With United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated’s (UAAGI) recent announcement of BAIC as the latest brand in its portfolio, the local lineup was formally unveiled with complete pricing and details at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show.
Short for Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company, BAIC has a lineup that bears strong resemblances to iconic SUVs from more established brands. Only time will tell whether they will hold up over time or even surpass them.
In any case, you can’t look at the B40 Ragnar and not see a mash-up of the Jeep Wrangler and the Cherokee.
The body-on-frame SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter turbodiesel (163hp) paired with an eight-speed automatic. Off-road credentials look legit with a BorgWarner part-time four-wheel-drive system, with approach, departure, and break-over angles of 37°, 31°, and 23°, respectively.
The front and rear roofs are removable, revealing a tubular roll cage at the back. The underside is protected by front and rear armor plates, along with towing points when it’s time to call a friend out in the boondocks. The magnesium alloy wheels are even shod with Cooper tires.
The cockpit, however, is decidedly modern and comfortable with power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, a 10-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and even a digital video recorder. It’s priced at P2,368,000.
The B80 Wagon echoes the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class with its flat roof, upright windshield, angular fender flares, and overall military bearing (it has its roots in a military vehicle, after all).
A 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (280hp) provides adequate propulsion, working with an eight-speed automatic and electronically controlled part-time four-wheel drive.
The B80 may look ready for war, but the cabin still gets niceties like a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel, a multimedia system, as well as leather and wood trim. It’s priced at P4,398,000.
Meanwhile, the B60 Beaumont has shades of the Land Cruiser Prado in its profile, while also looking a bit like a Grand Cherokee up front. This seven-seater SUV uses a mild-hybrid diesel system. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel is paired with a 48V hybrid electric assist, with 163hp and 400Nm through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Its four-wheel-drive hardware includes a Crawl Control system, an electronically locking rear differential, and multiple driving modes. A full ADAS suite, a panoramic sunroof, active noise cancellation, and a “glass cockpit” are just some of the highlights. It’s priced at P3,188,000.
The crossover segment is already crowded, but BAIC feels there’s still room for two more with the X7 Grandeza and the X55 Verve. Both are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 188hp and 305Nm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard for each.
Whereas the X7 is a fairly conventional SUV with a silhouette that’s similar to the Haval Jolion and the Ford Territory, the X55 opts for a futuristic look with slit-eye headlamps, deeply scalloped flanks, a split rear wing, and a borderless, aero-optimized grille. The cockpit is graced with zero-gravity integrated sport seats and a swoopy dashboard.
Both models benefit from an extensive ADAS suite including lane-keeping assistance, automatic parking assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The larger X7 is the more luxurious of the two with its near full-length panoramic moonroof and a front passenger ottoman-style seat.
The X7 Grandeza is priced at P1,648,000, while the X55 Verve is priced at P1,348,000.
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