Recently, the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture released more exterior and interior images of its Wuling Starlight S, positioned as a “large-space SUV for home use” and will be available in BEV and PHEV variants. The official launch is expected to be in August this year.
The Wuling Starlight S is the second model based on SGMW’s Tianyu D platform. The car has already obtained its sales license from the Chinese regulator.
In the front, the car continues the Starlight family design language featuring a closed grille and “star-wing” 7-shaped headlights.
The PHEV variant powertrain will come from SGMW’s Lingxi plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor. The engine has a maximum power of 78 kW. Two battery pack options will be available with a capacity of 9.5 kWh and 20.5 kWh, corresponding to a pure electric range of 43 km and 90 km, respectively. Furthermore, the BEV trim will be powered by a 150 kW electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. However, the other powertrain and range details are not yet announced at this time.
Positioned as a compact SUV, the Wuling Starlight S measures 4745/1890/1680 mm, and the wheelbase is 2800 mm. From the side, the window frames, roof racks, and wheel eyebrows have been blackened. At the same time, chrome-plated elements are added to the side skirts and the lower window section for embellishment. Interestingly, the car also uses traditional door handles as opposed to the popular pop-out door handles.
The Wuling Starlight S will be offered in four exterior color options: Star White, Interstellar Blue, Star Gray, and Star Gold.
The interior will be available in three color options: Light Sand, Dark Black, and Coconut Brown. A large area of leather is wrapped around the center console, armrests, and door trims. In addition, the cockpit comes with a floating LCD instrument panel, a floating center control screen, and a D-shaped steering wheel. The center console is simple with two cupholders and wireless charging panels.
Once launched, the Wuling Starlight S will compete with the BYD Song Plus DM-i (see full specs here).
Saw the thumbnail and immediately thought it was a Nio ES6/ EL6/ ES7/ EL7 (I really don’t know at this point anymore, to be fair). It’s all so generic.