Geely’s Record Breaking PHEV Points to Proton e.MAS 7 Efficiency

Geely Auto has claimed a Guinness World Record title after the Starray EM-i completed the Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive with a verified fuel consumption of just 3.83L/100 km. 

Achieved during a real world drive on Dec 9 and 10, 2025, it stands as the lowest fuel consumption recorded by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) production SUV. Known as the EX5 EM-i in some markets, the result reinforces Geely’s claim that the model truly delivers real savings.

Instead of relying on laboratory tests, Geely chose a long distance public road route that reflects how people actually drive. The coastal journey includes highway cruising, urban congestion, elevation changes and summer heat. 

Completing it efficiently under these conditions gives the result far more meaning for everyday drivers. The Sydney to Melbourne distance mirrors common intercity journeys worldwide, helping consumers better relate to the numbers.

Central to the achievement is Geely’s EM-i Super Hybrid system. Designed to overcome the common fear of rising fuel use once a PHEV battery is depleted, the system maintains efficiency even at low state of charge. A dedicated high efficiency hybrid engine paired with an integrated 11 in 1 electric drive ensures consistent performance whether running on electricity, petrol or both.

In Australia, the Starray EM-i quickly rose to become the country’s second best selling PHEV within a month of launch. The model is now sold in multiple markets including New Zealand, Europe, South Africa and Indonesia, with local production underway in Indonesia and planned for Brazil.

For Malaysia, the record holds particular relevance. The recently previewed Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV at the Proton Tech Showcase 2025 is effectively the right hand drive counterpart to this Geely platform. Shown as a camouflaged prototype, it closely mirrors the electric e.MAS 7 in design, with subtle changes to support its hybrid hardware.

Under the skin, the Proton would potentially use a similar Geely’s NordThor 2.0 PHEV system, combining a 1.5 litre petrol engine, e-motors, a dedicated hybrid transmission and a short blade battery pack. The setup promises strong performance, meaningful electric only driving and a long combined range.

While Proton has yet to confirm final specifications or launch timing, the connection is clear. The world record achieved by the Geely Starray EM-i offers a strong preview of what Malaysians can expect from the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV.