
The specific differences between the Xingyue S and Xingyue are as follows: 1. Powertrain: The Xingyue S offers two different powertrain calibrations. The high-power variant delivers a maximum horsepower of 238 HP and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, paired with an 8AT transmission. The low-power variant provides a maximum horsepower of 190 HP and a maximum torque of 300 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Some models also come with a four-wheel-drive system. The chassis of the new car has been specially tuned by the team, which is expected to enhance its sportiness. The Xingyue, on the other hand, only offers one powertrain calibration. 2. Interior: The Xingyue S features some green decorative accents that echo the exterior design, creating a strong sense of unity, while the Xingyue does not. Additionally, the Xingyue S includes extra features such as OTA upgrades and LED headlights.

When I compared the Xingyue and Xingyue S at the 4S store before, as an average car owner, I found the design differences most noticeable. The Xingyue S emphasizes a sporty style, featuring a blackened honeycomb grille paired with sharp headlights and more angular body lines, giving it a cooler overall look. In contrast, the standard Xingyue has a more family-friendly design with rounded, understated styling. Their dimensions are similar, but the S version offers unique color options like Dynamic Red and upgrades to 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, which turn heads on the road. Inside, the S adds carbon fiber trim and sport seats with strong bolstering, creating a cockpit-like feel reminiscent of a sports car, while the standard Xingyue prioritizes softer, more comfortable seating. These changes position the Xingyue S toward younger buyers who enjoy performance-oriented driving, though they may come at a slight cost to practicality and space. When choosing, it depends on personal style—the S’s eye-catching design is a definite plus, but maintenance costs are slightly higher, such as the paint being more prone to scratches.

Having driven for many years and experienced both the Xingyue and Xingyue S, the most striking difference is in performance. The standard Xingyue uses a 1.5T engine, delivering a smooth and fuel-efficient ride ideal for city commuting. The Xingyue S, on the other hand, comes with a more powerful 2.0T engine, boosting output by about 30 horsepower, cutting 0-100 km/h acceleration by two seconds, and featuring a stiffer suspension setup for better cornering support. Fuel economy favors the standard Xingyue, while the sportier S version consumes slightly more, especially noticeable during spirited highway driving with its stronger acceleration push. In city traffic, the fuel consumption gap narrows. For occasional long trips like mine, the Xingyue S’s exhilarating power is more satisfying, with quicker brake response to prevent skidding during sudden stops. A downside is the S’s slightly louder noise levels, particularly tire roar at high speeds, which compromises comfort. Ultimately, the choice depends on daily needs: opt for the S if you crave excitement, or the standard version for practicality and fuel efficiency.

I pay attention to automotive tech details, and the Xingyue and Xingyue S have substantial upgrades in configurations. The standard Xingyue comes with a 10.25-inch central control screen, which is functional but not particularly flashy, while the Xingyue S offers a 12.3-inch HD screen with smoother touch response, plus added AI voice interaction and a HUD (Heads-Up Display) for clear driving information at a glance. For comfort features, the S includes heated and ventilated seats and wireless charging, which may be optional in the standard version. In terms of safety, the S comes standard with Level 2 driving assistance, featuring more responsive automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, whereas the standard Xingyue has basic safety functions but lacks some of the premium feel. The price difference is around ten thousand yuan—is it worth the upgrades? For someone like me who values experience, the S's cockpit enhances quality of life, but with a limited budget, the standard Xingyue is practical enough.

When it comes to pricing, I specifically compared the pricing strategies of the Xingyue and Xingyue S. The standard Xingyue starts at around 120,000 RMB, which is economical and suitable for beginners or families. The Xingyue S is positioned as a premium model, starting at 130,000 RMB, noticeably more expensive, targeting the sports enthusiast market. This price difference buys you the aforementioned design and performance upgrades, but the resale value is similar—the price gap won’t be significant after a few years on the used market. In terms of maintenance costs, the S’s parts, like the sporty body kit, are slightly more expensive, while the standard version is simpler and cheaper to maintain. From a market perspective, the S appeals to younger buyers, while the standard Xingyue is more practical. If I were on a tight budget, I’d find the standard version more cost-effective, especially for city commuting with its lower fuel consumption.

Driving the Xingyue and Xingyue S daily, my most prominent impression is their comfort. The regular Xingyue has softer suspension, providing a quiet and smooth ride over bumpy roads, with spacious seats that don’t tire your back during long drives. The Xingyue S, tuned for sportiness, has stiffer suspension, offering stronger road feedback and stable cornering but noticeable bumps, especially with loud noise on gravel roads. Both cars comfortably seat five, but the S’s sport seats offer better support, though they might feel slightly stuffy over time. In terms of fuel consumption, the regular Xingyue averages 5-6L/100km, which is worry-free, while the S sports version averages 7-8L—not a huge difference. If you prioritize quiet long-distance comfort, the regular version is ideal; the S offers precise handling, perfect for speed enthusiasts, but practicality needs to be weighed.


