South African motorists can look forward to two new SUVs in 2025, courtesy of BAIC.
The Chinese carmaker recently confirmed its plans for the year, which includes the introduction of the B30 and its hybrid counterpart, the B30e.
What to expect
The B30 is an off-road SUV that is slightly smaller in size than the B40 Plus already on sale in South Africa, measuring 4,730mm long, 1,910mm wide, and 1,790mm tall.
It also has a wheelbase of 2,820mm, and a ground clearance of 215mm.
Furthermore, the BAIC has an approach angle of 24.5 degrees, breakover angle of 21 degrees, and departure angle of 30 degrees.
As for the engine, the B30 is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces a total of 138kW and 305Nm.
This is paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox, which connects to either the front or all four wheels, depending on the variant selected.
In addition, the automaker will be launching its first electrified car in our market in the form of the B30e, which combines the 1.5-litre drivetrain with an e-motor.
Thanks to the battery-powered assistance, the B30e can produce a greater total of 301kW and 685Nm.
We’ll unfortunately have to wait for a detailed breakdown of the SUV’s local specifications, but if the overseas examples are anything to go by, consumers can expect features like a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, keyless entry and start, a wireless charger, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.
It also features a large centre console with a driving mode selector for Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow settings, with the 4×4 units additionally having access to Mud, Sand, and Off-Road modes.
Driver assistance options are rather extensive, too, including items like a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, and tyre-pressure monitoring.
One of the B30’s biggest selling points is that the seats can be folded flat, creating a surface big enough for a 1.8-metre-tall adult to lie down, making it ideal as a possible sleeping solution when outdoors.
Pricing will only be confirmed later this year, but the expectation is that the B30 should slot below the larger and more powerful B40 Plus, which currently starts at R574,500.
BAIC B30
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