DETROIT – GM is updating its Wuling Bingo for 2024 to compete more effectively with the popular BYD Seagull in China’s small EV market.

The new Bingo maintains its retro design but offers improved performance, including a higher top speed of 81 mph for top models, matching the Seagull, and competitive pricing.

1. The BYD Seagull: A Budget-Friendly EV

The BYD Seagull is a hot-button car. This compact electric car has been generating a lot of buzz in the EV world, and for good reason. It’s small, adorable, and boasts an impressive range. It comes with an incredibly affordable price tag of just $11,000.

As this electric vehicle starts to expand beyond China, EV enthusiasts in markets like Latin America and Western Europe have been eagerly anticipating its arrival. BYD Seagull is often referred to by the name Dolphin Mini in those regions.

2. How Do Updated Wuling Bingo Challenges BYD Seagull?

Despite its slightly higher price tag, the BYD Seagull remains an attractive choice. However, in China’s small EV market, the GM-backed Wuling Bingo has been persistently close behind, holding onto the second-place position.

Now, with upgrades for the 2024 model year, Wuling appears to be taking aim at the Seagull’s lead, making the Bingo a more serious competitor.

3. GM Tech Upgrade: What’s New for the Wuling Bingo?

While the 2024 Wuling Bingo retains its previous year’s design, the focus for this update lies in its technical specifications. Unlike the BYD Seagull’s sharp, Lamborghini-influenced aesthetic by Wolfgang Egger, the Bingo maintains its charming, retro-inspired hatchback body style.

While a new exterior and interior color option adds a touch of freshness, the core design remains familiar. However, the true advancements lie in the Bingo’s upgraded performance capabilities, detailed in the following section.

2024 Wuling Bingo Model Updation:

  • Size Mismatch: The Bingo’s size aligned with gasoline-powered subcompacts, but its performance held it back. Competing with hyper-urban cars like the Changan Lumin Corn or Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.
  • Limited Power: The Bingo offered only 41 or 67 horsepower, hindering its performance.
  • Capped Speed: Regardless of battery pack, the Bingo’s top speed was capped at 62 mph.
  • City Car Comparison: The Bingo’s power and range placed it closer to smaller city EVs.
  • Seagull Outperforms: The BYD Seagull offered a significant advantage with 75 horsepower and an 81 mph top speed.
  • Highway Falls: Even on highways with lower speed limits, the Bingo’s lack of power might be a drawback.

4. Updated Wuling Bingo 2024 Vs. BYD Seagull:

For 2024, the Bingo receives a significant performance upgrade for the larger battery pack models (31.7 kWh and 37.9 kWh). These trims benefit from a new, water-cooled motor that efficiently manages heat, allowing the Bingo to achieve a top speed of 81 mph – now matching the BYD Seagull.

While the base model (17.3 kWh battery) retains its 41-hp motor and 62-mph top speed, all 2024 Bingos gain DC fast-charging capability. Wuling hasn’t revealed the exact charging speed, but it can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in 35 minutes. Hence, keeping pace with the BYD Seagull’s advertised 30-minute charging time for a similar range increase.

To learn more, click on insideevs.

Final Thoughts:

GM-backed Wuling Bingo receives a significant performance upgrade for the 2024 model year. Thus, directly targeting the popular BYD Seagull in China’s booming budget EV market.

Stay tuned at MITECHNEWS to learn more about latest technology trends and general news updates.

 

FAQs:

1. What are the key differences between the 2024 Wuling Bingo and the BYD Seagull?

The primary difference lies in performance for the higher trims. The 2024 Bingo now boasts a 67-hp motor and 81-mph top speed (matching the Seagull) for the 31.7 kWh and 37.9 kWh battery models.

Additionally, all Bingos gain DC fast charging. The base Bingo (17.3 kWh) retains its previous specs. The Seagull might still hold a slight edge in fast-charging speed.

2. How much does the 2024 Wuling Bingo cost?

Official pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the Bingo is expected to remain a budget-friendly option compared to the already affordable BYD Seagull ($11,000).

3. When will the 2024 Wuling Bingo be available?

The availability of the 2024 Wuling Bingo may vary depending on the country or region. However, in the Philippines, the Wuling Bingo 2024 is expected to be available in January 2024.