At Auto China 2026 in Beijing, Geely displayed the Galaxy Starshine 6 PHEV. This sedan essentially serves as the plug-in hybrid variant of the fifth-generation Geely Emgrand. For those keeping track at home, that makes it the successor to our Proton S70, which is based on the previous fourth-generation model.
This opens up a possibility where, if Proton decides to rebadge the Galaxy Starshine 6, we could be looking at a future S70 PHEV. Considering the current S70 only recently traded its original 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill for a more potent four-cylinder turbocharged mill, the arrival of this fifth-generation Emgrand sibling could represent a full-model change.
Of course, any local debut depends entirely on Proton’s boardroom. For now, the Starshine 6 remains a tantalising possibility. Under the bonnet, it houses Geely’s latest Thor EM-i 2.0 powertrain, featuring a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 111 hp/136 Nm. This is paired with a front-mounted traction motor producing 163 hp and 210 Nm.
Depending on the variant, the Starshine 6 is equipped with either an 8.5 kWh or a 17 kWh battery. These enable a pure EV range of 60 km and 125 km, respectively, according to the optimistic CLTC test cycle. While both support 3.3 kW AC charging, the larger pack is capable of 35 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 30-80% recharge in 20 minutes.
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These components propel a sedan measuring 4,806 mm long, 1,886 mm wide, and 1,490 mm tall, with a generous 2,756 mm wheelbase. For comparison, this firmly places the Galaxy Starshine 6 as a proper C-segment, unlike the S70, which is technically a large B-segment sedan. In fact, given these dimensions, one might wonder whether Proton would skip the S70 badge entirely and revive the Perdana nameplate, or introduce it as the Proton S90.
Visually, the Starshine 6 looks like an S70 that has been sent to a finishing school. It features an enlarged and sleeker silhouette, highlighted by similar segmented daytime-running lights and a “Galaxy Starfall” front grille with vertical waterfall slats. Around the back, the look is completed by a trendy full-width taillight bar.
Inside, the cabin features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central infotainment display running the Flyme Auto OS. Lower-spec variants are equipped with a 10.1-inch unit.
Whether Proton decides to pull the trigger on this rebadge remains to be seen. However, the prospect is made even more enticing by Geely’s recent Guinness World Record for its i-HEV “Intelligent Energy” powertrain. Boasting a world-leading thermal efficiency of 48.4%, this powertrain reportedly achieves a fuel consumption figure of just 2.22 L/100 km.
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