Wuling, the joint venture formed by SAIC, GM, and Wuling, has just teased the initial photos of its upcoming Starlight S, CarNewsChina.com reports. It will have a base price of approximately 69,800 yuan ($9,620) to challenge the dominance of current market leaders, such as BYD and Tesla.
Wuling previews Starlight S electric SUV to challenge Tesla & BYD
Wuling’s upcoming Starlight S electric SUV will be available in battery-electric and plug-in hybrid configurations. It will sit below the Wuling Silver Label.
While it uses the Starlight moniker, this new model differs from the Starlight sedan. As mentioned, the Starlight S will arrive as a compact SUV.
With an expected starting price of about $9,700 (69,800 yuan), the Starlight S will compete with BYD Song Plus. For reference, the PHEV variant costs $23,900 (169,800 yuan), while the BEV starts at $25,300 (179,800 yuan).
Meanwhile, the Tesla Model Y RWD (4,751 mm long x 1,978 mm wide x 1,624 mm tall) has a base price of $35,500 (249,900 yuan) in the Chinese market.
Design
The Wuling Starlight S is 4745 mm long, 1890 mm wide, and 1680 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2800 mm.
For comparison, the popular BYD Plus DM-i measures 4775/1890/1670 mm with a 2765 mm wheelbase.
As you can see in the initial photos, the Wuling Starlight S features split headlights and “7”-shaped taillights.
Wuling distinguishes the BEV and PHEV variants by their different front designs and chrome trims.
The Wuling Starlight S also offers an optional sunroof, black roof, roof rack, and front radar. Safety features include anti-lock braking and electronic brake force distribution, among others.
Key specifications
As per the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s released document, the Wuling Starlight S PHEV will feature a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine. It can reportedly yield a maximum power of 78 kW (106 horsepower).
In addition, it will come with two battery pack configurations: 20.5 kWh and 9.5 kWh. The larger option can deliver a pure electric range of 90 km, while the smaller battery pack can only enable 43 km. Wuling has yet to announce the electric motor specification.
On the other hand, the Wuling Starlight S BEV will feature an electric motor with a maximum output of 150 kW (201 horsepower). It will have a lithium iron phosphate battery pack, making it more affordable than other BEV models in the market. However, the automaker has yet to announce its official driving range.
Considering the Wuling Starlight S’ innovations and competitive pricing, it will certainly become a strong contender in the Chinese NEV market. It would be interesting to see how this new affordable model would beat BYD and Tesla’s popular offerings when it hits the market.
