6-7 SUVs Launch in Waves: After Reviewing These Four, the Conclusion Was Surprising

Over the past two months, new car launches have been pouring out like dumplings at a festival—one after another. Honestly, it's becoming hard to keep up. Especially with the SUVs and MPVs I'm following.Car models. Every major manufacturer is going all out. Of course, I haven't been idle either—I've tested just about every model on the market. Here's what I have to say.New cars I've recently followed and touched at the A-hand dealership.

Wuling Starlight L

The Wuling Starlight L has become a huge hit lately, absolutely dominating the conversation around large six-seater SUVs. Many members of my car enthusiast group are sharing videos and articles from media outlets featuring test drives and teardown analyses.

About the Wuling Xingguang L: The people's six-seater is finally here.

First, the pre-sale price: 12.28 to 14.28 ten thousand. For a mid-size six-seater SUV, that's unheard of. So when the official price dropped, I knew Wuling was up to its usual tricks. The Starlight L follows Wuling's signature playbook: spacious interior, long range, and aggressive pricing. Get a six-seat plug-in hybrid SUV for just over 12 ten thousand—what more could you ask for?

The Wuling Xingguang L is positioned as a mid-to-large SUV with body dimensions of 4980 x 1930 x 1760 mm and a wheelbase of 2950mm. It offers 5-seat and 6-seat configurations. The 6-seat version features independent captain's chairs in the second row, a center aisle width of 190 mm, and a spacious third-row seat with an adjustable backrest angle. Designed around "Floating Aesthetics," it boasts a closed-off front fascia and a贯穿式 light bar. While not immediately striking, it commands full presence on the road with unmatched confidence.

The powertrain is a 1.5L plug-in hybrid. The engine produces 78kW, the motor delivers 170kW, and it's paired with 37.9kWh Shenlian Battery. CLTC pure electric range is 260km, total range is 1260km, fuel consumption in battery-depleted mode is 4.9L/100km. Supports 3C fast charging: 15 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%. Also features 3.3kW V2L (Vehicle-to-Load).

Inside, it features a 8.8-inch instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, wireless phone charging for the front row, fold-down tables for the second row, and independent rear climate control. For safety, it includes a six-ring high-strength steel frame with 21 hot-formed steel parts made from 1500MPa, accounting for 75% of the vehicle's total high-strength steel content.

Overall, the Wuling Starlight L is absolutely reliable.

BYD Tang EV

I've been following DT EV for quite some time and have test-driven and ridden in it multiple times. My subjective take: DT EV is a game-changer compared to its competitors.

The pre-sale price is 23.99 to 30.99 million. Many members in our car owner groups think this is an incredible deal, and quite a few have already placed their deposits.

The Tang EV stands out for its powertrain and chassis, earning high praise from tech-savvy buyers: a standard 1000V high-voltage platform, Gen-2 Blade Battery, up to 950km range, 30% to 80% charge in just 5 minutes, full charge in 9 minutes. Even at -30°C, charging time increases by only 3 minutes. The chassis comes standard with Cloud Suspension-A dual-chamber air suspension + road preview, rear-wheel steering, and a turning radius of just 5.2m for a 5.26m-long vehicle—more agile than mid-size sedans. It also supports Crab Walk mode for diagonal movement.

The most powerful move is that BYD has introduced a full-coverage compensation policy. Within 1 years of vehicle delivery, any accident while using City Pilot will be fully covered by the manufacturer—a level of confidence that speaks volumes. This clearly shows BYD's absolute confidence in its God's Eye system 5.0, which combines LiDAR with end-to-end large models. In terms of safety, the TBC High-Speed Blowout Stability System can maintain control even during a straight-line tire blowout at speeds up to 200km/h, supported by a body made of 2000MPa hot-formed steel.

As for the driving experience, my test drives revealed a large vehicle that feels agile and stable. The DiSus-A system keeps the car composed through high-ramp curves with minimal body roll. It absorbs road imperfections crisply—sharply defined feedback over speed bumps or manhole covers without being harsh, almost like compressing non-Newtonian fluid. While I haven't tested the 3.9-second 0-60 mph sprint, flooring the accelerator delivers a compelling push-back sensation.

2027 Leapmotor C16

The Leapmotor C16 doesn't need much introduction—it's a solid, genuine upgrade. While the price remains between 14.58k and 18.18k, there are significant feature enhancements.

First, the core powertrain: the extended-range battery has been upgraded to 38.9 kWh, with pure electric range reaching CLTC 280 km and total combined range hitting 1230 km. The all-electric version features a 800V high-voltage platform, a 81.9 kWh battery, and delivers up to 630 km of CLTC range.

The cabin upgrades are also significant. The central display has been upgraded from 14.6 inches to a 17.3-inch 3K screen, and an 60-inch AR-HUD has been added. Powered by the 8295P chip, the Laser Radar Max trim features 128 LiDAR units with NOA intelligent driving. Rear passengers now enjoy a ceiling-mounted screen, a built-in refrigerator, and more. Even the seats, which were previously criticized, have been improved: the front seats offer zero-gravity positioning, while the second row now includes ventilation, heating, and massage functions. Additionally, the third-row seat cushion is thicker, enhancing overall comfort.

Additionally, the chassis now features front MacPherson struts and a rear five-link suspension, paired with FSD dampers that automatically adjust stiffness when crossing speed bumps or uneven roads.

In short, for the same price, you can now get a better Leapmotor C16. For home use, it's already an excellent choice.

2027 Ford Explorer

I got the chance to experience this vehicle after several friends asked me to. Actually, I had test-driven and ridden in the Explorer昆仑 Edition 24/25 much earlier on. Even back then, I was already quite impressed with the Explorer—it's a rugged, powerful SUV built on a solid foundation.

The 2027 Explorer has just launched with numerous upgrades. During the visit, we noticed significant enhancements from exterior to interior, especially in the cabin, which now features a more refined design and superior build quality.

The most noticeable change is at the front, where a new borderless grille and a full-width LED light bar give it a much more refined look compared to the previous rugged design. A new Sahara Gold color is available, but I still find Arctic Orange more striking—especially when paired with the blacked-out trim for a sharper style.

The new model addresses the previously criticized infotainment lag by upgrading to SYNC Max with a Qualcomm 8155 chipset. Navigation has switched from Baidu to Amap, significantly improving responsiveness. The voice assistant now leverages large language models for direct control without wake-up commands. Most notably, the second row finally includes ventilation and executive-grade sunshades, making rear-seat comfort much better in summer. Additionally, a 540-degree transparent chassis view has been added for greater confidence on rough roads. The Kunlun Peak Edition features a Torsen differential lock and supports towing up to 2.1 tons.

I haven't test-driven the new car yet, so I'll share my driving impressions later. But judging by the specs—the CD-6 longitudinal rear-wheel-drive platform, 2.3T engine paired with a 10AT transmission, standard detachable intelligent all-wheel drive, 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, and aluminum lower control arms—I expect the Ford Explorer in its 2027 generation to continue delivering a stable and reliable driving experience. It should have strong highway acceleration and handle steep inclines even when fully loaded without issue.

Overall, the Explorer remains a reliable choice for off-road adventures and cross-country trips. The Wuling Starlight L and Leapmotor C6 will continue to dominate the SUV segment with their competitive features and excellent user experience, making them top favorites. Meanwhile, the Datang EV offers the perfect balance of budget-friendly pricing and rich functionality, standing out as a top pick for families seeking a spacious six-seater SUV without compromise.