In September, Wuling’s MINI EV led sales, while Geely Xingyuan and the newly launched MG4 emerged as strong competitors.
The small electric vehicle (EV) segment, known for its price-sensitive consumer base, continues to see major shifts in monthly rankings.
In September, sales of the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV jumped by nearly 14,000 units, rising from 38,000 to 52,000.
Meanwhile, NIO’s Firefly and GAC Aion UT slipped out of the top ten, replaced by SAIC MG4 and Arcfox T1.
Yet, leading models maintained a clear advantage.
The Wuling Hongguang MINI EV and Geely Xingyuan claimed the top two spots, separated by only about 3,700 units. However, the gap between the second-ranked Xingyuan and BYD Seagull in third widened to nearly 23,000 units.
While the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV continues to dominate the RMB 30,000 ($4,100) segment, competitors in the RMB 60,000 ($8,200) range — including the MG4 and Arcfox T1 — are emerging as serious contenders to Geely Xingyuan’s lead.
How long can Geely hold its edge? And how are Wuling’s rivals performing?
Let’s take a closer look.
No. 1 Wuling Hongguang MINI EV: 51,743 units
Every 50 seconds in September, one Wuling Hongguang MINI EV was sold.
The model posted 51,743 sales in September, up 36.8% month-on-month and 78.9% year-on-year, securing the top spot in China’s small EV market.
Wuling’s total vehicle sales reached 87,100 units for the month, with the MINI EV accounting for 59.4% — underscoring its dominant role in the brand’s portfolio.
Priced from RMB 35,800 ($4,950), the MINI EV meets demand in lower-tier cities. Coupled with end-of-year discounts and the gradual phaseout of national EV subsidies, the model may see another surge in sales.
No. 2 Geely Xingyuan: 48,080 units
Marking its first anniversary since launch, Geely Xingyuan achieved steady growth with 48,080 units sold in September, a 4.4% month-on-month rise.
Over the past year, cumulative sales surpassed 400,000 units, with the model frequently topping monthly small EV charts. With an official starting price of RMB 68,800 ($9,500), it avoids direct competition with the MINI EV and targets a higher-end segment.
To strengthen its position, Geely launched the 2026 Xingyuan lineup on October 10, including a new “Star Edition,” priced between RMB 68,800–98,800 ($9,500–13,700).
The 2026 models add features like a built-in dashcam, transparent chassis view, 360° surround imaging, anti-roll system, and improved efficiency and range — potentially helping Xingyuan break the 50,000-unit mark in October.
No. 3 BYD Seagull: 25,252 units
BYD sold 25,252 units of the Seagull in September, up 9.6% month-on-month but down 47.3% year-on-year, marking a sharp decline.
The Seagull is facing increased pressure from rivals — notably the strong performance of Geely Xingyuan and the impressive debut of the MG4. A model refresh may be on the horizon.
Still, the Seagull remains a key export model. In September, 14,584 units were shipped overseas, bringing total exports to 106,705 units to date.
Production at BYD’s Thai plant — which now builds right-hand-drive Dolphins for Europe — is expected to include right-hand-drive Seagulls next year, further expanding its global reach.
No. 4 Changan Lumin: 23,188 units
Changan Lumin narrowed its gap with the BYD Seagull in September.
Sales rose to 23,188 units, up 59.1% month-on-month and 88.8% year-on-year, ranking second only to the MINI EV in the RMB 30,000 ($4,100) category.
A new version, the 2026 Lumin “Treasure Edition,” arrived in showrooms on September 29.
The updated model features a longer body, redesigned interiors, upgraded 35 kW motor (from 30 kW), and enhanced safety systems including stability control, hill assist, and traction control. It will officially go on sale on October 30.
No. 5 BYD Dolphin: 21,671 units
BYD’s Dolphin achieved 21,671 sales in September, up 55.1% month-on-month and 41.7% year-on-year — its best monthly result in 2025.
After seeing demand siphoned by the Yuan UP and Seagull, the Dolphin’s recent rebound is largely driven by dealer discounts.
While the base version is priced at RMB 99,800 ($13,800), discounts often bring it down to around RMB 90,500–91,800 ($12,500–12,800), and in some cases as low as RMB 69,800 ($9,600).
With 420 km range, a 2.7 m wheelbase offering spacious interiors, and 360° camera features, the Dolphin’s renewed affordability has revived its appeal among hesitant buyers.
No. 6 Geely Panda: 13,058 units
Geely Panda remains among the top performers in the small EV market but saw a slowdown in momentum.
Sales reached 13,058 units in September, up 26.6% month-on-month but down 26.6% year-on-year.
Competition is intensifying, not only from established rivals like Wuling and Changan but also from newcomers such as the Esure A100C and MG4.
At a starting price of RMB 29,900 ($4,100), the Panda offers 120–210 km range and supports 22 kW DC fast charging — solid advantages in its class.
However, as rivals improve in range, space, and smart features, the Panda may need upgrades to regain its edge.
No. 7 Bestune Pony: 12,365 units
The Bestune Pony sold 12,365 units in September, up 42.1% month-on-month and 28.6% year-on-year, marking its fifth straight month above 10,000 sales.
Within a year of launch, total deliveries exceeded 100,000 units. The 2026 version, released in July, further boosted momentum.
Priced from RMB 34,900 ($4,800), the Pony offers a 3-meter body, 222 km range, and solid charging and infotainment features — appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
No. 8 SAIC MG4: 11,790 units
The all-new SAIC MG4 emerged as one of September’s biggest standouts.
Launched on August 29, the model sold 11,790 units within just 24 days, quickly surpassing the 10,000-unit mark.
Offering 400 km range and starting at RMB 68,800 ($9,500), the MG4 brings semi-solid-state battery technology to the sub-RMB 100,000 ($13,800) segment for the first time.
Previously positioned mainly for export, the MG4 is now demonstrating strong domestic traction — potentially posing a threat to Geely Xingyuan and BYD Seagull in its class.
No. 9 Arcfox T1: 10,096 units
Similar to the MG4, the newly launched Arcfox T1 showed strong initial performance following its September 11 debut.
Priced from RMB 62,800 ($8,700), the compact EV sold 10,096 units in September, securing ninth place in the small EV ranking.
This figure is notable given that the two base variants were not yet delivered that month — sales came mainly from the RMB 69,800 ($9,600) 425 km version.
With mid- and lower-range variants (320 km) entering delivery in mid-October, the T1 could see further growth in the coming months.
No. 10 Wuling Bingo: 9,841 units
The Wuling Bingo faced a downturn in September.
Sales fell to 9,841 units, down 18.5% month-on-month and 59.1% year-on-year — the only model in the top ten to record declines on both fronts.
Intensifying market competition is a clear factor, prompting Wuling to explore new variants.
On September 27, the Wuling Bingo S was launched, priced from RMB 66,800 ($9,300) with a 75 kW motor and up to 430 km range.
Thanks to its stronger value proposition, the Bingo S surpassed 20,000 cumulative sales just 23 days after launch — potentially signaling a rebound for the lineup.
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