BAIC ON TRACK
Want a practical, versatile yet efficient crossover SUV? BAIC Philippines, part of the United Auto Asia Group, Inc. (UAAGI) umbrella, just unveiled the BAIC B30e Dune HEV, the latest contender in the growing hybrid crossover / EREV segment where vehicles are promising 1,000+ kilometers of range on a full tank.
Key to this impressive efficiency is the B30’s 1.5- liter turbocharged internal combustion engine that can function purely as a generator for the battery to send charge to the electric motor.
The hybrid powertrain can also run in parallel with the electric motors to provide a combined total output of 329hp and 550 Newton-Meters of torque for the 2WD single motor front-wheel variant and 403hp and 685 Newton-Meters of torque from the dual-electric 4WD variant. Enough for a surprisingly quick 6.9-second sprint to 100kmh from rest.
The BAIC B30’s interior is very spacious and welcoming with its minimalist design and two-tone leather interior. It seems like a compact crossover until you stand beside it. The 2,820-millimeter wheelbase grants it excellent legroom, besting diesel PPV-based SUV’s like the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
The overall length of 4,730mm means it’s a smidgeon more compact. The 1910-mm width is within sound for the segment.
Thankfully, B30e Dune possesses a healthy 215-mm ground clearance, making short work of light trails, basic farm-to-market off-road paths and the inevitable flash floods we will encounter during the monsoon season.
The unibody crossover also promises even greater off-road ability, thanks to its Real-Time Intelligent 4-Wheel Drive System with seven driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Economy, Snow, Sand, Muddy Road and Wading). Comfort and eco modes were more than adequate for city and out-of-town driving. It’s neither fast nor slow, but just right given the situation.
Steep streets and pathways on the hills of Silang and Tagaytay saw the B30 nonchalantly shrug it off casually.
Selecting Sport saw an improvement in responsiveness almost. It feels a tad too much for normal driving but feels perfect on winding roads with switchbacks and significant elevation changes, especially with four passengers and cargo.
Off-road anoraks will be pleased to know that the B30e Dune also has decent 24.5-degree approach angle, 30-degree departure angle and a surprisingly good (for a hybrid crossover) 450-mm wading depth as the battery is mounted behind the second row, high up inside the cabin. This can hurt performance but does give comfort knowing your batteries are somewhat far from harm’s way. Typical flash floods should not be an issue. Of course the B30 is not meant to be a hardcore off-roader but a capable and versatile do-it-all crossover for active individuals.
Both variants have 19-inch alloy wheels with highway terrain 235/60R19 tires tucked inside their wheel wells. A swap to more aggressive all-terrains should improve off-road performance significantly. You can spot the difference between the two variants by the foglights underneath the massive front LED DRL that spans the length of the fascia, the fender lights and the faint 4WD badging on the C-pillar. The 2WD variant doesn’t have these.
As mentioned earlier, the B30e Dune is simple yet classy inside. A minimalist dashboard with a large 14.6-inch floating central display greets you. Sadly, as with many Chinese car brands, you need to download BAIC’s app to allow for Android Auto / Apple CarPlay. These tend to ask so many questions and make Apple CarPlay / Android Auto use complicated rather than the usual wired or wireless operation we’re used to.
The driver is faced with a 10.25-inch display for the main instrument cluster. A 3-spoke steering wheel with auxiliary buttons for the cruise control and infotainment system is also standard. The center console features what BAIC calls ‘aviation inspired gear-lever’ and a jewel-like rotary dial for the in-car systems, drive mode and infotainment. A wireless charging pad and single USB-A outlet is on the center console, and multiple USB-C outlets on the back seat. There’s even a 220-volt AC outlet in the trunk to power larger devices.
Ventilated and heated seats covered in two-tone leather round out the interior accouterments. You also get as much as 1,496 liters of cargo space, and a sizeable picnic table for your tailgate parties.
The roof rail supports a dynamic 80kg of weight and a static 136kg from items like a roof-mounted tent and a single occupant.
A panoramic glass roof is also fitted if you prefer stargazing without pesky insects spoiling the mood. The B30 has an extensive safety spec. ABS-EBD brakes with emergency brake-assist, traction / stability control, roll-over mitigation, hill-start assist and hill-descent control and a variety of parking sensors improve passive safety.
The B30 also comes with BAIC’s Level 2 Advanced Driver’s Assistance Systems which include Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Change Assist, front and rear collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert and more. BAIC definitely isn’t taking any chances on your safety.
BAIC claims 15.1 kilometers per liter is easily attainable, making the amazing 1000-km range very realistic. Efficient, comfortable, versatile and surprisingly very good to drive, the BAIC B30e is a solid, value-packed alternative to the usual diesel PPVs.
Prices start at P1,488,000 for the 2WD variant. The more upscale 4WD variant is priced at P1,788,000.
