Volvo's parent company has just introduced a $16,000 electric vehicle that appears surprisingly luxurious.

      This $15,600 Geely EV looks unexpectedly premium

      Geely, the Chinese automotive powerhouse that owns Volvo, has recently revealed a new RV that seems out of place at the budget end of the market.

      The company has launched presales in China for the Galaxy Starshine 7, with prices starting at 112,900 yuan, approximately $16,550. For this price, customers receive a midsize electric sedan featuring a stylish fastback design, full-width lighting, an upscale interior, and an optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.

      Why its appearance exceeds its price

      Geely

      Budget EVs are usually identifiable by their cost-cutting measures in obvious ways. However, the Starshine 7 doesn’t exude an entry-level vibe. Official photos depict a sedan with a sleek front design, distinct lighting patterns, flush door handles, a panoramic roof, and an interior highlighted by a large central display and a bright, lounge-like color scheme.

      The model is 4,930mm long and has a 2,915mm wheelbase. In images, it appears to straddle the line between a conventional electric sedan and one that puts considerable effort into looking premium. At first glance, it largely succeeds.

      But do the specifications measure up?

      Geely’s Starshine 7 will be available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The RWD version employs a 190kW motor, while the AWD variant adds a 150kW front motor, resulting in a combined output of 340kW. Additionally, the company offers two battery options, a 58.4kWh and a 73.6kWh, with CLTC range estimates reaching up to 610km depending on the model.

      Geely

      Inside, the vehicle features a 15.4-inch floating center display, contributing to a premium feel. The interior images also showcase wood-like accents, layered materials, and a generally softer aesthetic not typically linked to budget EVs.

      This model follows the announcement of the $15,000 extended-range EV named the Boyue EREV SUV. The Galaxy Starshine 7 exemplifies the fierce competition in China's EV market, aiming to make affordability feel aspirational—a challenging feat that Western automakers appear to struggle with. As always, there is no information on potential availability in the US or European markets.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware, focusing on…

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