Geely Launches Methanol-Powered Emgrand L EM-i Sedan Starting at 11,550 USD

Geely has introduced a methanol-powered version of its Emgrand L EM-i plug-in hybrid sedan in China, marketed domestically as the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 EF (E-Fuel). The vehicle carries a starting price of 76,800 yuan, equivalent to 11,550 USD, under limited-time discounts. Without discounts, the price range for the Starshine 6 EF spans from 86,800 to 106,800 yuan, or 13,055 to 16,065 USD, while promotional pricing lowers it to between 76,800 and 96,800 yuan, or 11,550 to 14,560 USD. For context, the regular version of the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 launched in China in October 2025 with prices ranging from 74,800 to 105,800 yuan, or 11,250 to 15,910 USD. Data from China EV DataTracker shows Geely delivered 24,970 units of the Starshine 6 domestically between January and September 2026. The model is sold under the Emgrand L EM-i name outside China.

The newly launched EF variant debuted on November 3, featuring a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter BHE15-BFDM four-cylinder engine capable of running on both standard fuel and methanol. The internal combustion engine delivers a peak power output of 93 kW, or 125 HP, featuring 350-bar direct fuel injection and an ignition energy of 120 mJ, which allows it to operate in temperatures down to minus 40 degrees Celsius. The engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 48.15%. Geely has established 1,400 methanol stations across China to support such vehicles.

Alongside the engine, the Galaxy Starshine 6 EF is equipped with an electric motor generating a peak power of 140 kW, or 188 HP, sending torque to the wheels through a 1-speed DHT gearbox. Two LFP battery options are offered, with capacities of 17 and 28.3 kWh. The car delivers an electric CLTC range of 130 to 230 km depending on the powertrain version, translating to approximately 107 to 189 km under WLTP testing. The combined range of the sedan reaches up to 1,880 km.

Geely reports a methanol consumption rate of 6.7 liters per 100 km for the Starshine 6 EF. With methanol priced at 2.9 yuan, or 0.44 USD, per liter in China, running the sedan on methanol costs 200 yuan, or 30.1 USD, per 100 km. According to brand representatives, operating a methanol-powered vehicle can save Chinese customers up to 30,000 yuan, or 4,510 USD, over a distance of 100,000 km.

Dimensionally, the sedan measures 4,806 mm in length, 1,886 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase spanning 2,756 mm. The body length is noted elsewhere in the details as 4,806 mm. Inside, the cabin features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 609-liter trunk, and a 6-speaker audio setup.