For the last couple of years, Chinese automakers have been launching new models left, right, and center. If anything, it’s almost impossible to keep track of everything coming from China into the Philippines.
We’re fresh off the brand launch of Lynk & Co., the Swedish-Chinese automaker that’s the result of the Volvo-Geely partnership. Locally and officially offered by United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), the same distributor has its hands on yet another Chinese brand.
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That brand is BAIC, and the new management aims to take a slice of the popular SUV market in the country. To do that, BAIC Philippines has five new models that it will soon offer to local consumers. It consists of two crossovers and three body-on-frame SUVs.
Starting with the smallest model, the X55 Verve competes in the subcompact crossover class. It’s also the most affordable model in BAIC Philippines’ local lineup, and it’s powered by a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine. Some of its key competitors include the Ford Territory, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Yaris Cross.
Up next is the X7 Grandeza. Not to be confused with the BMW model of the same name, this crossover aims to sway buyers away from models such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Like the X55 Verve, this compact crossover uses a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine.
Moving to the first of the ladder-frame SUVs, the B40 Ragnar’s target market is the off-roading crowd. Available in either three or five-door guises worldwide, the Philippine-spec model only comes as the latter. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine with four-wheel drive as standard.
Higher up the range is the B60 Beaumont. At just over five meters long, this SUV is at the larger end of the midsize SUV spectrum. It has several popular SUVs in its crosshairs, namely the range-topping versions of the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner. Technical highlights include full independent suspension and a 48v mild-hybrid diesel engine.
At the top of the new BAIC Philippines lineup sits the B80 Wagon. Designed for both military and civilian use, the B80 is one of BAIC’s longest-produced vehicles, second only to the B40.
Technical details have yet to be fully revealed, but BAIC Philippines did mention something about a 3.0-liter engine. Should that be the case, we might be looking at a twin-turbocharged V6 under its hood.
BAIC Philippines 2024 indicative price list
BAIC X55 Verve – P1,400,000
BAIC X7 Grandeza – P1,700,000
BAIC B40 Ragnar – P2,400,000
BAIC B60 Beaumont – P3,200,000
BAIC B80 Wagon – P4,500,000
