Wuling Starlight 560 5-seat layout.
The Starlight 560 makes its public debut at the Guangxi Nanning ASEAN International Auto Show. This new model of the Starlight family from Wuling Motors was officially launched at home. Four models are available for this vehicle, with the starting reservation price ranging from 63,800 yuan to 102,800 yuan, and the starting benefit price ranging from 59,800 yuan to 98,800 yuan. The vehicle adheres to the characteristics of the Starlight family members, offering three power options: fuel, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric. All models have a 5-seat layout to meet the needs of different user groups.
In terms of appearance, I think most of you are familiar with it, right? As early as the 2020 Chengdu Auto Show, the exhibition stand of SAIC-GM-Wuling showcased a concept car named Hongguang Xia. The Starlight 560 can be regarded as its final production version. The styling continues its hard and rugged look, although it is not as square as the current box-shaped design, but the overall line trend sketches it with a rather rugged feel.
In terms of body dimensions, its length, width, and height are 4745×1850×1755/1770mm, and the wheelbase is 2810mm. Everyone should have an impression of its general outline. The vehicle offers four body colors for selection: Starry Blue, Smoke Gray, Silver Frost White, and Lustrous Black.
In the front of the car, the vehicle provides two different front styles depending on the power system. The fuel and plug-in hybrid models have an open honeycomb-shaped front grille, and through the black decoration under the headlights, the front grille, and covering the entire body, it shows its rugged and crossover style. The pure electric model uses a common closed front grille. In my opinion, the overallity is better.
The side and rear designs are relatively simple, especially the rear. Through the tail lights and multiple horizontal lines on the top and bottom, it creates a good sense of layering. Additionally, the vehicle offers a dual-color body color option, making it more dynamic.
Entering the interior, with the previous launch of the Starlight 730 and the release of the Starlight 560, the Starlight series models have begun to have continuity in their interior design. It also adopts the current simple wraparound cabin style, with the instrument panel and the large central screen's dual-screen combination being the current mainstream design. The 12.8-inch central screen is equipped with the familiar Ling OS system, which supports HiCar, CarLink, and DLNA mobile internet connections. In terms of materials, it also uses a large area of soft materials coverage, creating a relatively well-crafted interior.
In the seating part, it offers a 5-seat layout. The front seatback of the vehicle supports flattening, and it can form a flat space for temporary rest with the second row. Additionally, the second-row seatback angle can reach up to 128°, which can relieve fatigue caused by long rides. The rear seat also supports the conventional 4/6 split-recline function, which can be combined with the trunk to form a relatively complete bed. It is also more convenient for loading longer items.
In terms of power, it offers three power options: 1.5T + 6MT/CVT, 1.5L plug-in hybrid, and pure electric. This is the same as the Starlight 730. The plug-in hybrid version uses Lingxi Power 3.0, which consists of a 1.5L engine (thermal efficiency 43.2%) and the fourth-generation 10-in-1 motor. The fuel consumption under a 50km/h idle condition is 5.3L/100km. Under CLTC conditions, the pure electric range is 125km, and the combined range is 1100km. The pure electric model has an electric motor with a maximum power of 100kW and a 60kWh Shenyan battery. Under CLTC conditions, the pure electric range is 500km, and the official electricity consumption is 13.6kWh/100km. It supports 2C charging and can replenish 200km in 15 minutes. The fuel version of this model is equipped with a 1.5T engine, with a maximum power of 130kW and a peak torque of 290 Newton-meters, and is paired with a 6-speed manual and CVT transmission. The chassis adopts a front McPherson and rear composite multi-link suspension system.
The Starlight 560 is another member of the Xingguang series of models produced by Wuling Motors. With its tough and elegant appearance, along with larger interior space, it continues to uphold the consistent characteristics of Wuling products. Its high cost-effectiveness remains its label. Additionally, the power options of hybrid, pure electric, and fuel-based are available, which fully meet the needs of different consumers. After seeing the initial preview price announced this time, do you think it is satisfactory? What do you think of its competitiveness? Please leave your comments in the discussion area. Let's exchange ideas together.
