The official photos only showed the
exterior of the diminutive EV but now the Chinese brand has revealed new shots
that give us a first peek inside the cabin as well. Wuling has also released
the dimensions of the car and they’re definitely not consistent with our idea
of how big a four-seat vehicle can be.
You see, the Wuling E5C is only 2,917-mm long, 1,493-mm wide and 1,621-mm high. The wheelbase
is said to measure 1,940 mm. Despite that, it somehow offers four
seats and Wuling goes as far as describing the interior as “surprisingly
roomy”. The carmaker says it took inspiration from Japan’s kei cars which are
small on the outside yet quite spacious inside.
The photos reveal “the trick” Wuling
applied and that’s placing the rear bench seat where the cargo compartment
would have been. Basically, this means the E5C can either transport four
passengers and no luggage or two passengers plus luggage. That’s because the
rear bench seat can fold flat to create more than 740 liters of
cargo space – when loaded up to the roof. According to the Chinese carmaker,
that’s enough room to accommodate two 26-inch suitcases or a baby stroller. The
Wuling E5C also offers 12 storage compartments, including cup holders.
Styling-wise, the interior of Wuling’s
first EV adopts a rather minimalist and functional approach. The dashboard
features a digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel as well as
climate control and audio switches further to the right. There is no center
console, with the selector dial for the transmission being placed between the
front seats.
Wuling did not reveal information about
the E5C’s powertrain but Carnewschina claims it packs a 27 HP electric motor
fed by a 13.82 kWh battery. While the top speed of only 100 km/h legally allows it to drive on the highway, most owners will probable never
venture beyond city limits. Wuling will launch the boxy E5C on the Chinese
market in the third-quarter of 2020.
