2019 Geely Xing Yue 400T Review

In recent years, the hybrid SUV market in Malaysia has been gaining momentum. Users are looking for the refueling convenience of fuel-powered vehicles while also wanting to lower daily usage costs. A-Segment hybrid SUVs have become a popular choice for many families. Enter the 2019 Geely Xingyue 400T, a rising star in this segment, which boasts 259PS of combined horsepower, standard intelligent driving assistance features across all variants, and a 2770mm wheelbase as its main highlights. Many consumers are curious about whether it can stand out among competitors in the same class. This time, we aim to thoroughly evaluate this vehicle through static inspection and dynamic test drives to see if it truly meets the needs of family users.

From the exterior design perspective, the overall style of the Xingyue 400T leans towards a sporty aesthetic. The front end features a large blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, creating a strong visual impact. The flowing lines along the side of the body, extending from the A-pillar to the rear, enhance the sense of layering. The 18-inch multi-spoke wheels further amplify the sporty appearance. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights have high recognition when illuminated, while the dual exhaust layout below complements its dynamic performance positioning. The overall design avoids overly complex elements, achieving a timeless and universally appealing look.

Stepping inside, the interior adopts black as the main color tone, accentuated with silver trim, resulting in a clean and straightforward design. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, offering a pleasant tactile experience. The layout of the physical buttons below is logical and user-friendly. One of the interior highlights is the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which boasts a high resolution, responsive system performance, and supports CarPlay and CarLife connectivity features. The instrument cluster is also a 12.3-inch fully digital display capable of showing information like fuel consumption, range, and driving assistance features. The interface is clear and easy to read. In terms of configuration, the entire lineup comes standard with features like lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and automatic parking assistance, making it quite competitive within its class.

Space performance is one of the key concerns for family users, and the Xingyue 400T, with its 2770mm wheelbase, offers ample rear legroom. A passenger standing 175cm tall can sit in the rear seat and still have a two-fist distance between their knees and the front seat, with about one fist of headroom, ensuring a non-restrictive experience. However, since it is a hybrid model, the battery pack takes up some of the trunk space. The standard cargo capacity is 326L, which is sufficient to fit two 20-inch suitcases, but if larger items need to be carried, the rear seats will need to be folded down to expand the space. The rear row is also equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail.

In terms of performance, the Xingyue 400T is powered by a hybrid system consisting of a 1.5T three-cylinder engine and an electric motor, producing a combined maximum output of 259PS and a maximum torque of 415N·m, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch wet transmission. In ECO mode, the car accelerates smoothly, with the intervention of the electric motor almost eliminating any feeling of jerks at low speeds. When switched to SPORT mode, the power response becomes notably quicker, delivering a strong push-back sensation when the accelerator is pressed deeply. The actual 0-100 km/h acceleration time is approximately 7.5 seconds, providing ample confidence during overtaking. The gear shifts are logical and timely, with no obvious hesitation during upshifts or downshifts.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension is very common in the same class, but the tuning of the Xingyue 400T is more focused on comfort. When driving on bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the minor vibrations, and when crossing speed bumps, the body’s bouncing is not obvious; the steering feel is light and has good precision, and the steering wheel becomes heavier during high-speed driving, enhancing stability. However, during cornering, the body leans slightly more, as it is an SUV with a relatively higher center of gravity, so it cannot be expected to have sedan-like handling performance.

As for fuel consumption testing, we drove 50 kilometers on urban roads and highways respectively, and the combined fuel consumption was 5.8L per 100 kilometers, which is significantly higher than the officially announced 1.2L combined fuel consumption. However, considering that the test included many congested road sections and rapid acceleration scenarios, this result is considered average among hybrid SUVs of the same class. The braking performance is impressive, with a 100km/h-0 braking distance of about 38 meters. The braking process is smooth, and no deviation was observed.

Regarding driving comfort, the noise control of the Xingyue 400T is done quite well, with little noticeable wind and tire noise during high-speed driving and a relatively soft engine sound upon engagement. The seats are wrapped in faux leather material, with thick padding that provides good support for the waist and legs, making long-term sitting comfortable without fatigue. The energy recovery system is adjustable in three levels, with the highest level having a noticeable drag feeling and the lowest level resembling the coasting sensation of gasoline-powered cars, thus suiting different driving habits.

Overall, the core advantages of the Xingyue 400T lie in its strong power, rich configuration, and spacious interior. Compared with similarly classed hybrid SUVs like the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, the Xingyue 400T offers greater horsepower, more comprehensive features, and a lower price, making it more cost-effective. However, the Toyota C-HR Hybrid has a slight edge in terms of brand recognition and fuel efficiency. From an overall perspective, this car is suitable for families prioritizing power, features, and affordability, especially for those who often travel with family members; its space and comfort can cater to such needs.

In summary, the 2019 Geely Xingyue 400T is a well-rounded hybrid SUV. Although there's room for improvement in fuel consumption and brand recognition, its strong power, rich configurations, and ample space have already satisfied the needs of most family users. If you're looking for a hybrid SUV suitable for family use, the Xingyue 400T is worth considering.