Geely Xingrui

The Geely Xingrui is a compact C-segment sedan under Geely Auto, first launched in November 2020 as the inaugural sedan built on the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform during the "Geely 4.0 Era". Positioned as the "Disrupter of Chinese Family Sedans", the model broke the long-standing monopoly of joint-venture marques in the C-segment sedan category with its generous 2,800 mm wheelbase, standard 2.0TD powertrains across the range, and high-end smart tech. As of October 2025, the Xingrui range has firmly retained the top sales spot among Chinese-brand petrol sedans in its segment, with cumulative deliveries of the China Star series exceeding 1.62 million units. The lineup currently on sale mainly comprises the 2025–2026 "Dongfang Yao" series and Champion Edition variants, offering a choice of 1.5TD and 2.0TD powertrains, with official retail prices spanning between RM98,700 and RM138,700.

Design Language

The Xingrui’s exterior blends Geely’s 4.0 corporate face with traditional oriental design cues. Up front sits a prominent vertical-slat waterfall radiator grille with outward-flaring chrome accents, flanked by sharp, three-segment LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that lend the car a planted, wide-body stance. The Dongfang Yao editions also draw inspiration from Peking Opera masks and auspicious cloud motifs, introducing bespoke Dunhuang Silk Road-inspired paint options such as "Yueya Green" and "Mogao Blue".

Along the flanks, a sharp dual-shoulder character line extends cleanly from the front fender all the way to the tail lights, complemented by 18-inch "Lanye Feiying" alloy wheels and red brake callipers for a purposeful, forward-leaning profile. Round the back, full-width LED tail lights with dynamic sequential turn indicators are paired with quad exhaust tailpipes and a neat gloss-black bootlid spoiler, noticeably dialling up the car's sporty vibes.

In terms of dimensions, the 2025 Xingrui measures 4,825 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,469 mm tall (with certain variants at 4,785/1,869/1,469 mm), sitting on a 2,800 mm wheelbase. Overall length has grown by 40 mm over earlier models, effectively matching traditional D-segment sedan proportions. Available body colours include Yunsha White, Moyan Black, Cangyan Grey, Shiqing, Shilu, and the edition-exclusive Yueya Green.

Inside, the cabin features a driver-centric wraparound layout, with the dashboard upholstered in premium soft-touch materials with contrast stitching. The Dongfang Yao variants gain a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch full digital instrument cluster. Gear selection is handled via a column-mounted crystal electronic shifter, accented by "Deer Leaping to the Stars" 3D laser-etched trim inserts and 256-colour ambient lighting to balance oriental luxury with modern tech. In terms of seating, higher trims feature "Qingshan Lanyue" semi-bucket seats in leather and Alcantara upholstery, with the driver's seat benefiting from 10-way power adjustment, ventilation, and heating functions.

Powertrain & Performance

The Xingrui is offered with two turbocharged petrol powertrains—1.5TD and 2.0TD—both compliant with China VI b emission standards and tuned to run on regular RON 92 petrol:

• 1.5TD Variant: Powered by a BHE15-EFZ 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 133 kW (181 PS) and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). Rated fuel consumption stands at 6.2 L/100 km on the WLTC cycle, prioritising day-to-day running economy.

• 2.0TD Variant: Available in two states of tune. The standard-output version puts out 140 kW (190 PS) and 300 Nm through a 7DCT, completing the 0–100 km/h century sprint in 7.9 seconds. The high-output variant (Dongfang Yao series) runs a JLH-4G20TDH engine delivering between 175 kW (238 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS) alongside 350–400 Nm of torque, driving the wheels via an Aisin 8-speed torque-converter automatic (8AT) to cut the 0–100 km/h sprint down to 6.5–6.9 seconds.

Chassis & Handling

Built on the modular CMA architecture, the front-wheel-drive Xingrui features an all-independent suspension setup with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Chassis tuning was conducted jointly with CEVT (China Euro Vehicle Technology) in Sweden, incorporating a performance-oriented negative camber setup and thick anti-roll bars to deliver an ideal balance of sharp handling and high-speed composure. Steering is managed by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack, while stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, operated via an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. Depending on the spec, tyre sizes range from 215/55 R17 and 225/45 R18 to 235/45 R18 (on high-spec Dongfang Yao grades) for optimal tyre grip. Available drive modes include Standard/Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart.

