The new Xing Guang S (Starlight S) has been introduced by Wuling in China. Its look is reminiscent of a Buick, and its engine options include electric and plug-in hybrid.
The model has plastic body covering and flowing bodywork, despite its somewhat basic appearance. The crossover was also equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and split lighting units.
With a wheelbase spanning 110.2 inches (2,800 mm), the Starlight S’s dimensions are 186.8 inches (4,745 mm) long, 74.4 inches (1,890 mm) wide, and 66.1 inches (1,680 mm) height. This indicates that while the model is smaller than the Buick Electra E5, it is larger than the Chevrolet Equinox.
Along with a 15.6-inch entertainment system and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, the minimalist cabin boasts a contemporary style. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather front seats that fold flat to become “nap beds” bind them together. 23 storage spaces and a cargo area that, when the back seats are folded down, can accommodate up to 62.4 cubic feet (1,768 liters) of luggage are two further highlights.
The panoramic moonroof, heated back seats, and heated and ventilated front seats are features of the higher-end models, which make them more opulent. A Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, a power liftgate, and a power supply with up to 3.3 kW of juice for camping are also available to customers.
The 1.5-liter engine, electronic continuously variable transmission, and electric motor of the plug-in hybrid model generate 201 horsepower (150 kW / 204 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. A 9.5 or 20.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery connects them. The latter extends the CLTC range to 81 miles (130 km), whilst the former only offers a range of 37 miles (60 km).
The Starlight S PHEV can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in as low as 7.9 seconds and has a combined range of up to 684 miles (1,100 km).
The EV features a bigger 60 kWh battery pack but the same powertrain. This allows it to reach a maximum distance of 317 miles (510 km) on a single charge and accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds.
The plug-in hybrid starts at ¥99,800 ($14,014), while the electric vehicle costs at least ¥119,800 ($16,822). Given that Wuling has had over 10,000 pre-orders since the beginning of August, that seems quite fair.