Wuling Starlight S

Vehicle Overview

The Wuling Starlight S is a compact new energy SUV under SAIC-GM-Wuling’s Wuling brand. First introduced in August 2024, the model is built on the Tianyu Architecture D platform, targeting the family market with an emphasis on generous cabin space. On 15 August 2025, the 2025 facelift model officially went on sale, offering six variants across plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure electric (EV) powertrain options. The PHEV version is priced between RM99,800 and RM129,800, while the EV variant retails from RM119,800 to RM129,800; with limited-time trade-in subsidies, the actual transaction price drops to between RM89,800 and RM119,800. Positioned as a "practical family SUV", its chief rivals include same-segment contenders such as the BYD Song Pro, BYD Yuan UP, and Geely Galaxy L7.

Design Language

The 2025 Wuling Starlight S carries forward the marque's "Star Wing Aesthetics" design language. Up front, it features a split headlamp arrangement, with the upper LED daytime running lights (DRLs) taking styling cues from the "Dunbi" (pausing stroke) in traditional Chinese calligraphy for a distinctive visual signature; the PHEV and EV variants are visually differentiated by their front bumper intake motifs and chrome garnishes. The side profile exhibits clean lines, fitted with 18-inch low-drag five-spoke alloy wheels and chrome window trim, retaining conventional door handles over flush units to prioritise everyday practicality and ease of use. For 2025, an all-new "Star Curtain Black" exterior finish is added, applied using world-class BASF high-clarity clearcoat across an eight-layer paint process. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height (1,685 mm for selected variants), riding on a generous 2,800 mm wheelbase. The rear styling remains clean, highlighted by a high-mounted third brake light and an integrated roof spoiler.

Inside, the cabin features a wraparound dashboard layout. The 2025 model gains a new Aurora Orange interior colour scheme paired with all-new soft-touch materials; the steering wheel transitions from a two-spoke flat-bottom unit to a more generously padded three-spoke design. An 8.8-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen come standard across the range. Gear selection is operated via an electronic steering column-mounted gear stalk.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2025 Wuling Starlight S offers a choice of two powertrain setups: plug-in hybrid and pure electric.

The PHEV variant is available with either a 1.5L naturally aspirated or a 1.5T high-output petrol engine. The 1.5L unit produces a maximum power of 78 kW (approx. 106 PS) and 130 Nm of peak torque; the 1.5T high-output engine (exclusive to the 130km High-Power Flagship variant) delivers 105 kW (approx. 143 PS) and 220 Nm, achieving an impressive thermal efficiency of 43.2%. On the electric drive side, the 1.5L setup is paired with a 150 kW electric motor, while the 1.5T variant features a 160 kW motor. Battery options include 9.5 kWh and 20.5 kWh Shenlian lithium iron phosphate (LFP) packs, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 60 km and 130 km, respectively. Under NEDC testing, battery-depleted fuel consumption is rated as low as 3.9 L/100 km.

The EV variant is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 310 Nm of torque. Matched with a 60 kWh LFP battery pack, it delivers a CLTC pure electric driving range of 510 km. It supports 2C DC fast charging, taking just 20 minutes to replenish the battery from 30% to 80%.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the Wuling Starlight S is underpinned by the Tianyu Architecture D platform. Suspension duties are handled by a front MacPherson strut and a rear E-type four-link independent suspension layout. The rear suspension adopts a "three-horizontal, one-longitudinal" E-type multi-link design featuring a 100% flexible subframe mount to the body; the front subframe uses a full-perimeter cradle structure, significantly improving front-end torsional rigidity over standard crossmembers in this price bracket. Aluminium alloy steering knuckles are utilised to reduce unsprung mass. This chassis was awarded the "Top Ten Chassis in China" title in 2024. The suspension is tuned with a distinct focus on ride comfort, effectively soaking up road imperfections and minor bumps. High-strength steel makes up 82.5% of the body construction, with 1,500 MPa hot-stamped steel applied to vital structural sections such as the A- and B-pillars. 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted across the entire model lineup.

Cabin and Equipment

In terms of smart cockpit technology, the 2025 Starlight S comes standard with a 15.6-inch floating central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster across all variants. Infotainment is powered by the Ling OS smart operating system, newly adding the Lingyu AI Hub with deep integration of the DeepSeek large language model (LLM), supporting a 0.3-second rapid voice wake-up and a 95% dialect recognition rate. The system integrates popular applications including AutoNavi Maps, QQ Music, and iQIYI. On the convenience front, new equipment additions include a 50W air-cooled wireless smartphone charger and a 9-speaker DTS immersive sound system. The seats are upholstered in faux leather, with the driver's seat offering 6-way power adjustment. The rear seat backrests feature stepless recline adjustment of up to 127 degrees, complete with seat heating. Boot capacity stands at 525 litres in standard guise, expandable to 610 litres via an adjustable two-tier boot floor, and extends up to 1,768 litres with the rear seats folded down; 23 storage compartments are strategically positioned throughout the cabin.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For occupant safety, the 2025 Starlight S comes standard with six airbags across all trims (dual front, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags). The body features a reinforced 6-ring cage design, with high-strength steel accounting for 82.5% of the vehicle's structural frame. The battery uses Shenlian safety cells engineered against thermal runaway; Wuling officially claims zero spontaneous combustion incidents across a cumulative two million new energy vehicles.

In the intelligent driving department, the 2025 Starlight S is equipped with the Lingmou Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The Flagship variant features Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, powered by a suite of 21 high-precision perception sensors across the vehicle. Key functions include Full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC, 0–130 km/h), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW/LDP), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). It also supports Highway Navigation Pilot (map-free version), Highway Auto Lane Change, and Full-scenario Automated Parking Assist; the automated parking process takes an average of just 30 seconds, supporting 2-kilometre multi-level memory parking and 100-metre reverse tracking assist. Furthermore, the vehicle comes standard with a 540° panoramic camera system (360° HD surround view + 180° transparent chassis view).

Market Performance and Reception

The Wuling Starlight S made a solid market debut, maintaining monthly sales of around 7,000 units in its early stages. From September 2024 (its first full calendar month of sales) through December, monthly deliveries held steady around the 7,000-unit mark, recording 6,920 units in December 2024. However, sales momentum subsequently slowed, dropping to 2,873 units in January 2025 and 1,866 units in February; monthly sales hovered between 1,000 and 1,450 units from June to November 2025. Full-year cumulative sales in 2024 totaled approximately 30,584 units, while full-year deliveries in 2025 settled at around 22,703 units.

In terms of market feedback, owners have widely praised the Starlight S for its generous rear legroom courtesy of the 2,800 mm wheelbase, the comfortable ride quality delivered by the rear four-link independent suspension, and the PHEV’s frugal depleted-battery fuel consumption of just 3.9 L/100 km. Nonetheless, automotive observers note that the entry-level 60km range variant misses out on DC fast charging, and with rival models in the segment aggressively cutting prices and adding equipment, the Starlight S faces considerable competitive pressure. Overall, backed by key selling points including the Tianyu Architecture D platform, rear E-type four-link independent suspension, 2,800 mm ultra-long wheelbase, dual powertrain options, and up to 510 km of EV range, the Wuling Starlight S carves out a differentiated value proposition centred on space and cost-effectiveness in the RM90,000 to RM130,000 new energy compact SUV segment; however, amid intensifying market competition and brand upmarket challenges, its sales momentum still has room for revival.