Geely's Xingyuan, a compact electric hatchback, has been making waves in China's budget EV market. A recent three-day test by Autohome (Autohome) put the updated model through its paces, covering 304.5 km across varied conditions with an average consumption of 12.1 kWh/100km. The trip computer showed figures between 10.7 and 11.9 kWh/100km, translating to a cost of just 0.18 yuan per km (about $0.025) when charging at public stations averaging 1.5 yuan per kWh. Even without home charging, the Xingyuan proves economical for daily commuting, and its fast-charging capability—30% to 80% in a claimed 19 minutes—alleviates range anxiety.
Chassis and handling: a class above
Unlike most rivals that use front-wheel drive with torsion beam rear suspensions, the Xingyuan comes standard with MacPherson front and multi-link independent rear suspension—a significant upgrade for the segment. Autohome's testers found that the setup filters out minor road imperfections effectively, with vertical body movements over speed bumps settling quickly, avoiding the loose feel typical of budget cars. The rear-mounted electric motor and rear-wheel drive layout, combined with a 4.95-meter turning radius, make it exceptionally maneuverable in tight urban spaces. The car handles consecutive hairpin turns with agility, and the rear even exhibits a slight tendency to rotate when accelerating out of corners, aided by precise steering.
However, under higher lateral G-forces, the suspension's rear end shows limited support, leading to noticeable body roll and persistent tire squeal. Autohome notes this is common in the class, but given the top trim's price reaches 90,000 yuan (about $12,700), expectations are higher. At speeds above 100 km/h, wind noise around the mirrors and A-pillars, along with road noise from the 205mm-wide tires, become more apparent, slightly diminishing the premium feel experienced at lower speeds.
Updates and interior improvements
The new Xingyuan addresses several previous shortcomings. The most notable interior change is the adoption of an electronic gear shifter on the steering column, improving convenience. The top trim now features the Longying 1 chip and Flyme Auto 2.0 system, offering smoother UI animations and faster menu navigation. Space remains a core strength, with 36 storage compartments, a large passenger-side drawer, and a 70-liter front trunk. Rear passenger space is generous for an A0-class car.
In terms of driver assistance, the system's lane-change strategy is conservative, but acceleration and braking are linear, effectively reducing driver fatigue on highways. Parking assistance is also enhanced, a boon for a small car. Autohome's overall impression: the Xingyuan is easy to drive, easy to park, and easy on the eyes. The updated model continues to improve despite strong sales, with a 480 km CLTC range (approximately 384-408 km WLTP est.) addressing range anxiety, Flyme Auto resolving infotainment issues, and the chassis remaining a standout in its class. This momentum suggests its popularity may persist for some time.
