The guidance price is 88,000 yuan (12440$), buying a medium-sized car seems very good. If you add a plug-in hybrid system, the lowest fuel consumption is only 3.98L/100km, and you can also use 92 gasoline, this sounds very attractive, right? This is the just-launched Wuling Xingguang plug-in hybrid version. Let’s see if 88,000 yuan (12440$) is worth it!
The Wuling Xingguang plug-in hybrid version is the first new energy sedan under Wuling. The new Xingyi aesthetic design concept uses a borderless style front grille with a wing-like layout, paired with star-ring daytime running lights and split-type headlights, creating a very good sense of fashion.
In terms of body size, the length, width and height are 4835/1860/1515mm, reaching the mainstream level of mid-sized cars. The wheelbase of 2800mm is not outstanding in the mid-sized car category, but still ahead of most compact cars in the same price range, laying the foundation for interior space.
As we reach the rear, the sloping roofline seamlessly connects to the tail lights, giving the rear of the car a futuristic look. The intricate texture of the rear bumper helps lower the visual center of gravity, creating a more harmonious overall appearance.
Entering the car, two large screens paired with straight center console lines. The overall design is average, but considering its price, the use of stitched soft materials, textured trim and piano lacquer paint is quite sincere, creating a good overall interior texture.
The base model has a 7-inch LCD instrument panel + 10.1-inch central control screen; the high-end model is equipped with an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel + 15.6-inch central control screen, built-in Ling OS system, supporting online navigation, iQiyi, QQ music, online weather, OTA upgrade and other rich apps and functions.
The seats wrapped in leather have a rich and layered design, especially the unique “lounge chair design”. The front seats can be reclined 180° to be level with the rear seat cushion, forming a lounge chair. In addition, the rear seats come with air vents as standard.
In terms of power, the plug-in hybrid version is equipped with a 1.5L engine and an electric motor, forming the Wuling Lingxi plug-in hybrid system. The engine has a maximum power of 106Ps, the motor has a maximum power of 177Ps, and a maximum torque of 320N·m. The engine has a maximum thermal efficiency of 43.2% and is matched with an electromagnetic single-gear DHT gearbox. In terms of suspension, it features front MacPherson rear multi-link independent suspension, which is quite sincere at this price point.
In terms of batteries, the new car is equipped with two types of Wuling Shenlian batteries, with capacities of 9.5kWh and 20.5kWh. The pure electric range of CLTC is 70km and 150km, respectively. Configuration analysis: first recommendation is the 70 standard version.
Wuling Starlight hybrid version has launched 70 standard version and 150 advanced version, with prices ranging from 88,000 yuan (12440$) to 105,800 yuan (14960$). The 150 advanced version also comes with a 3.5kW charging pile.
In terms of safety configuration, the new car does not differentiate between the two configurations. Both come with standard features such as front and side airbags, tire pressure display, LED headlights with automatic and steering assist, rear parking radar, electronic handbrake, and parking assist. Even the entry-level model offers a rearview camera, while the high-end version provides a 360° panoramic view.
Although the guidance price is only 88,000 yuan (12440$), the 70 standard version has almost no reduction in comfort configuration, with functions such as keyless entry/start, remote start, rain-sensing wipers, driver’s seat electric adjustment, and automatic air conditioning.
Furthermore, functions such as cruise control, electric folding/heating of the external rearview mirrors, and automatic folding of the external rearview mirrors when locking the car are also present, making daily driving more convenient.
However, the combination of a 7-inch LCD instrument panel and a 10.1-inch central control screen mainly provides basic vehicle functions, including smartphone Bluetooth connectivity and video playback, as well as integrating the air conditioning control panel.
The 150 advanced version, priced at 105,800 yuan (14960$), is equipped with 18-inch wheels and upgraded 360-degree panoramic imaging. In addition, the one-touch up and down windows and the addition of a leather steering wheel can also increase the sense of luxury. Its biggest improvement is the technology configuration, with an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel and a 15.6-inch central control screen. Compared to the 70 standard version, the instrument display interface and information are richer, with more app expansion capabilities, reaching the current mainstream level of intelligent car systems. In addition, the car has also been upgraded to a 6-speaker audio system.
Compared to competitors in a similar price range, the Wuling Xingguang plug-in hybrid version also shows certain advantages in configuration. Compared to the entry-level models of the BYD Qin PLUS, Geely Galaxy L6, and Changan Qiyuan A05 with the 70 standard version, it can still demonstrate good value for money.
Although the starting price is only 88,000 yuan (12440$), the Starlight plug-in version still comes with front and rear ventilated discs. Compared to the rear torsion beam non-independent suspension of the Qin PLUS and the Qiyuan A05, the Starlight plug-in version is equipped with a rear multi-link independent suspension, while the Silver Galaxy L6, which uses the same rear independent suspension configuration, starts at 115,800 yuan (16380$). In terms of more detailed configurations, the Qiyuan A05 70 Lite, which is very close in price, not only does not provide parking radar, but also has steel wheels.
In addition, the configuration details such as electric folding outer rearview mirrors, main and co-pilot makeup mirrors with lighting, rear seat folding ratio, front and rear 4 USB charging ports are all available, which also helps to improve the convenience of using the car. Starting at 88,000 yuan (12440$) + mid-size car + plug-in hybrid system + relatively rich comfort configuration, the Wuling Xingguang plug-in hybrid version has almost no direct benchmark models.
Compared to compact cars with similar prices, there are not many cost-saving details that have been canceled on it. The overall cost performance is still very obvious. As the saying goes, “Wuling makes whatever the people need.” Do you think the Wuling Xingguang plug-in hybrid version will become a popular model like the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV? Let’s discuss it in the comments section.