The XS-800 light freighter is one of the more recent designs introduced by the Corellian Engineering Corporation (CEC). The classic freighter design has advanced by leaps and bounds since the popular YT series, and this model was no different. Not only building on the expertise and customer feedback gained from previous freighter models, CEC also devoted resources from its military branch, thus came the arising similarities to the CR corvette series.

In many ways, the ship looks and feels like a downsized version of the CR-90 corvette, with some pilots even going as far as to call it a sister ship. Its sublight and hyperdrive assembly were almost identical in design to the Corellian corvette which is also why many governments favor this ship over other freighter types. Unfortunately, the XS-800 shares one of the major flaws - just another striking similarity - in the weaponry firing arc's large blind spot directly aft of the engine block. Therefore, it was not uncommon to see the XS-800 escorted by squadrons of starfighters for additional support.

Despite these issues, the designers made full use of the engine platform used in the CR-90, improving its performance by 75% notwithstanding its downsizing. Most pilots suffered more than they benefited from this vast performance, as the massive engine power alone demanded a steady hand, noticeably affecting the freighter's manoeuvrability and leading to quite a few mishaps around the docking bays of the galaxy.

With cargo and passenger space in mind, the designers went out of their way to ensure that the XS-800 was a comfortable ship during long hauls for crew and passengers alike. Pilots of these freighters typically lived onboard, so the XS-800 has all the creature comforts anyone could ask for, from a recreational lounge to extra sleeping quarters. It also boasts a forward-mounted dual laser turret system, along with stronger shielding and hull durability than most other freighter designs. Due to this, however, the XS-800 also lacks the usual modifiability of other cargo freighters.

One of the special features and major selling points of this freighter as a passenger vessel was its forward bridge section. In case of an emergency, it could be sealed off and launched as an escape pod, ensuring the safety of its passengers. This unique design was included on top of the standard dual escape pod system standard in many freighter designs.