If you have a budget of 150,000, will you choose a compact sedan? Or will you opt for a larger, more comfortable mid-size sedan that offers more prestige? The answer is clear: the latter. In today’s competitive environment, people seek value for money. They want to spend less while maximizing benefits. This trend is especially true for big purchases like cars. Many prefer to spend wisely, focusing on quality and cost-effectiveness. If you are a consumer waiting to buy, this article may help you make a decision.
Today, we test drive the Xinghai S7 extended-range version. This model targets the family sedan market. It features a stylish design and rich configurations. The car has a 28.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. It offers a pure electric range of 235 kilometers under CLTC conditions. The total range reaches 1250 kilometers. This vehicle provides better cost-effectiveness. It also includes the only FSD Xiaoyao suspension in its class, enhancing driving comfort.
The Xinghai S7 extended range version and the earlier released Xinghai S7 electric version look almost identical. Both have the presence expected from a mid-to-large sedan. The design features smooth lines and a natural aesthetic. The coupe-style appearance suits the mid-to-large positioning of the Xinghai S7 extended range version. Young users love it.
This car gives me a very low stance. The wide body follows the 0.618 golden ratio. It highlights a solid and sporty coupe feel. The front grille shape remains unchanged despite the range extender. The closed front grille strongly features the characteristics of a new energy vehicle. It looks clean and sharp.
The split headlights feature a segmented LED daytime running light design. The sides curve upward, giving the front a lively look. Below the headlights, three LED light strips resemble lion claws. This design stands out among similar models.
The coupe shape gives the car a smooth and dynamic side profile. The waistline and door panels feature soft curves that reflect light well, creating a strong sense of depth. The StarSea S7 extended version measures 4935x1915x1495 mm, with a wheelbase of 2915 mm, classifying it as a “532 mid-large sedan.” The long wheelbase ensures comfort for rear passengers.
The car features a smooth, rounded body shape. It has hidden door handles and frameless doors. The official wind resistance coefficient is only 0.191cd. This is crucial for a new energy vehicle. The new model offers six exterior color options, giving users more choices.
The rear design of the Starry Sea S7 extended version stands out. It features a simple and sleek shape. The sloping roofline adds elegance. The continuous LED taillights have a red finish. They look good whether lit or not, and they include the brand logo. The car has a wide shoulder design, giving it a low stance. There is no specific badge for the extended version on the rear. You can only distinguish it by the fuel cap on the right side.
The interior of the Xinghai S7 extended version features a minimalist and high-tech design. The “T” shaped center console pairs well with the wide body, creating a solid and stable look. The craftsmanship and materials meet current mainstream standards. Both the visual and tactile experiences are impressive. This interior offers three color options: Cangqiong Muhui, Dongfang Ji Bai, and Hupo Liu Cheng. Each color has its unique characteristics. Personally, I prefer the Hupo Liu Cheng option. It appears vibrant and youthful, making it perfect for younger users.
The design of the secondary instrument is simple. It features only a cup holder and a wireless charging panel for phones at the top. The bottom includes essential storage space. This minimalist design, without physical buttons, aligns with current trends in high-end luxury vehicles. It aims to create a comfortable and uncluttered personal space.
The steering wheel features a dual-spoke structure. The multifunction buttons on both sides do not use capacitive touch. The design of physical buttons proves more convenient and accurate in actual use. The steering wheel also offers a heating function.
The 8.8-inch LCD display shows comprehensive information. It offers good brightness and clarity in sunlight. The 15.6-inch central control screen meets current mainstream standards. Its display quality is impressive, and the narrow bezel design increases the visible area. The built-in car system supports dual-zone voice recognition. It recognizes three commands at once and understands 23 dialects. Tests show good accuracy and speed in executing commands. The in-car apps are plentiful, allowing users to listen to music while driving and watch movies when parked.
The car offers good comfort. Its key feature is the cloud cotton integrated seat design. The seat looks solid and feels comfortable. It has excellent ergonomic design, a wide cushion, and a supportive yet soft filling. Sitting in the front row is a pleasure. Additionally, the front seats include ventilation and heating functions.
The Starsea S7 Extended Edition offers ample rear space. As a mid-large sedan, it clearly outperforms competitors in this area. The height and length of the backrest and seat cushion provide excellent support, even for tall passengers. Space is not an issue. You can relax or cross your legs comfortably in the back. The flat central floor allows for easy seating. You will find air vents and charging ports in the rear.
The Starry Sea S7 extended version features a hatchback-style rear door. This design improves overall aesthetics and makes it easier to access items. The base capacity increases as well. The electric tailgate supports stepless hovering. The trunk volume is 496 liters without folding the rear seats. Additionally, the interior includes 23 storage spaces.
The Xinghai S7 extended version features Mach range extension technology. It uses a 1.5L range extender with direct injection technology. This range extender is the only one in its class with this feature. The five-in-one electric drive delivers 160 kW of power. It pairs with a large 28.3 kWh armor battery. The CLTC pure electric range reaches 235 kilometers. With an oil-electric conversion efficiency of 3.55 kWh/L, this car excels in fuel economy. The total range can reach 1250 kilometers.
The extended-range model drives similarly to the pure electric model when fully charged. The power feels abundant, and the start is light. If you press the accelerator harder, you will notice a strong surge. This car offers four driving modes: Economy, Standard, Sport, and Sport+. In Sport+ mode, the Xinghai S7 extended-range version feels a bit jittery. You can sense a strong push without fully pressing the accelerator. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.
The energy recovery system is well-designed. It offers comfort and strong energy recovery options. It also includes a no energy recovery option. This feature benefits users switching from fuel vehicles. It eliminates the nodding effect caused by energy recovery drag. This helps prevent motion sickness for passengers. I recommend using the comfort energy recovery strategy for daily driving.
The coupe model offers unique handling. The Xinghai S7 extended version features the first FSD Xiaoyao suspension in its class. It detects road conditions in real-time. The system automatically adjusts damping and spring stiffness based on the road. On bumpy roads, the suspension effectively controls body movements, preventing a boat-like experience. On uneven surfaces with frequent vibrations, the comfortable damping reduces vibrations inside the cabin. Overall, this suspension adjusts automatically to various conditions, providing a sense of luxury and adaptability.
This car has a minimum turning radius of 5.45 meters. This means that this mid-size sedan, nearly 5 meters long with a wheelbase over 2.9 meters, can easily turn around on narrow roads. It can also park in tight spaces with ease.
The car controls noise well. It uses frameless doors and single-layer glass. However, when the speed exceeds 80 km/h, the cabin remains quiet. Drivers hear minimal tire and wind noise. Passengers can converse normally. Even when the extender starts, it operates smoothly and without noticeable impact.
In recent years, range-extended vehicles have surged in popularity. Many manufacturers have shifted their focus to developing these models. The Xinghai S7 range-extended version is a product of this trend. It stands out in design, comfort, and driving experience compared to its peers. The addition of Mahle range-extending technology and FSD floating suspension enhances its appeal. The new car is expected to launch at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. If you are interested, keep an eye on it.