New Models / 12 November 2025 / Michael Taylor

New BAIC B30 launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

BAIC has officially launched the new B30 in South Africa.

The B30 is the Chinese carmaker’s latest off-road SUV, slotting below the B40 Plus with four derivatives that start at R519,000.

What makes the B30 particularly interesting is that it will be South Africa’s newest locally-made car, as BAIC plans to assemble the SUV from complete knock-down kits at its R11-billion factory outside Geqberha in the Eastern Cape.

We won’t have to wait long either, as the company confirmed that it plans to start production as early as January next year.

Performance

The B30 is available with two different engines, starting with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol block.

This option is found on the first two variants, and generates 138kW and 305Nm.

Furthermore, these units are front-wheel-drive (FWD) and feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, leading to an average fuel consumption of 8.1l/100km.

The alternative is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that pairs the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

The first HEV, the Elite, is FWD and produces 246kW and 550Nm, while the range-topping model, the Premium, is all-wheel-drive (AWD) and puts out a substantial 301kW and 685Nm.

As you’d expect, the HEVs have reduced fuel consumption, as the FWD model uses 5.9l/100km while the AWD flagship uses 6.5l/100km due to its greater performance.

As far as its off-road capabilities are concerned, the BAIC has 215mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 25 degrees, and a departure angle of 30 degrees.

The AWD model also has driving and terrain modes for Standard, Sport, Economy, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Wading, and an electronic limited slip differential.

Features

The B30 is split into two trim levels – the Elite and the Premium – both of which have a lengthy spec sheet.

Equipment on the base Elite starts with automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, an electric tailgate, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, electric front seats, artificial leather upholstery, eight speakers, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Interestingly, both trim levels have full access to the Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Software) suite, which provides adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, four parking sensors, hill hold, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring, traction control, electronic stability control, forward and rear collision warning, and traffic jam asssit.

The Premium units will then add a heated leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, a 220V boot outlet, heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, a sunroof, and acoustic glass for better sound insulation.