The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is already a legend in the world of urban electric vehicles. Now, get ready for its bigger, bolder sibling: the five-door variant, hitting the Chinese market with a bang on February 22. This isn’t just a minor refresh, it’s a significant leap forward, built on a brand-new platform designed to redefine practicality and charm in the electric city car segment.
Longer, Wider, and Ready for More Adventure
Remember the original three-door Mini EV that took the world by storm, even becoming the best-selling EV globally in 2023? Well, it’s maturing. While the previous model saw a slight dip in sales, with 261,141 units sold in China, the five-door version is here to recapture hearts and market share. This isn’t just about adding a couple of doors, it is about unlocking a whole new level of usability.
This new five-door model rides on the fresh Tianyu electric architecture, allowing for a more substantial footprint. Measuring 3256 mm long, it’s 336 mm longer than its predecessor, 17 mm wider, and sits 43 mm lower, giving it a more planted, modern stance. The wheelbase also stretches a generous 250 mm, reaching 2190 mm. That’s a considerable growth spurt for a compact car, translating directly into real-world benefits for you.
More Space, More Smiles
The extra length and clever engineering mean the five-door Mini EV truly enhances practicality. Think about it: more space for your passengers in the second row, making those quick trips with friends or family much more comfortable. And for those grocery runs or weekend गेटaways, you now have a respectable 123 liters of trunk space. Need to haul something bigger? Fold down those rear seats, and you unlock a cavernous 745 liters of cargo room. Plus, with 19 strategically placed storage compartments throughout the cabin, you will find a spot for all your bits and pieces. This car truly understands what urban life demands.
Tech-Forward Interior and Reassuring Safety
Step inside and you will be greeted by an all-new interior design that feels fresh and modern. It boasts an 8-inch infotainment screen, an LCD instrument cluster, and four comfortable seats with integrated headrests. The design language, first seen in the popular Wuling Bingo hatchback, brings a cute charm with its oval-shaped headlamps and soft, rounded body panels. It is a styling choice that simply makes you smile.
Underneath that cheerful exterior, the five-door Mini EV is serious about safety. It features a ring-shaped cage body, with a robust 67% of its structure made from high-strength steel. This strong build provides a solid foundation, and the inclusion of two airbags further ups the safety ante, offering more peace of mind on bustling city streets.
Power, Range, and Rapid Charging for City Living
Driving the new Mini EV is an experience tailored for the urban landscape. It draws power from a Shenlian LFP battery, developed in-house by SGMW, with a capacity of 16.2 kWh. This feeds a 30 kW (40 hp) electric motor mounted at the rear axle, giving you peppy acceleration perfect for navigating city traffic. While its top speed is a modest 100 km/h, it can dash to 50 km/h in a brisk 4.9 seconds, which is more than enough for darting through urban jungles. You can expect a driving range of up to 205 km on a single charge based on CLTC conditions, making it ideal for daily commutes and errands.
Charging is also convenient. The Shenlian LFP battery supports 20 kW DC fast charging, allowing you to top up from 30% to 80% in just 35 minutes. This quick turnaround means less time waiting and more time enjoying your journey. The continuous innovation in battery technology from Chinese manufacturers like SGMW and CATL is truly impressive, offering reliable and efficient power solutions for mass-market EVs.
Hitting the Chinese Market with Anticipation
The five-door Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is officially launching in the Chinese market on February 22. Interestingly, display models have been at dealerships since early December, but SGMW took its time with the official launch. This measured approach suggests confidence in the product, building anticipation among potential buyers. Industry insiders predict a starting price of around 40,000 yuan, which is about 5,475 USD, making it an incredibly attractive option for those looking for an affordable, practical, and fun electric vehicle. While a three-door variant with the new styling is also on the cards, details on its launch remain under wraps for now.
