General Motors just launched the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu XL in China, strengthening Chevrolet‘s midsize sedan lineup in the Asian country with three new mid-level grades and a new powertrain option. As such, the new Malibu XL model year adds a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the existing lineup to enhance its competitiveness in the world’s largest auto market.
Specifically, the main novelty of the Chinese-market 2021 Chevrolet Malibu XL is the turbo 1.5L LFV I-4 engine that produces 166 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s exclusively mated to GM’s nine-speed automatic transmission, making the 2021 Malibu XL the Bow Tie brand’s first model to equip this powertrain combination in the country.
This is an important addition to Chevrolet’s flagship sedan in China, where until now, the entry-level and mid-range variants only featured a 162-horsepower, turbocharged 1.3L three-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission – a combination that fails to attract many buyers. The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu XL now offers more options as it will also continue to be available with the 1.3L engine and the range-topping turbo 2.0L LSY I-4.
“Our new entries provide an exciting opportunity for the Malibu XL to keep up with the diverse preferences of midsize car buyers,” said General Director of Chevrolet in SAIC-GM, Scott Lawson, in a statement. “The new engine and powertrain combination offers the perfect balance of performance and fuel economy. Like the rest of the Malibu XL lineup, the new variants feature an athletic design, dynamic handling and amazing features all at an attractive price,” he added.
On an aesthetic level, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu XL maintains exactly the same design of the previous model year both inside and out. However, the sedan’s cabin adopts Chevrolet’s latest infotainment system with support for multiple local services, the OnStar telematics system with standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot as well as two new interior color options: Rock Gray and Night Black.
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu XL is now on sale in the Chinese market with the three new mid-level trims that equip the turbo 1.5L engine, equivalent to the LT trim level sold in North America. The remaining 2021 versions with the two carryover engines will be offered from October. The currently available 2021 Malibu XL trims offer six exterior colors and carries an eight-year warranty, with the following pricing:
- Malibu XL “Ruixing Edition”: 164,900 CNY (about $23,940 USD at the current exchange rate)
- Malibu XL “Sharp Edition”: 174,900 CNY ($25,380 USD)
- Malibu XL “Ruilian Edition”: 184,900 CNY ($26,830 USD)
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Comments
Interesting that they put an even wimpier base engine in the Malibu for the Chinese market.
I’m actually surprised they don’t have an electric version or some other unique setup that isn’t offered here.
This is proof that if the demand in China was strong enough, Chevrolet would build a 2-door coupe variant of their Malibu as a 2022 model.
I thought the Chinese preferred cars with roomy back seats. A two door would seem to be the opposite.
Has that changed?
The 1.3L engine would fail to attract any and all buyers!
GM Korea has prove it. Korean Malibu needs to bring back 4-cylinder engine!
so chinese don’t want a 3 cylinder malibu but americans are going bananas over a 3 cylinder trailblazer/encore gx?
Interesting that the Chinese Malibu with the 1.5T makes 6 more HP and is mated to the 9 speed instead of the CVT that ours gets. Wonder why that is?
I was kind of disappointed to hear that the Chinese market gets that combo. The US should have seen that before the cvt. Just switching the 2.0t’s 8 spd to the 9 spd improved acceleration. I’ll bet that having the 9 spd replace the cvt would retain the fuel economy while also improving acceleration. Which a lot of people tend to actually complain about the anemic power, whether its reviews or consumers.
For the American market we need the 2.7 tripower 4 cylinder come on chevy you used to put the 396 in the Nova.show some balls chevy.
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