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MIAS 2024: BAIC reveals pricing and details for its initial lineup

They’re definitely eye-catching in style and price

BAIC Philippines is making a strong entrance at the Manila International Auto Show. PHOTO BY HANS BOSSHARD

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.

A poor man's Wrangler, if you can consider yourself poor and if you have P2,000,000-plus for a B40. PHOTOS BY ANDY LEUTERIO

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.

This looks like a genuinely fun interior. PHOTOS BY ANDY LEUTERIO

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.

This would look even better in gunmetal gray. PHOTOS BY ANDY LEUTERIO

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.

Exposed hinges, utilitarian door handles and locks, flat-pane windows, and premium pricing. PHOTOS BY ANDY LEUTERIO

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.

Premium touches abound in the B60. PHOTOS BY ANDY LEUTERIO

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.

The X55 is all sorts of futuristic in and out. PHOTOS BY ANDY LEUTERIO

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 boasts plenty of high tech like ADAS, retractable door handles, and a ginormous moonroof. PHOTOS BY ANDY LEUTERIO

The X7 Grandeza is priced at P1,648,000, while the X55 Verve is priced at P1,348,000.



Andy Leuterio

Andy is both an avid cyclist and a car enthusiast who has finally made the shift to motorcycles. You've probably seen him on his bicycle or motorbike overtaking your crawling car. He is our motorcycle editor and the author of the ‘Quickshift’ column.



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