Cabin Tech & Equipment

The 2025 Xingrui comes equipped with the Flyme Auto operating system, underpinned by the Geely Xingrui AI model and the brand's GEEA 3.0 electronic architecture, supporting full-vehicle seamless FOTA over-the-air updates.

Display hardware on base grades consists of a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen and a 7-inch instrument cluster. The Dongfang Yao models upgrade to a 14.6-inch floating main touchscreen (boasting an 87% screen-to-body ratio) and a 10.2-inch full digital driver display, complete with multi-screen interlinkage and an AR-HUD head-up display. The system runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, supporting a responsive voice assistant (capable of processing 8 commands in 10 seconds), AutoNavi AutoSDK 810 navigation, 4G LTE connectivity, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

In terms of cabin comforts, higher variants receive a 12-speaker Infinity audio system (including driver headrest speakers with Harman LOGIC7 surround processing), a 50W cooled wireless smartphone charging pad, front seats with ventilation/heating/memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, and a PM2.5 cabin air filter. Flagship trims also feature an executive-style front passenger seat with one-touch lounge recline and powered ottoman leg-rest adjustment.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Underpinned by the CMA platform's crashworthiness credentials, the Xingrui utilises a rigid safety cage containing 70.2% high-strength steel, achieving a C-NCAP five-star crash safety rating. Passive safety is covered across the range by standard dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags (6 airbags in total).

Active safety hardware across the range includes ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a direct tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The Dongfang Yao and higher grades are upgraded with the "Qianli Haohan H3" ADAS suite, which relies on 11 HD cameras, 3 millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and an onboard processor rated at 128 TOPS.

The Level 2/Level 2+ advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) pack Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB with full-stop braking from up to 120 km/h), Forward and Rear Collision Warning, Door Opening Warning (DOW), Blind Spot Monitoring with Lane Change Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Top trims add Automatic Emergency Steering (AES), a 540-degree transparent chassis camera system, and automated parking (APA/RPA).

Market Reception & Editorial Verdict

Since its market debut in 2020, the Xingrui has enjoyed strong sales momentum. As of October 2025, cumulative sales of the China Star product family (comprising Xingrui, Xingyue L, and others) topped 1.62 million units, with the Xingrui consistently leading the monthly charts for Chinese-brand petrol sedans. In the first eight months of 2025, despite mounting pressure from the electrification boom, the Xingrui bucked the market trend to retain the number-one sales crown among domestic ICE sedans.

Benchmarked against similarly priced rivals like the Changan Eado PLUS, Chery Arrizo 8, Volkswagen Lavida, and Nissan Sylphy, the Xingrui holds a clear upper hand in overall dimensions (4,825 mm length / 2,800 mm wheelbase) and powertrain punch (high-output 2.0TD producing 238 PS). The rollout of the 2025 Dongfang Yao lineup has extended its value-for-money appeal by democratising Level 2 ADAS, the slick Flyme Auto cockpit, and a robust 2.0TD + 8AT drivetrain down to the competitive RM100,000 price point.

From an ownership standpoint, the Xingrui has earned widespread praise for its palatial rear legroom, planted European-style ride, and effortless power delivery. Motoring media have noted that its success stems not merely from attractive pricing, but from fundamentally shifting the goalposts of what a sub-RM150,000 family sedan should offer via CMA platform engineering, 2.0T firepower, and advanced tech. Criticism remains minor, mostly pointing to higher urban fuel consumption on the 2.0T versions, noticeable tyre roar over rough tarmac, and a third-party infotainment app store that could offer wider variety.

On the whole, the Geely Xingrui lives up to its "Disrupter" moniker by leveraging CMA platform refinement, a D-segment-rivaling 2,800 mm wheelbase, punchy turbocharged engines, and capable Level 2 driving aids. The 2025 Dongfang Yao updates further cement its segment-leading benchmark status with refreshed aesthetics, smarter infotainment, and uprated mechanicals. For car buyers shopping within a budget of RM100,000 to RM150,000 who want generous interior space, responsive performance, and modern tech without making the jump to an EV, the Xingrui stands out as one of the most compelling petrol family sedans on the market today.