On August 28, Wuling Xingguang S launched in Liuzhou. This compact SUV offers five models and two power options. Prices range from 99,800 to 129,800 yuan (18270$). The new car stands out for its spaciousness and overall safety features. The plug-in hybrid version excels in energy consumption and electric range.
The pure electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the Starry Sky S look identical. They both use the Star Wing aesthetic design from Wuling. The overall design is very impressive. The front features a closed grille. Both versions have split headlight groups. The design creatively angles the lower daytime running lights inward, harmonizing well with the Wuling logo.
The vehicle features smooth lines. Its drag coefficient reaches 0.277cd. It fits well into daily life. The design appeals to both i and E users. The Starry S has large dimensions: 4745mm long, 1890mm wide, and 1680mm high. Its wheelbase approaches that of a mid-size car at 2800mm. The overall proportions are very balanced.
The Starry S offers four body colors: Starry White, Interstellar Blue, Starry Gray, and Starry Gold. These colors are all very stable. This model targets family use.
The new car does not use hidden door handles. It retains the traditional handle design. This choice balances practicality and cost-effectiveness.
The Starry Sky S uses the same low-resistance wheels for both the plug-in hybrid and the pure electric version. It features 18-inch vortex-style wheels. The wheel specifications are 235/55 R18.
The Starry Sky S does not use a continuous tail light. It features stylish “L” shaped tail lights on both sides. The rear design reflects simplicity. It avoids flashy lines and makes the car look more fashionable.
In summary, the Wuling Xingguang S has a simple and sleek design. It lacks unnecessary lines. The LED daytime running lights and the black-red taillights stand out. These features clearly indicate its quality as an SUV. The Xingguang S looks elegant and appealing.
The interior of the Xingguang S features a minimalist design. It offers three color options: light sand, deep black, and coconut brown. The car integrates many functions into the 15.6-inch central touchscreen. This screen comes standard. However, it retains some physical buttons on the center console and steering wheel for easy operation.
The Starshine S features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip in its cabin. The system’s interface layout leads its class. Users can easily find common functions through the shortcut bar on the left side of the screen. The switching between interfaces and the startup speed are both very fast.
The 15.6-inch central control screen has a very narrow border. The resolution is clear. The built-in Ling OS operates smoothly. Touch response is excellent. Opening secondary pages and 360-degree images works seamlessly. The visuals are clear. In voice interaction, the Starlight S meets mainstream standards. Voice recognition accuracy is high.
In addition, the car system supports common functions like navigation, phone connectivity, voice interaction, OTA updates, and app downloads. Users can also select the vehicle’s air conditioning, smart driving system, driving modes, and energy recovery through the screen.
The area below the central air vent features physical buttons for adjusting the air conditioning. This design works well. Drivers can adjust it without looking. Anyone can easily use it.
The front seats of the Wuling Xingguang S offer great comfort. They lead in comfort among similar models at this price. The lumbar support and overall inclusiveness stand out. The seats support electric adjustment. However, options like seat heating and ventilation require additional selection.
The rear seat offers great space. As a family car, the Wuling Xingguang S provides ample legroom. Headroom is also generous. Even with three adults in the back, it feels spacious. The rear seatbacks and cushions are soft. The overall angle suits ergonomic design.
The Starlight S offers ample storage space. Its trunk has a regular capacity of 610L. Folding the rear seats in a 4:6 split increases the capacity significantly.
Safety stands out as the biggest highlight of the Xingguang S. Before its launch, SAIC-GM-Wuling conducted a series of real vehicle crash tests on the Wuling Xingguang S. These tests included front offset, full frontal, front intrusion, and side collisions. The six displayed crash test vehicles show that the Wuling Xingguang S provides excellent protection for both occupants and pedestrians. After collisions, the battery did not catch fire or explode, instilling confidence in its safety performance.
The plug-in hybrid version of the Starlight S features a 1.5L engine. It pairs with an E-CVT transmission. The electric motor delivers 150 kW of power and 310 N·m of torque. It offers a pure electric range of 130 km. The total range exceeds 1100 km. The official minimum fuel consumption is 3.9 L/100 km.
The pure electric version of the Starry Sky S features a 150kW motor. It delivers a maximum torque of 310Nm. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is 7.7 seconds. It uses a 60kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The CLTC range reaches 510km. The charging power hits 2C. Charging from 30% to 80% takes only 20 minutes. In just 15 minutes, the range increases by 200km.
The Wuling Xingguang S features the Lingmu Intelligent Driving System. It meets the C-NCAP 2021 five-star plus active safety rating. The vehicle includes L2-level driving assistance. It supports automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, and traffic sign recognition. This system can perform automatic emergency braking for cars, two-wheelers, and pedestrians.
The launch of the Wuling Xingguang S shakes up the compact SUV market in China. This market features many key models from joint ventures. The Xingguang S, a new product from Wuling, offers great value in price and function. It aims to enhance the quality of life for the people. Wuling stays on top of car manufacturing trends. The vehicle includes mainstream features and manages cost increases. It also boasts strong safety capabilities. Will the Wuling Xingguang S become the new favorite in the compact SUV market?