Is the Wuling Xingchen SUV rear-wheel drive?
3 Answers
Yes. Here are the relevant details: Exterior Design: The front features a large-sized winged grille with a gradient blackened mesh inside, connected by a chrome strip that highlights the centrally placed Wuling silver emblem. The rear employs extensive black trim connecting the "folded-wing" taillights on both sides, creating a broader appearance, with hidden exhaust pipes. Interior Design: Equipped with a 10.25-inch floating HD central touchscreen paired with a fully digital instrument cluster, enhancing the vehicle's technological feel. The floating screen also integrates with hidden central air vents, forming a clean and crisp interior space. Additionally, the Wuling Xingchen's steering wheel adopts a flat-bottom design, adding sportiness while improving operational convenience.
I have studied the drivetrain of the Wuling Xingchen SUV, which is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive model. The engine is located at the front and directly drives the front wheels. The rear wheels are non-driven, meaning they receive no power. This layout is simple in structure, with minimal floor hump in the cabin, allowing three passengers to sit comfortably in the rear. The manufacturer opted for front-wheel drive to save fuel and costs, reducing the selling price to align with its family car positioning. However, the 2023 hybrid version is somewhat special. It uses the engine to drive the front wheels, while the rear wheels are powered by an independent electric motor. During startup or rapid acceleration, both motors work together, creating a quasi-all-wheel-drive effect, though it's not the traditional mechanical AWD found in conventional fuel-powered cars. Under normal driving conditions, it primarily operates as front-wheel drive, with the rear motor only engaging when necessary.
I've driven my friend's Xingchen SUV and specifically asked about this. The salesperson told me it's front-wheel drive, with the engine in front only powering the front wheels. Since the rear wheels aren't driven, it naturally eliminates complex structures like the driveshaft, making the trunk space much more regular. It feels light on the steering wheel, suitable for city commuting, and the fuel consumption isn't high either. However, when climbing steep slopes, the front wheels occasionally slip slightly, as the weight shifts to the rear wheels. In snowy areas like the north, rear-wheel-drive cars are prone to fishtailing in the snow, while front-wheel drive is more stable. But if you're driving on dirt roads or muddy terrain, it doesn't feel as powerful as a hardcore off-roader with four-wheel drive, after all, the Xingchen is more focused on family use.
