Chevy Launches New Malibu XL in China
China has a new flagship sedan, and it’s a Chevrolet.
SAIC-GM began rolling out the Chevy Malibu XL last month, bringing the nameplate into its ninth generation with new technologies such as OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi and MyLink infotainment, a revised sport-inspired chassis, a ton of new active safety features, and a high-end appearance both inside and out.
The Malibu XL will be offered in six trims that will range between RMB 179,900 and RMB 249,900. Later in 2016, it will also be offered with a hybrid powertrain.
Fun fact: while General Motors offers a number of vehicles in China with extended wheelbases, including the popular Cadillac ATS-L, and while the Malibu XL does boast a long wheelbase, the XL in this case does not indicate “extended length,” but rather “Cross Limits.” Why? Because the Malibu “challenges the defined boundaries of its segment.” And now you know.
“The Chevrolet Malibu XL represents the start of an exciting new era for Chevrolet in China, as the brand introduces 20 new and upgraded models within the next five years,” said SAIC-GM President Wang Yongqing.
From a design standpoint, the new Malibu XL boasts a sleeker and stiffer body bolstered by a structure consisting of 40% ultra-high-strength steel. The fastback features Chevy’s new face and dual-element grille, as well as character lines and design cues inspired by the Malibu’s 1970s predecessors.
On the inside, the Malibu XL features a floating center console with 8-inch color touchscreen display, and the cabin will be a calm and peaceful place to ride thanks to Active Noise Cancellation, an acoustic-laminated windshield, Liquid Applied Sound Deadening, and Shiloh Patch composite material for added insulation.
The Malibu XL will be offered with a lighter 1.5-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine or a 2.5-liter direct-inject engine for more power.
Safety features made available for the Malibu XL include Front Pedestrian Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Intellibeam, Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Automatic Braking, and Automatic Parking Assist.
Gallery: 2016 Chevy Malibu XL Launched in China
The new Chevy Malibu XL compared to the previous-gen Malibu
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