“Wuling makes what the people need.” Many have heard this saying. Wuling Auto truly follows it. When we need an SUV that balances family use with low fuel consumption and long range, the Wuling Xingguang S appears. Today, we will test drive this vehicle. We will also conduct a simple fuel consumption test on the PHEV version. We want to see if it meets consumer expectations.
Before testing, let’s examine the design highlights of the Wuling Xingguang S. The front design stands out with its distinctive and modern look. It features a fully enclosed front bumper, aligning with the characteristics of new energy vehicles. This design matches the appearance of the electric version. The front bumper’s lower air intake handles the airflow needs.
Current models use continuous light groups. They look high-tech. However, too much use reduces recognition. The Wuling Xingguang S features separate headlights. It creatively designs the lower daytime running lights to tilt inward. This design echoes the Wuling logo well.
The car features a dual waistline design on the side. The upper straight line runs to the rear. The lower line has a rising shape. This design appeals to young users’ aesthetics. The new model does not use hidden door handles. It retains the traditional handle shape. This choice balances practicality and cost-effectiveness.
The new car will feature 18-inch whirlwind wheels. This design looks youthful and reduces drag. It will come with 235/55 R18 tires. These tires balance comfort, quietness, and off-road capability.
The rear design shows the car’s simplicity. It features few ornate lines. This makes the car look more stylish. The new model uses traditional taillight shapes. The L-shaped light strips are distinctive, especially from a 45° rear angle. The entire light assembly uses a transparent cover with classic red and black colors.
The rear bumper features many youthful elements. The contrasting color panel in the center appeals to young consumers. As a PHEV model, the car hides its exhaust pipe. The rear design aligns with the pure electric version.
The Wuling Xingguang S features a minimalist interior design. The entire cabin uses a light color scheme. This choice makes it look fresh and upscale. The car integrates many functions into a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. This screen comes standard, which is commendable.
The new car’s multifunction steering wheel feels great. The buttons are physical, which reduces the chance of accidental operation. This design enhances driving enjoyment and control. The LCD instrument panel displays driving information clearly. It allows the driver to monitor the vehicle’s status easily.
The 15.6-inch central control screen stands out in this car. It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. The system’s interface layout leads its class. Users can find common functions through the quick access bar on the left side of the screen. The switching between interfaces and startup speed is very fast.
The car system supports navigation, phone connectivity, voice interaction, OTA updates, and app downloads. You can also select the air conditioning, smart driving system, driving modes, and energy recovery through the screen. The placement of these options is easy to find.
The bottom of the screen features a large phone storage box. It can hold two phones. However, neither spot offers wireless charging. Users must connect a data cable to charge. Fortunately, the design includes two cable holes at the bottom of the storage slot. This adds convenience.
The few buttons in the car are the quick adjustment buttons for the air conditioning in the center. These include controls for airflow, temperature, A/C switch, and defrosting. Their practicality is high. Additionally, the interior design of this car is innovative. Many metal decorations feature a champagne gold color, which elevates the car’s overall quality.
The front seats of the Wuling Xingguang S offer great comfort. They lead in their class and price range. The lumbar support and overall inclusiveness stand out. The seats support electric adjustment. However, options like heating and ventilation require additional selection.
The rear row excels in space. As a family-oriented model, the Wuling Xingguang S offers ample legroom and sufficient headroom. Even with three adults in the back, it feels spacious. The rear seats are soft. The angle of the seatback and cushion suits ergonomic design.
Today, we drive the Wuling Xingguang S PHEV. It features a 1.5L engine and an E-CVT transmission. The electric motor delivers 150 kW of power and 310 N·m of torque. It offers an electric range of 130 km. The official minimum fuel consumption is 3.9 L/100 km. We will test its fuel consumption on real roads today.
We filled the fuel tank before departure. We reset the trip meter. We set the driving mode to Eco+. We set the drive mode to HEV. We maximized energy recovery. We set the air conditioning to 24° on level two. We will drive about 62 km. This includes city roads, rural roads, national highways, and elevated sections.
We did not use extreme testing methods this time. The process closely resembled real driving conditions. We controlled the speed at around 60 km/h. On elevated roads, the vehicle’s power output remained stable. We also noticed that the vehicle’s quietness exceeded our expectations. The wind noise was minimal, and the cabin was nearly silent.
In the city, we used navigation effectively. We predicted the traffic lights at the next intersection and the one after. We controlled the gas and brakes in time. We kept the vehicle moving to reduce fuel consumption.
On the highway, we can feel the vehicle’s suspension and handling. The car features a front MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension. This setup absorbs and suppresses vibrations from rough roads. Passengers experience minimal vibrations inside. The steering is precise. Changing lanes, turning, and U-turns are easy. The steering response is spot on.
The overall comfort of the vehicle exceeds our expectations. Long drives or rides do not cause any fatigue. The rear seating feels great. It features three headrests and a central armrest. Second-row passengers enjoy a better experience.
Summary: The Wuling Xingguang S has not officially launched yet. It announced its pre-sale prices. The pure electric version starts at 122,800 yuan (17210$) and goes up to 132,800 yuan (18610$). The PHEV version starts at 102,800 yuan (14410$) and reaches 122,800 yuan (17210$). What do you think is a suitable price for this car? Let’s discuss in the comments.