However, the claim needs a closer look, especially when compared to Pakistan’s most popular budget hatchback, the Suzuki Alto and its variants (VXR, VXR-AGS, VXL-AGS). Here’s what you need to know about these two hatchbacks.
MG Binguo EV: What so special
Sold under the MG name in Pakistan, the new EV is originally the Wuling Binguo, a compact electric hatchback produced by SAIC-GM-Wuling. It comes with multiple battery options and modern digital features.
The 2025 model offers city-focused driving ranges of 203 km, 333 km, and 410 km, depending on the battery pack. Higher-end variants support fast charging, reaching 30% to 80% in around 35 minutes.
The Binguo EV is built for comfort and technology, offering dual screens, intelligent operating systems, OTA updates, synthetic leather seats, powered accessories, and advanced driver-assist features such as electronic stability control, traction control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping alerts, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
Suzuki Alto: Pakistan’s Best-Seller
The Suzuki Alto remains the backbone of Pakistan’s small-car segment. All models use Suzuki’s 658 cc three-cylinder petrol engine, producing around 39 hp and 56 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption remains the Alto’s biggest selling point, averaging 17–18 km/l in city traffic and up to 22 km/l on highways.
The Alto is popular for its low maintenance cost, strong resale value, and simple mechanical design suited to local conditions.
| Specification | MG / Wuling Binguo EV | Suzuki Alto (VXR / VXR-AGS / VXL-AGS) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric motor (permanent magnet) | Petrol engine, 658 cc, 3-cylinder |
| Battery / Fuel Capacity | 17.3 kWh / 31.9 kWh / 37.9 kWh (LFP battery) | 27-liter fuel tank |
| Range / Fuel Efficiency | 203 km / 333 km / 410 km (CLTC standard) | 17–18 km/l city, ~22 km/l highway |
| Power / Torque | 40 hp & 85 Nm (base) or 67 hp & 125 Nm (high-end) | 39 hp & 56 Nm |
| Top Speed | Up to ~130 km/h | Up to ~140 km/h |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 3,950 × 1,708 × 1,580 mm | 3,395 × 1,475 × 1,490 mm |
| Suspension / Brakes | MacPherson (front), torsion beam (rear), regenerative braking | MacPherson (front), torsion beam (rear), front disc & rear drum |
| Safety & Tech | ESC, AEB, lane-assist alerts, TPMS, electronic parking brake, dual airbags, OTA updates | Airbags (variant-dependent), ABS on upper trims, basic safety features |
| Interior & Comfort | Dual 10.25″ screens, synthetic leather seats, rotary gear selector, multiple storage areas | Manual AC, power steering; VXL adds infotainment and power windows |
Binguo EV Price
In China, the Wuling Binguo EV is priced between 56,800 yuan (Rs. 2.26 million) and 84,800 yuan (Rs. 3.37 million), depending on the variant and battery size.
Once import duties, freight charges, dealer margins, and EV-specific taxes are included, the expected price in Pakistan is estimated to fall between Rs. 6 million and Rs. 6.4 million.
This estimate also takes into account that the AION UT, another imported EV, starts at Rs. 6.9 million in Pakistan. Since the Binguo is positioned below the AION UT in China, it is expected to be slightly cheaper here as well.
However, even at the lower end of this estimated range, the Binguo EV will still cost significantly more than the Suzuki Alto.
Current Suzuki Alto ex-factory prices in Pakistan
- Alto VXR: approx. Rs 2.99 million
- Alto VXR-AGS: approx. Rs. 3.17 million
- Alto VXL-AGS: approx. Rs. 3.33 million
MG’s vehicle pricing in Pakistan is usually much lower than in other countries, thanks to its CKD and SKD import strategies.
However, unless the Binguo EV is locally assembled, the car cannot realistically challenge the Alto’s price bracket, despite the argument that, being an electric car, it can save on fuel and outperform the Alto in the long term.
Whenever the local assembly starts, the Binguo will surely be the first electric car to take on the public-favourite Alto in Pakistan.
Pros and Cons (Binguo EV vs Suzuki Alto)
| Category | Binguo EV – Pros | Binguo EV – Cons | Suzuki Cultus – Pros | Suzuki Cultus – Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running Cost | Extremely low per-km cost | Requires home charging setup | Widely available petrol stations | Higher fuel cost |
| Maintenance | Fewer moving parts, low servicing needs | EV parts may take time to source | Easy and cheap maintenance | Frequent servicing needed |
| Performance | Smooth, instant torque | Limited top speed compared to petrol | Good for city and highway | Engine noise, vibration |
| Technology | Modern infotainment and safety features | EV tech unfamiliar for many users | Simple and easy to operate | Outdated features |
| Environment | Zero emissions | Battery replacement eventually needed | n/a | High emissions |
| Driving Experience | Silent, comfortable drive | Range anxiety for long trips | Familiar petrol driving | Noisy, less refined |
| Cost of Ownership | Low electricity cost | Higher upfront price | Lower initial price | Higher lifetime cost (fuel + maintenance) |
| Usage Suitability | Ideal for daily urban commute | Not ideal without charging access | Works anywhere | Poor fuel economy in traffic |
| Reliability | EV motors generally long-lasting | New model, long-term durability unknown | Proven long-term reliability | Parts wear faster |
| Resale Value | EV market growing, improving resale | Market still developing | Strong resale | Depreciates due to age of platform |
The MG Wuling Binguo EV is a promising new entrant in Pakistan’s small-car segment. It offers modern styling, advanced safety features, and the cost advantages of electric mobility.
However, at its projected import-based price, it is not an “Alto killer”, at least not yet.
