Wuling Set to Unveil Binguo S on September 27, Taking on Geely Xingyuan

Wuling is set to launch its new all-electric compact car officially, the Binguo (or Bingo) S, on September 27th. The latest addition to the Wuling lineup comes with pre-sale prices ranging from 68,800 to 81,800 yuan (9,500-11,300 USD).

The Binguo S will offer consumers a choice between two range options: 325 kilometres and 430 kilometres under China’s CLTC testing standards. Both variants feature a front-wheel-drive configuration powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 75 kW (100 hp) of maximum power and 180 Nm of peak torque.

The shorter-range model is equipped with a 31.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, while the extended range version comes with a larger 41.9 kWh battery.

Dimensionally, the Binguo S measures 4,265mm in length, 1,785mm in width, and 1,600mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,610mm. The vehicle employs a MacPherson independent front suspension combined with a torsion beam non-independent rear suspension setup.

The new electric vehicle showcases a fresh design language that distinguishes it from other models in the Binguo family, featuring distinctive lighting elements and a charging port positioned on the left front side of the vehicle. Customers can choose from four exterior colour options: “Relaxed Grey,” “Free Blue,” “Carefree Purple,” and “Empty White. Inside, the Binguo S offers an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch floating central touchscreen. The infotainment system integrates DeepSeek’s large language model capabilities and includes specialised driving modes for camping, commuting, and resting. The vehicle features a 2+3 seating arrangement with leatherette upholstery standard across all trim levels. With the rear seats folded down, cargo space expands to an impressive 1,450 litres. Higher trim levels add six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat and heated front seats.

All models come with 50W wireless phone charging for front passengers, a six-speaker audio system, power windows, cruise control, and a backup camera. Premium trims add 540-degree panoramic view cameras, one-touch operation for all windows, and heated rear windshield functionality.

Just when the global electric vehicle (EV) market seemed saturated with competition, two of China’s industrial powerhouses have decided to shake things up. Automaker GAC Group and technology giant Huawei have officially announced the launch of a new premium EV brand called Qijing, marking a fresh and ambitious entry into the rapidly evolving market.

The name Qijing, which translates to “Enlightened Realm,” reflects the brand’s high-end positioning. Unlike a side project or experimental collaboration, GAC has made it clear that Qijing is a serious venture. The company has created a wholly independent entity to manage the brand, signaling that it plans to commit its top resources to ensure Qijing’s success. This approach underscores GAC’s intent to compete in the premium EV segment rather than dabble in a niche experiment.

Huawei, for its part, is contributing far more than just software solutions. The company is sending its top engineering talent to participate directly in the project. Every Qijing vehicle will be equipped with Huawei’s most advanced intelligent driving and cockpit technology, known as Qiankun. This integration promises a high level of sophistication, merging GAC’s automotive expertise with Huawei’s cutting-edge technology.

To understand the significance of this collaboration, it is important to first grasp Huawei’s nuanced relationship with the automotive industry. Huawei has long insisted that it does not intend to manufacture its own vehicles. Instead, it works with carmakers in three primary ways.

The simplest arrangement sees Huawei acting as a traditional supplier, selling components such as sensors, chips, and infotainment systems to automakers. A deeper collaboration is the “Huawei Inside” (HI) model, under which Huawei supplies a full suite of smart vehicle technologies, encompassing everything from advanced driver-assistance systems to vehicle connectivity solutions.

The deepest and perhaps most visible model is the Zhixuan, or “smart selection,” approach. In these partnerships, Huawei becomes intimately involved in vehicle definition, design, and even sales through its HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) business unit. This model has produced notable collaborations, including the Aito brand with Seres Group, Luxeed with Chery, and Stelato with BAIC Group. Vehicles under these partnerships often carry Huawei’s technological signature so strongly that they are colloquially referred to as “Huawei cars,” even though they are produced by partner automakers.

Qijing, however, represents a fourth and entirely new approach for Huawei. The partnership is being described as “automaker-led with Huawei’s deep involvement.” This subtle distinction is important: it signals that while Huawei is contributing its most advanced technology, GAC retains primary control and autonomy over the brand and its products. This addresses a common concern among automakers about surrendering too much of their brand identity and strategic decision-making to a tech partner. By retaining leadership over Qijing, GAC can leverage Huawei’s cutting-edge innovations without being overshadowed, allowing the automaker to preserve its brand vision.

The history of collaboration between GAC and Huawei stretches back several years. In May 2021, the two companies announced plans to co-develop vehicles equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, aiming for mass production by 2024. While that particular initiative did not come to fruition, the two firms did not abandon the partnership. Instead, they renewed their collaboration in November 2024, setting the stage for the creation of a premium brand.

This renewed partnership led to the establishment of a project company codenamed “GH” in January 2025, with an initial registered capital of RMB 1.5 billion, roughly $210 million. The project company was designed to manage every aspect of Qijing’s development, from design and engineering to eventual market launch. Although Qijing has now been officially unveiled to the public, consumers will need to wait until 2026 to see the first model from the GH project hit the roads. Inside sources suggest that the initial launch will be focused on premium EV buyers, with advanced technology features designed to differentiate Qijing from existing competitors in both China and abroad.

The Qijing brand represents a high-stakes test for both GAC and Huawei, offering a new model for collaboration between traditional automakers and technology firms. The world of electric cars is increasingly being defined by software, connectivity, and intelligent systems. For automakers, integrating such advanced capabilities can be both a technical and organizational challenge. At the same time, technology companies like Huawei are eager to extend their influence into the automotive sector but without taking on the risks and complexities of full vehicle manufacturing.

Qijing could offer a blueprint for how these two types of companies can work together effectively. By combining GAC’s manufacturing expertise and brand credibility with Huawei’s intelligent systems, the partnership seeks to create vehicles that appeal to consumers seeking both luxury and cutting-edge technology. The automaker-led approach also ensures that the brand identity remains clear and coherent, an aspect often lost in previous Huawei collaborations.

The stakes are high. The premium EV market is becoming increasingly competitive, not just in China but globally. Brands such as Nio, Xpeng, and Tesla are continually raising the bar with innovative designs, performance, and software capabilities. Entering this space requires not only state-of-the-art technology but also a clear brand vision and operational excellence. Qijing aims to meet these demands, leveraging Huawei’s technical prowess while maintaining GAC’s strategic direction.

For GAC, Qijing is more than a new revenue stream; it is a strategic play to establish itself firmly in the high-end EV segment. For Huawei, the collaboration demonstrates a refined approach to automotive engagement, allowing the company to showcase its technologies at the highest level without directly manufacturing vehicles. Together, the partnership is a case study in how industrial giants can navigate the intersection of traditional automotive expertise and next-generation technology.

As the global EV market continues to evolve, Qijing represents a bold experiment in both brand strategy and technological integration. The project underscores a growing trend: success in the future automotive industry will depend on seamless collaboration between hardware manufacturers and software innovators. The first Qijing vehicle, expected in 2026, will be a test of whether this novel partnership model can deliver both luxury and intelligence while standing out in an increasingly crowded market. If successful, Qijing could redefine how automakers and tech companies collaborate in the electric vehicle era.

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