Wuling Motors, under the SGMW umbrella, just pulled the wraps off its latest game-changer, the Xingguang 560, at the Guangxi Nanning ASEAN International Auto Show. This isn’t just another SUV hitting the bustling Chinese market. It’s a bold statement, offering drivers an incredible range of choices in powertrains and seating, all at a price that’ll make you do a double-take. Imagine rolling off the lot in a brand-new SUV for as little as 8,400 USD. Yeah, China’s EV scene is truly something else!
This new member of the Xingguang (Starlight) family comes in four variants, with initial prices stretching from 59,800 to 98,800 yuan (that’s about 8,400 to 13,900 USD). What’s really cool is the buffet of options: you can snag it with a traditional gasoline engine, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or go all-in with a pure electric (EV) setup. Plus, it’s available in flexible 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, making it a perfect fit for almost any family or lifestyle. This kind of versatility is exactly what drivers are looking for in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
Affordable Power, Your Way
Let’s talk brass tacks on those prices and what you get for your hard-earned cash:
- 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)
This pricing strategy positions the Xingguang 560 perfectly, especially the PHEV and EV models, right in the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers seeking cutting-edge tech. It’s clear Wuling wants to electrify the masses, not just those with deep pockets.
Style Tailored to Your Power Choice
The Xingguang 560 is a looker too. It measures up at 4745mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1755/1770mm tall, with a generous 2810mm wheelbase that hints at a spacious cabin. You get to pick from a palette of four body colors: Interstellar Blue, Sunset Grey, Silver Frost White, and Obsidian Black. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, dual-tone options are on the table for that extra pop of dynamic flair.
Interestingly, the front-end styling changes based on what’s under the hood. Gasoline and PHEV versions sport an open honeycomb grille, framed by sleek black trim around the headlights and lower grille. But the pure electric variant, oh boy, it goes for a cleaner, closed-off grille. This gives it a super modern, integrated, and streamlined vibe, really setting it apart and signaling its EV credentials, much like how other brands differentiate their electric offerings.
An Interior That Welcomes
Step inside the Xingguang 560 and you’ll find a familiar, welcoming space, borrowing cues from its sibling, the Xingguang 730. This isn’t some stripped-down budget offering. We are talking about a wrap-around cockpit, a dual-screen setup with a crisp instrument cluster, and a chunky 12.8-inch central infotainment display. The latter is powered by Wuling’s Ling OS system, which means it plays nice with popular smartphone integration features like HiCar, CarLink, and DLNA. Plus, everywhere your hands fall, you’ll feel extensive soft-touch materials, dispelling any notion of cheapness. It’s a genuinely pleasant place to spend time, whether you’re stuck in city traffic or cruising on the open road.
Family road trips or carpooling for work, the Xingguang 560 has your back with both 5-seater and 7-seater layouts. And talk about clever design: the front seatbacks can recline completely flat, merging with the second row to form a huge, comfy resting space. Your passengers in the second row aren’t forgotten either, with seatbacks reclining up to 128 degrees for maximum relaxation. Need more cargo space? The rear seats conveniently split-fold 4/6, making room for groceries, gear, or even longer items.
Powertrain Punch for Every Preference
Wuling really flexed its muscles with the powertrain options, mirroring the success of the Xingguang 730. Let’s break them down:
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): This one comes with Lingxi Power 3.0, a slick system blending a 1.5L engine (boasting an impressive 43.2% thermal efficiency) with a fourth-gen 10-in-1 electric motor. Even when the battery is drained, you’re still looking at a thrifty 5.3L/100km fuel consumption. The pure electric range (CLTC) is a solid 125km, and the combined range can hit an astounding 1100km. That’s serious mileage, perfect for daily commutes and longer adventures without range anxiety. This kind of flexibility is a big win for many drivers, offering the best of both worlds.
Pure Electric (EV): For those ready to fully embrace electric driving, this variant packs a punch with an electric motor churning out 100 kW (134 hp). It’s paired with a 60 kWh Shenlian battery, offering a healthy 500 km CLTC pure electric range. Efficiency is key too, with an official power consumption of 13.6kWh/100km. And get this: it supports 2C fast charging, capable of adding 200km of range in just 15 minutes. This makes top-ups quick and convenient, putting it squarely in the competitive sphere with other fast-charging Chinese EVs like the MG4 EV.
Gasoline: Prefer the good old internal combustion engine? The 1.5T gasoline version delivers a spirited 130 kW (174 hp) and a peak torque of 290Nm. You can choose between a 6-speed manual for those who love to feel the gears, or a smooth CVT transmission for effortless driving. It’s a reliable and proven setup for traditionalists.
Underneath it all, every Xingguang 560 variant rides on a composed front MacPherson strut and rear composite multi-link suspension system, promising a comfortable and stable ride. It is obvious that SGMW is trying to appeal to a wider market of car buyers with the Xingguang 560, and it is doing it with great performance. The diversification of powertrains is a trend that we have already seen in other vehicles, such as the Xingguang 730 MPV. It is great to see these innovations come to more affordable segments of Chinese automobile market.
With its flexible options, modern tech, and aggressive pricing, the Wuling Xingguang 560 looks set to carve out a significant slice of the market. This SUV truly embodies the spirit of innovation and value that defines the Chinese automotive industry today, offering something for everyone without compromising on style or substance. It’s certainly a vehicle that will turn heads and provide great utility, much like the upcoming Changan Nevo Q05.
