

What warranties do these Chinese brands offer in Spain?
Geely and Lepas operate with 5-7 year vehicle warranties and up to 8 years on the battery, in line with what EBRO offers through its national network.