Breaking onto the scene today at the Guangxi Nanning ASEAN International Auto Show, SGMW’s Wuling Motors has officially pulled the wraps off the Xingguang 560. This new SUV, a fresh face in the Xingguang (Starlight) family, is set to make waves with its diverse powertrain options and flexible seating, all at an incredibly competitive price.
Affordable Entry, Diverse Choices
The Xingguang 560 is rolling out with four distinct variants, offering something for almost every buyer. Prices kick off at a jaw-dropping 59,800 yuan (approximately 8,400 USD), topping out at 98,800 yuan (around 13,900 USD). This aggressive pricing strategy certainly makes it a strong contender in the bustling Chinese SUV market. Buyers can pick from gasoline, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or pure electric (EV) options, and even choose between a practical 5-seater or a family-friendly 7-seater configuration. This mirrors the flexible approach seen in other models, like the SGMW Xingguang 730 MPV.
Here’s a breakdown of the initial offer prices for the Wuling Xingguang 560:
- 1.5T 6MT Comfort: 59,800 yuan (8,400 USD)
- 1.5T CVT Elite: 73,800 yuan (10,300 USD)
- PHEV 125km Luxury: 89,800 yuan (12,600 USD)
- EV 500km Luxury: 98,800 yuan (13,900 USD)
Dimensions and Design: A Fresh Look
The Xingguang 560 measures 4745mm long, 1850mm wide, and stands 1755mm or 1770mm tall, with a generous 2810mm wheelbase. You can personalize your ride with four body colors: Interstellar Blue, Sunset Grey, Silver Frost White, and Obsidian Black. For those wanting a bit more flair, dual-tone options are also on the menu.
One interesting design cue is the varied front fascia, depending on the powertrain. The gasoline and PHEV variants sport an open honeycomb grille, framed by sleek black trim around the headlights and lower grille. In contrast, the pure electric model gets a clean, closed-off grille, giving it a more modern and integrated look.
Interior Comfort and Tech
Step inside, and you will find the familiar design language of the Xingguang series, similar to what we observed in the Xingguang 730. The cockpit wraps around you, featuring a sharp dual-screen setup with an instrument cluster and a prominent 12.8-inch central infotainment display. This central screen runs on Wuling’s Ling OS system, offering seamless integration with popular smartphone features like HiCar, CarLink, and DLNA. Plus, the cabin feels upscale, thanks to plenty of soft-touch materials.
Practicality is a strong suit, with both 5-seater and 7-seater layouts available. The front seatbacks can even recline completely flat, creating a continuous, cozy space for a quick rest. The second-row seats recline up to 128 degrees, perfect for those longer journeys, and the conventional 4/6 split-fold rears seats mean you have flexible cargo space or room for those awkward longer items.
Powertrain Punch: Powering Your Journey
The Xingguang 560 truly shines with its three distinct powertrain options, echoing the versatility of its stablemate, the Xingguang 730.
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Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): This version features Lingxi Power 3.0, pairing a 1.5L engine with an impressive thermal efficiency of 43.2% with a fourth-generation 10-in-1 electric motor. Even when the battery is depleted, it still manages a respectable 5.3L/100km fuel consumption. The CLTC pure electric range hits 125km, and the combined range stretches an incredible 1100km.
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Pure Electric (EV): The EV variant packs a 100 kW (134 hp) electric motor and a 60 kWh Shenlian battery. You will get a CLTC pure electric range of 500 km and an official power consumption of 13.6kWh/100km. Plus, it supports 2C fast charging, meaning you can add 200km of range in a mere 15 minutes.
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Gasoline: For those who prefer a traditional setup, the 1.5T engine delivers a punchy 130 kW (174 hp) and a peak torque of 290Nm. You can choose between a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission.
Underneath, all variants share a robust front MacPherson strut and rear composite multi-link suspension system, promising a comfortable and stable ride. The SUV marketplace in China continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with the China auto market seeing constant innovations and new entrants. This aggressive strategy by SGMW to provide varied powertrain options in models like the Xingguang 560 and its other models ensures it carves out its niche against larger players such as BYD and Xiaomi. Overall, the Xingguang 560 is a compelling package that blends practicality, technology, and affordability, proving that SGMW is serious about capturing a significant slice of the market. Its arrival is definitely a noteworthy event for anyone keeping an eye on automotive developments in the region.
